IFA Names Celebree School as Recipient of Inaugural Emerging Franchisor Award

AUSTIN, TX – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced Celebree School as the recipient of its first-ever Emerging Franchisor Award. Named at IFA’s annual Emerging Franchisor Conference in Austin, TX, the award recognizes an emerging franchisor running an outstanding brand with less than ten years in franchising.

“IFA established the Emerging Franchisor Award to recognize emerging brands with sound fundamentals for long-term growth, a commitment to responsible franchising practices and a positive impact in the communities where their franchisees operate,” said Matt Haller, IFA president and CEO. “Celebree School has consistently stood out for the work it has done to not only help the families it serves but is a leader in franchising responsibly. As more Americans look to franchising as a pathway for small business ownership and generational wealth creation, it's important for IFA to recognize brands that are supporting the growth of the franchise business model – and doing it the right way.”

Celebree School, founded by Richard Huffman, was selected as the first-ever recipient of the award, recognizing the brand’s significant accomplishments during its five years in franchising. The award seeks to elevate brands who exemplify responsible franchise growth, consistently giving back to those they serve and making a difference in the communities where they operate.

To be considered for the award, a brand must have: 

• Filed 3 years of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)

• Been in franchising for less than 10 years (from first FDD)

• More than $25 million in US systemwide sales 

• A closure rate of less than 10% 

• Included an Item 19 in their most recent FDD

The award will be presented annually at IFA’s Emerging Franchisor Conference. 

About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, will launch a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree School and Caliday under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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