IFA Awards Program

The Hall of Fame Award is the oldest and most prestigious recognition conferred by the International Franchise Association, recognizing a franchisor or franchisee who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the franchise business model and to the benefit of the IFA mission. The honoree has been a lifelong leader and is often viewed as a legend in franchising.

Eligibility
Any IFA Member (a) in a senior management role with a franchisor, or (b) a franchisee, past or present, is eligible. Typically, they will be founders and chief executive officers or franchisees who displayed the innovative vision and implemented successful programs that resulted in developing a franchise system at either the franchisor or franchisee level. Any individual in senior management who had the authority and decision-making capability responsible to make a franchising system outstanding will be considered.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors a founder or franchising executive who has successfully built or grown a business in the franchise sector – exemplifying the “entrepreneurial spirit” that franchising represents. The honoree is a franchisor, franchisee, or supplier who is currently managing and building a successful business and demonstrates a willingness to undertake the risk associated with developing and growing a new franchise business. Their contributions have not only grown a successful business but also helped shape the future of franchising, inspiring other entrepreneurs in their endeavors.

Eligibility
This award is open to all IFA members - franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. They must exemplify the "entrepreneurial spirit" that franchising represents. The Entrepreneur of the Year should be a consummate promoter of the franchise business model and willing to work with the Association to protect, enhance, and promote franchising when called up.

The Bonny LeVine Award recognizes the importance of mentorship in the franchising sector, designed to recognize women leaders who have placed an intentional focus on growing and mentoring future leaders. The honoree is a franchisor, franchisee, or supplier and a proven role model who gives back to the franchising community, builds pathways to opportunity for others, and effectively uses IFA and independent platforms and programs to connect and inspire others. 

Eligibility
Any woman involved in franchising, whether as a franchisor, franchisee or supplier is eligible for this award. The nominee must be a member of IFA and actively participate in IFA programs to invest in others and grow the franchise business model.

The Ronald E. Harrison Award recognizes an organization or individual with a demonstrated, tangible commitment to increasing diversity in franchising. The honoree is a franchisor, franchisee, or supplier with active programs to educate, engage, or recruit members of traditionally underserved communities into the franchising community. Their work has served the betterment of the franchise business model and will continue to impact future generations.

Eligibility
This award is open to any organization and/or individual from an IFA member company whether franchisor, franchisee, or supplier. 

Named in honor of the man whose vision and leadership led to the creation of the IFA Foundation, this award is presented each year to an individual who has made an impact on franchise education, outreach, and helping share the franchising story. This award is intended to identify and recognize publicly those individuals who have contributed the most to making franchising the acknowledged leader in distribution methods. By publicizing the accomplishments of those pioneers who introduced many new innovations while developing successful systems, it was hoped a new generation of leaders would be inspired to reach those same high levels of accomplishments.