The International Franchise Association (IFA) has announced the launch of “Franchise Means Local,” an awareness campaign with an initial $5 million spend, showcasing the fact that franchises are locally owned and operated businesses.
“IFA is launching ‘Franchise Means Local’ to give voice to franchise business owners who deserve to have their stories heard,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “These local entrepreneurs represent the best of American business.
The campaign, run through the IFA Foundation, will feature franchise owners from across the country and how they create jobs, support local causes, and strengthen the neighborhoods where they live and work.
The economic and social impact of local franchises is substantial. Franchise businesses employ approximately 9 million Americans nationwide through 831,000 small businesses, generating $870 billion in economic output across more than 300 industries. Over 81% of franchisees own and operate only one unit, and nearly one-third of franchise owners say they wouldn’t own a small business without franchising. More than 60% of franchises are outside the restaurant industry. Further, franchising is adding jobs at twice the rate of the U.S. economy (7.3 percent versus 3.6 percent).
“This campaign is a timely investment in the future of our business model,” said Ron Feldman, Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, which is funding the effort.
By putting real faces and stories front and center, the campaign reveals a simple truth: franchise means local. View the stories of Clement Troutman (Tropical Smoothie Cafe) and Tanya Lee (Woofie’s) that will be featured in the campaign launch and visit FranchiseMeansLocal.org to learn more