The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its annual Franchising Economic Outlook showing that franchise growth exceeded projections for 2023, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. On top of the 2.2 percent growth experienced in 2023, the report forecasts that franchises will grow an additional 1.9 percent in 2024, adding 15,000 units and 221,000 jobs in the United States. IFA also released the findings from its 2024 Franchisor Survey detailing the challenges posed by the labor market, rising prices, and policy trends.

When the NLRB issued its expansive new joint employer rule October 26, IFA promised an aggressive response to prevent it from taking effect. Our coordinated campaign is well underway and includes five strategic elements outlined below.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) released its second annual Franchisee Survey, showing the impacts of inflationary pressures on franchised businesses. The report shows that while inflation is improving as compared to 2022, it is still having a significant impact on franchised businesses across all sectors with the cost of labor being the biggest driver. The report also highlights a number of ways that being part of a franchise system provides advantages for navigating rising costs.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook report, showing that franchise unit and job growth continues to outpace pre-pandemic levels, delivering jobs and business ownership opportunities across the United States, despite economic uncertainty across all industries and in daily life. The report highlights the impacts of today’s unique economic challenges, which have affected system growth and led to an increase in wages, among other factors.

New IFA study on labor trends in franchising shows slight improvements from 2022, but availability of qualified labor remains number one challenge for franchised businesses; growth still constrained due to labor shortage

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its first annual survey on the impacts of inflationary pressures on franchised businesses. The survey, conducted by FRANdata, revealed that inflation is having a moderate to significant impact on 90 percent of franchised businesses, but being part of a franchise system has helped these businesses navigate rising prices. The report shows that the lodging sector, quick-service restaurants, and child-related services are the most impacted by inflation.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) and FRANdata today released an inaugural annual study on the impact of labor shortages on franchised businesses. Surveying over 200 franchise executives representing 197 brands and approximately 90,000 units, the results show that availability of qualified labor is the number one challenge facing small businesses. The survey also presents the ways franchisors are helping their franchisees address the shortage, highlighting how the franchise business model is uniquely equipped to adapt to today’s challenges.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its 2022 Franchising Economic Outlook showing that franchising is leading the economic recovery in the United States. The report highlights exceptional 2021 job and business growth across all franchising sectors, ranging from personal services to lodging. The data indicates 2022 will be another strong year for job and wage growth in the dynamic, local-focused franchising industry.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced the election of ten new franchise professionals to serve on its Board of Directors. The new directors represent both franchisees and franchisors from a variety of industries and roles across the business model, adding a wealth of experience to the recently expanded IFA Board. The new directors will take their positions today, Feb. 1, 2022.

Today, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Franchise Update Media announce a 10-year, industry-leading partnership to produce new educational conferences for the franchise community.  The organizations will combine the resources and experience from five past conferences to produce two new and reimagined industry events in 2022:  The Franchise Customer Experience Conference in June and the Franchise Leadership and Development Conference in October.