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Minorities in Franchising

The mission of the IFA Educational Foundation's Diversity Institute is to increase the number and success of minorities in franchising, including franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and employees.

The Diversity Institute provides educational information and programs to IFA members and prospective minority franchisees and participates in outreach activities to increase the awareness of franchising in minority communities.

Minority Fran - Reduced Logo size 

Launched in February 2006, MinorityFran provides one convenient place where minority prospects can explore franchise offerings of companies actively looking to recruit minority franchisees.

The initiative builds on relationships forged with leading organizations through the IFA Diversity Institute, such as the National Urban League, Association of Small Business Development Centers, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Black MBA Association and the Minority Business Development Agency. The goal is to not only increase the numbers of minority franchisees, but to send a message to all communities that franchising is a smart and affordable way to realize the American Dream of small business ownership.

 

In 2007, the Diversity Institute launched “One-Day Franchise Opportunities for Women and Minorities” educational seminars across the country. A study by the IFA Educational Foundation identified basic obstacles faced by minorities seeking to own a franchise and some challenges faced by franchisors seeking to recruit minorities as franchise owners. Obstacles were categorized as three gaps: an informational gap, a relational gap and a capital gap. These one-day seminars address all three gaps and include sessions on:

 

  • Fundamentals of Franchising–
    • What franchising is (and isn’t) and how to evaluate franchise options. 
     
  • Experiences in Franchising -
    • What is it really like to be a franchisee? Current franchisees will share their experiences and advice. What are franchisors looking for? Prospective franchisees will hear first hand from experienced franchisors. Franchisors and supplier members will also have tables to distribute information on their concept or information on services they can provide to a potential franchisee. 
     
  • Legal Aspects of Franchising –
    • What questions do you need to ask before signing on the dotted line? 
     
  • Funding and Technical Assistance –
    • What resources are available? What are the requirements for financing in this economic climate? Are special programs available? 
     

 

MinorityFran is open to all IFA member companies that are committed to expanding opportunities for minorities in franchising at all levels – in employment, in franchise recruitment, and vendor relations.



Relevant Information

 (links open in separate window)
MinorityFran Member Questionnaire
MinorityFran Seminar Fact Sheet 
Prospect Brochure - September 2008
MinorityFran Standards Application (rev.2009)
MinorityFran Standards Letter
MinorityFran Participating Companies 
MinorityFran Contact List (Feb. 2013)
Sample One-Day Program Template
 2013 Seminar Series Fact Sheet
2013 Diversity Institute Calendar of Events
  Green Bay Seminar July 10, 2013 Flyer