The EF100 returns with new awards and big ambitions
Now, the EF100 is back for its second year, with bigger ambitions, two brand-new award categories, and a renewed focus on recognizing the people and businesses driving innovation and impact across the country.
Originally founded in the UK in 2016, the EF100 has grown into one of the most anticipated rankings in the franchise industry. Its Canadian counterpart officially kicks off the 2026 season on August 1, 2025, with entries open until September 30. The annual list ranks franchise systems based on performance, community involvement, leadership, and future potential—not just size or revenue. It’s a more holistic look at what makes a franchise truly elite.
“The EF100 is more than just a list—it’s a celebration of the incredible work being done by Canadian franchisors and their teams,” says Scott English, Global Brand Director for Elite Franchise. “It’s about recognizing not only their growth and innovation, but also their commitment to local communities and the broader economy.”
This year’s program introduces two new category awards:
- Highest Entry Award, honouring the top-ranking first-time entrant, and
- Rising Star of the Year, spotlighting the franchise that made the biggest jump from last year’s rankings.
They join ten returning awards, including Sustainable Business of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Community Builder of the Year, and the always-anticipated People’s Choice Award—voted on by the public.
Ahead of the 2026 entry window, a pre-submission session was held virtually on July 3rd, offering franchisors valuable guidance from industry insiders and past EF100 judges.
English emphasizes that the EF100 is open to all franchise systems—large or small. “We want to champion growth at every stage. Whether a brand is just beginning to scale or has already become a household name, the EF100 offers an opportunity for well-earned recognition,” he says.
Behind the scenes, a distinguished judging panel helps determine who makes the cut. This year’s Canadian jury includes some of the most respected names in the business:
Amy Delisle of Keyser Mason Ball LLP, FranOvation’s Angelee Brown, Brian Bazely of Bazely Consulting, Gregory M. Prekupec of Dipchand LLP, Larry M. Weinberg of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, and Travis Tinning from Franchise GrowthLab. Their combined expertise ensures the selection process is both fair and thorough. For a full list of judges, please click here.
Final rankings will be announced on January 30, 2026, with individual award finalists revealed one week later. The celebration culminates in a formal awards evening on March 25, 2026, at Toronto’s iconic The Carlu—a fitting venue to toast the country’s franchise trailblazers.
A recap list of key dates include:
- Entries open: August 1, 2025
- Entries close: September 30, 2025
- Finalist ranking announced: January 30, 2026
- Additional Award finalists announced: February 6, 2026
- EF100 Celebration & Awards Evening: March 25, 2026
To learn more about the EF100, including how to enter and what judges look for, visit the official Elite Franchise 100 page.
