Each September, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) celebrates Franchisee Appreciation Month (FAM).
This special month is a time for us to recognize the amazing work that Canadian franchisees do – for the customers who rely on their services, the economy that they help build, and the communities to which they give back.
Behind each franchise brand that holds membership in the CFA are many hard-working small business owners who decided to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves, with the support of a proven system. And each of those franchisees are also members of the CFA! In fact, more than 40,000 franchised small business owners across the country count themselves CFA members.
Local Heroes
The franchise industry is the 12th largest in Canada, projected to be worth nearly $150 billion by 2027, according to the CFA’s Franchise Forecast report, produced in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA). Franchises are ever-present in the lives of Canadians – in fact, the average Canadian consumer interacts with between three and five franchised brands each day.
As Canada’s national non-profit Association representing the franchise industry, the CFA’s mission is to help everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. We recognize the power of the franchise business model because it is all about partnership and mutual growth. It’s about empowering local small business owners to find success through the systems and strategies proven by the franchisor over time.
That’s why, particularly as we see a groundswell of support for Canadian companies, we want to highlight the local business owners that contribute to our communities every day.
After all, even when a brand has an international presence, each franchisee is the local owner of their own business.
Franchisees typically live in the communities they serve. Out of Canada’s estimated 70,900 franchise establishment, 93 per cent are locally owned. Franchisees are independent small business owners; they hire from their communities – often providing a first job for young Canadians – and fill needed gaps in the market with their services.
Because of these community connections, small business owners are also generous in giving back, and often help sustain community initiatives. Nearly all small retailers – 97 per cent – say they give back in some way to their community, from donating to local charities and causes to sponsoring local events and sports teams.
Franchisees are no exception. Through the CFA’s bimonthly magazine Franchise Canada, we spotlight the brands and franchisees that are giving back, and there is no shortage of stories of the inspiring small business owners who give to the causes close to their hearts.
Global Cooperation
We know this is true not only in Canada, but wherever franchised businesses operate, around the globe.
During this year’s World Franchise Day in June, we saw stories of local business owners from the U.S. to India to Taiwan, each owning their own local small business.
As we support the everyday Canadians who want to build their own business, we at the CFA are also widening our scope beyond our borders.
In August, the CFA joined the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Mexican Franchise Association (MFA) in signing an historic Trilateral Agreement aimed to increase cooperation, information-sharing, and support for businesses across North America.
At a time when political tensions remain high around the world, the franchise community is showing leadership in how we can come together. More cooperation means more opportunities for CFA members and the broader franchise community.
Join the FAM
We invite you to celebrate alongside the CFA throughout September. Here are some easy ways to get involved:
Follow the CFA on social media. Throughout September, we will be posting and sharing stories of amazing franchisees and how they are supporting their communities.
Use the hashtag #JointheFAM to join the conversation!
Share your story of franchisee success with the CFA. You can find contact information on our website, CFA.ca.
Visit us in person. Stop by the Franchise Canada Show in Toronto (October 24-25) or Vancouver (November 14-15) to connect with the Canadian franchising community – or even find the perfect franchise opportunity for you.
This September, let us show support for the local franchised small business owners that make our communities – and our country! – stronger.
Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) celebrates Franchisee Appreciation Month (FAM) every September to recognize franchisees’ contributions.
- Franchisees account for over 40,000 small business owners in Canada and significantly impact local economies and communities.
- CFA promotes the franchise model for partnership and growth, emphasizing the community connections of franchise owners.
- The CFA has joined international organizations to enhance cooperation, benefiting franchisees across North America.
- During September, everyone can support franchisees by sharing stories on social media and attending the Franchise Canada Show.
