International Toolkit
Thinking about taking your business global? We are here to provide the resources needed to support our members who are interested in taking their business overseas.
At IFA we’re all about providing our members with the tools they need to be successful, prosperous and reach their greatest potential.
Our IFA international program is a place where members can share ideas, spur one another on, forge relationships, mingle with industry and governmental leaders, and explore models designed to enhance their business globally.
The IFA International Toolkit is a dynamic resource that addresses the various dimensions of international franchising. We designed the Toolkit to support future franchising leaders with insights on global prospects in international franchising. A successful overseas business strategy requires an understanding of international business practices and cultures. This includes global business perspectives, legal requirements, and exporting goods.
Mentorship
Whether you are a franchisee or franchisor seeking international business expansion, IFA members don’t have to go it alone. Mentorship will provide you with the tailored, firsthand knowledge that you need to make the most informed decisions for your business.
As you pursue international growth, you’ll have serious considerations. What does it take to franchise across borders? What are the best international growth strategies? What is the process for obtaining international licenses? How do you find and work with local partners? What do operations management look like on an international stage?
As an IFA member, you are surrounded by an experienced and successful community. The exciting world of international business beckons the brightest minds and sharpest business performers to excel in relationships, governance, and financial acuity. Seize your access to this knowledge base. If you are a franchisee company who wants the most for their business, mentorship will provide you with the solutions you need.
International Program Materials
Knowledge is power. IFA has compiled the most current research, news, insider intel, and resources you will need to succeed in a global arena.
International Franchising Articles
Before you blaze your international trail, familiarize yourself with specialized knowledge. Country and topic-specific information will give a high level of understanding you need to be successful. IFA offers an article library tailored to our membership with international aspirations.
International Franchising Laws
Complete your due diligence by getting the lay of the legal landscape for franchising in different countries around the world. Our legal guides and resources for franchising laws can help you navigate complexity with assurance when exploring franchising overseas.
Mentoring
International Development & Operations
International franchising, which was once limited to the largest of franchisors, has become part of the business plans of franchisors of much more modest size and is now found across the full spectrum of industries where franchising is used. In IFA surveys of its franchisor members, roughly 80 percent responded that they already do, are planning to begin or will accelerate international franchising, and that it is important to their company’s future.
Areas of mentorship under International may be:
- When are you ready to go international
- Positioning your franchise to grow internationally
- International development models
- International development strategy and picking markets
- Managing international operations
Mentorship Leaders
John Kersh, Chief International Development Officer, Xponential Fitness
Mike Woida, President, International, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
Additional Resources
International Franchise Laws
U.S. IP Attaches: The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) IP Attaché Program works to improve intellectual property systems internationally for the benefit of U.S. stakeholders.