By Rikki Amos

For the last five years, we’ve cultivated inspiring emerging professionals with unique concepts and helped them accelerate their franchise careers through the NextGen Global Competition at the IFA Annual Convention.

To commemorate their successes, and to see the meaningful impact NextGen has had on the franchising sector, IFA 2020 is bringing back our All Stars to compete head-to-head for more cash prizes at the starting on Sunday, February 9.

NextGen’s goal is to create a talent pipeline of future franchisors, franchisees and suppliers by engaging and educating the next generation. All of the participants this year have moved past the initial ‘big ideas’ phase of the franchise process and have launched and expanded their businesses. They are now looking to the future. But, the next five years may prove an even bigger challenge. Three finalists will be selected to pitch their plans for success in today’s tough business realities, and you’ll have the chance to help choose the ultimate winner.

Participants include:

David Blue, Blue Moon Estate Sales — United States
Landon Eckles, Clean Juice — United States
John Evans, EverLine Coatings and Services — Canada
Jeremy Hassell, City Cave — Australia
Carmelo Marsala, Spray-Net — Canada
Alejandro Souza, Pixza — Mexico
Stella Sigana, Alternative Waste Technologies — Kenya
Jennifer Turliuk, MakerKids — Canada
Galen Welsch, Jibu — Uganda

All of these participants have shown they have what it takes to lead a successful franchise. So, if you thought they were rising stars then, wait until you see them now! Join us to see the future of franchising in action at the IFA Annual Convention.

The NextGen competition would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and donors including Founding Sponsor, David McKinnon, Founder, ServiceBrands Intl. We are deeply grateful for his vision, leadership and engagement to make NextGen the program that it is today.