From grabbing a morning coffee and picking up lunch to getting a workout in, dropping a child off at a tutoring centre, taking a pet to the groomer, or calling someone for a home repair, Canadians interact with franchised businesses every day. In fact, the average Canadian typically interacts with three to five franchise businesses daily.
While brand names may be familiar across the country – or even internationally – behind many of these storefronts is a local entrepreneur who has invested in building and operating a small business in their own community.
Indeed, 93% of franchise establishments in Canada are locally owned by an individual business owner rather than the franchise system itself.
At its core, franchising is about being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Franchisees operate their own businesses, hire employees, make day-to-day decisions, and often support local charities, sports teams, and community initiatives, while benefiting from the training, resources, and support of an established franchise system.
These entrepreneurs bring their own experience, drive, and knowledge of their communities to businesses across more than 60 sectors, from food service and fitness to education, home services, senior care, and professional services.
For many entrepreneurs, franchising can provide a pathway into business ownership while giving them the opportunity to build something of their own and grow within their community.
Franchising facts
- Local small business owners: 93% of franchise establishments are locally owned by an individual business owner. Franchisees operate their own businesses, hire their own staff, and make day-to-day business decisions. They live, work, and contribute to the communities they serve
- A significant economic contributor: Canada’s franchise sector represents almost $150 billion in economic activity, nearly 2 million jobs, and more than 70,000 businesses
- 60+ sectors: Franchising extends well beyond restaurants and retail, with franchise businesses operating across more than 60 sectors, including food service, fitness, education, home services, senior care, and professional services
- Businesses with growth potential: Many franchisees expand from one location to multiple locations, creating additional employment opportunities and contributing further to their local economies
- Local expertise and entrepreneurship: Franchisees bring their own entrepreneurial drive, experience, and knowledge of their communities to the businesses they operate
- A pathway to business ownership: Franchise systems can provide entrepreneurs with an established business model, training, and ongoing support as they build and operate their businesses
Key takeaways
- 93% of franchise establishments in Canada are locally owned by an individual business owner rather than a corporation, making franchising a fundamentally local, entrepreneurial model.
- Canada’s franchise sector spans more than 60 industries and represents almost $150 billion in economic activity, extending well beyond restaurants and retail.
- Franchising offers entrepreneurs a pathway into business ownership with an established business model, brand recognition and operational support, while still requiring them to bring their own drive and community knowledge.
- Many franchisees expand from one location to multiple locations over time, creating additional jobs and contributing further to their local economies.
- Behind familiar brand names across Canada are local small business owners who operate their businesses, employ local staff and contribute to their communities.
