IFA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE MID-YEAR UPDATE

By David Smith, IFA

This year kicked off with a bang at our Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV, and since then, we have been continuing to build momentum.

The Diversity Institute’s network of supporters is growing, and we are proud to report the future of the Diversity Institute looks bright. Before we get into what’s next, let me first give you a summary of what we’ve done so far this year.

2023 Highlights — We’re on the Move!

This year’s IFA Annual Convention convened a record number of 4,200 attendees! During the Convention, the Diversity Institute coordinated a panel session titled, “The Economic Power of Franchising for Diverse Entrepreneurs & Communities,” which discussed various strategies franchise brands can utilize to increase their franchise recruitment efforts as well as best practices for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the franchise community. On Monday, February 27, we hosted three concurrent receptions for our Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC), Pride Franchise Leadership Council (PFLC) and Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC). Over 300 attendees RSVP’d for our affinity group receptions! Stay tuned for next year, as we will combine our efforts to host one large, exciting reception for all our Diversity Institute supporters at Convention. The most inspirational part of the Convention, for me, was witnessing our BFLC Chair, Richard Snow, receive the prestigious Ronald E. Harrison Award for his commitment to increasing diversity within the industry. His wife and supporters were so proud! Congratulations, Richard!

From March 31-April 1, the IFA Foundation was also present at this year’s Franchise Expo West in Phoenix, AZ. We hosted two panels titled, “Franchising 101,” and “Hispanics-Latinos in Franchising: Inspirational Stories.” The former session covered the essential information needed for people interested in franchising. The latter panel was facilitated in both English and Spanish to increase our reach within the broader Latino population in Phoenix. I would like to give a special thank you to Ron Bender of Threshold Brands for his continued leadership and support of the IFA Foundation, VetFran and the Diversity Institute.

On Friday, April 21, the IFA Diversity Institute visited Yum! Brands headquarters in Plano, TX, to participate in the 9th Annual Latino Franchise Symposium hosted by Latino Leaders Magazine. IFA’s Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC) Executive Committee members joined the event and participated on various panels throughout the day. The Diversity Institute would like to give a special thank you to Erika Enciso-Sosa, Wendy’s; and HLFLC members; Javier Solis, Toro Taxes; Roberto Litwak, Feher Consulting; and Louie Picazo; LOLA Consulting for participating as panelists.

Our Virtual Presence Remains Consistent

Richard Snow and I were invited by the “Stay Effing Positive” podcast to discuss the creation of the Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC), the importance of Black History Month and best practices for promoting diversity within the workforce. I would like to give a special thank you to PFLC member, Brett Larimer and podcast co-host Ingrid Schneider for the invitation and encourage everyone to tune into the Stay Effing Positive Podcast for more diversity-related content!

On Wednesday, May 3, our Pride Franchise Leadership Council hosted an IFA Community Webinar titled, “Leading with Allyship During Pride Month: A Panel with IFA’s Pride Franchise Leadership Council.” This panel session was designed to help companies understand how to build inclusive workplaces in a meaningful way. The PFLC wanted this message delivered in advance of Pride Month in June to help companies prepare to recognize the celebration with intention. I would like to give a special thank you to PFLC Co-Chair, Paul Pickett of Wild Birds Unlimited, and our webinar sponsor, Silvercrest Advertising, for supporting the Pride Council webinar.

What’s New?

As an outgrowth of our 2022 Open for Opportunity campaign, the Diversity Institute created a pilot program in partnership with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) to educate Maryland residents about opportunities in franchising. The three-part series was held in three half-day events hosted at the PGCEDC in Largo, MD. Topics covered included, “Foundations of Franchising,” “Selecting the Right Franchise,” “Franchising Your Existing Business,” “Financing Your Franchise,” and “Franchise Site Selection.” Over 125 people registered within the first week of marketing! IFA Foundation plans to take this program on the road in 2023 and 2024 to reach more diverse audiences. Stay tuned!

What’s Next?

We are expecting a lot of activity in Q3 and Q4 as we prepare for our annual Franchise Action Network and Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, this September 11-13. Additionally, you can expect to see our Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for Franchise Expo South this September 8-9. Our HLFLC will host our panel session and have additional opportunities to network during the Expo.

We are also working on revamping our Diversity Institute opportunities portal, formerly known as “MinorityFran,” which will serve as a central repository for brands to share about programs and incentives available for prospective diverse franchisees. Stay tuned for more!

In Conclusion

It is safe to say that the IFA Diversity Institute is active and growing. We will be building partnerships with more diverse business associations and institutions as we grow our footprint and impact within the franchising community. If you are interested in supporting the Diversity Institute, please reach out to me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting! 

David Smith is senior manager, diversity programs of the IFA Diversity Institute. For more information about the IFA Diversity Institute, please visit franchisefoundation.org/ programs/diversity-institute.