In this International Women’s Month, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is shining a national spotlight on the women who are breaking barriers and building powerful businesses in traditionally male-dominated franchise industries; from construction and automotive to manufacturing and skilled trades.
Franchising has become a powerful springboard for women building high-impact, scalable businesses. The numbers speak volumes:
- Majority women-owned businesses account for 20% of businesses in Canada (a 17.6% increase from 2024) * Source: Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (2025 Report)
- Women-owned SMEs generate more than $90+ billion in annual revenue and employ nearly 1 million people * Source: Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (2025 Report)
- Women represent 37% of self-employed Canadians, with growth in sectors such as construction and manufacturing * Source: Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (2025 Report)
- Majority women-owned businesses are more likely to employ women at all levels compared to private sector businesses overall** Source: Statistics Canada Report March 2025
Behind these numbers are ambitious founders and franchise leaders challenging outdated norms, creating jobs, and opening doors for the next generation.
“Women franchisors are redefining what’s possible in industries traditionally dominated by men,” saysSherry McNeil, President and CEO, Canadian Franchise Association. “At the CFA, we are proud to provide the tools, mentorship, and advocacy these entrepreneurs need to grow, scale, and succeed. This International Women’s Month, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the pathways they’re creating for the next generation of women leaders in franchising.”
From first-time franchisees to multi-unit owners and brand founders, women in franchising are proving that growth, grit, and innovation know no gender.
Several CFA member franchisors are leading the way change in traditionally male-dominated industries:
These include Andrea Mackey, CEO & President, Wise Cracks, who co-founded the business with her husband in 1991 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, starting it from their basement while working full-time elsewhere.
After nearly 20 years in electrical and instrumentation sales, she leveraged her expertise to grow Wise Cracks into a respected franchise network across Canada. Today, as CEO and President, Andrea leads the growing network of franchise locations, mentors franchisees, and runs a family-led operation.
Overcoming assumptions that Wise Cracks is male-owned, Andrea has earned the respect of suppliers, franchisees, and associates alike, showing that women can thrive and lead in physically demanding industries. She has also overseen the success of female technicians within her franchise system and actively encourages women entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions, offering mentorship, resources, and support programs to help them break barriers. When asked her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs, Andrea says: “Women are capable in every industry. Many of the women I’ve worked within business are incredibly strong, and they rise to the challenge. I would advise aspiring women entrepreneurs to just go for it.”
Anita Elliott, President & CEO, JDI Cleaning, also has a story to tell.
Anita began at JDI Cleaning in 2008 in a regional sales role and purchased her region in 2010, growing it to 42 local franchisees. Today, as President, she leads a growing franchise network across Canada and the U.S., building strong systems and creating opportunities for other entrepreneurs.
She stays closely connected to franchisees, creating a culture of support and accessibility, and draws on her hands-on experience to guide decisions. Anita’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs? “Don’t let fear hold you back. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone, but thoughtful, informed risk-taking is often what separates those who consider entrepreneurship from those who truly build something meaningful.”
Finally, Erin Vaughan, Founder, Kinetic Auto – who enteredthe automotive industry 20 years ago as an apprentice technician and opened Kinetic Auto Service in 2011 – says she differentiated her brand with a commitment to transparent, high-quality service for clients and long-term, growth-focused careers for employees. Today, she leads by fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and work-life balance, including a four-day work week for her team.
For more information: https://cfa.ca/
