2023 IFA Diversity Institute Impact Report

I N S T I T U T E

IFA’s Diversity Institute Impact Report

2023

S T I T U T DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

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Message from IFA President & CEO, Matt Haller Greetings!

It is with great pleasure that I present to you our 2023 IFA Diversity Institute Impact Report. This report was created by the IFA Foundation to amplify our voice and spread awareness about diversity in franchising amongst IFA’s members and beyond. The work of our Diversity Institute is a critical component of IFA’s broad mission to protect, enhance and promote franchising. Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or supplier, we believe that franchising is a successful business strategy and an attractive path towards wealth creation for all. We appreciate your support and encourage you to share this with anyone interested in our IFA Diversity Institute.

Matt Haller

Letter from Diversity Institute Chair,

Earsa Jackson “Open Dialog is a Recipe to Expanding Understanding” It is an honor to serve as Chair of the International Franchise Association Diversity Institute. The mission of the Diversity Institute is to promote and foster diversity and inclusion within the franchising community. I am pleased to report that the momentum we experienced with member companies being laser focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2022 continued into 2023. I had the opportunity to engage in many one-on-one conversations with companies that were genuinely exploring how they could be even more effective and intentional in their DEI efforts.

I would like to share one conversation I had recently because it underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for candid DEI discussions. I was asked about what I viewed as some of the largest issues facing the franchise community. In addition to issues around joint employer liability, non-compete provisions and possible drastic overhaul of the Federal Trade Commission Franchise Rule, I mentioned that DEI is high on the list and part of many companies’ strategic planning and integral to ESG initiatives. She was certainly surprised that I put DEI on the short list and asked me to explain some key DEI concepts to her. This created a prime opportunity to develop a supporter of DEI. She was comfortable explaining that she did not necessarily understand the need for the DEI work. She was candid in stating that for a long time she did not understand the value of the efforts but didn’t know the right questions to ask to educate herself. As I walked her through some of the great disparities between underrepresented individuals who hold the requisite degrees

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DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

and/or qualifications for a specialized position and those who ascend to the top ranks in companies, she could then quickly surmise that there’s something happening from entry to elevation. It was a light bulb moment for her. I impressed upon her that DEI initiatives are not designed to put someone in a position in which they are not qualified, but it is to broaden accessibility for qualified applicants to create a pipeline for diverse individuals to have a fair opportunity. She thanked me for creating an environment where she was comfortable asking questions that she had until now been uncomfortable asking. If this individual did not feel comfortable being vulnerable, she would not have had her light bulb moment. I’m a big believer that open dialog is the key to success, growth and progress.

I would like to thank the board members of the Diversity Institute for giving tirelessly of their time, talent and treasures to advance the mission of the Diversity Institute.

I would also like to thank the leaders of our three affinity groups for furthering our mission: Pride Franchise Leadership Council (Chair Paul Pickett, Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc., Chief Development Officer – Executive Vice President of Franchising), Black Franchise Leadership Council (Chair Richard Snow, Bremer Bank, Vice President of National Specialty) and Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (Chair Ericka Garza, Advisor and Board Member, International Franchise Association). Much of our DEI efforts were spearheaded by these leaders. I would like to also thank David Smith, IFA Foundation, Senior Manager, Diversity Programs for the exceptional job he has done to further the mission of the Diversity Institute. Let’s continue this great DEI work in 2024.

Earsa R. Jackson, Esq., CFE Clark Hill PLC

Diversity Institute Mission, Board & Councils

Mission:

Diversity Institute Board Members Emily Allen, Home Instead Joelle Delva, Dream Vacations Abhishek Dube, Baker & McKenzie, LLP Doug Flaig, Stratus Building Solutions Stan Friedman, FRM Solutions Pamela Gore, Inspire Brands Cassandra Hill, Choice Hotels Owners Council Earsa Jackson, Clark Hill Aslam Khan, Falcon Holdings Paul Pickett, Wild Birds Unlimited LaTonia Pouncey, The Pouncey Group David Smith, IFA Foundation Richard Snow, Bremer Bank Javier Solis, Toro Taxes Alesia Visconti, FranServe, Inc.

BLACK FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (BFLC) Chair: Richard Snow

Vice President, National Specialty & Franchise Banking Relationship Manager, Bremer Bank

“The BFLC will stick to our founding principles of eliminating education gaps and barriers to accessing capital.

We will partner with diverse business associations and financial institutions to create programs that reach Black opportunity seekers to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and franchise business owners. We will be present at IFA’s signature events as well as partner with local chambers of commerce and business centers to level the playing field for Black entrepreneurs in franchising.”

The IFA Diversity Institute provides outreach and education that fosters diversity and inclusion within franchising and serves as a catalyst for communities to recognize the life-changing opportunities provided by the franchise business model.

Affinity Group

Councils

The IFA Diversity Institute is home to three Affinity Group Councils, which are established to foster awareness, advance inclusion, and promote diversity within the franchising community. Each Affinity Group Council is led by a chairperson and executive committee. Participation in any of the Councils is open to all interested IFA members.

HISPANIC LATINO FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (HLFLC) Chair: Ericka Garza Advisor, IFA Board Member

PRIDE FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (PFLC) Chair: Paul Pickett CDO/EVP of Franchising, Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc.

“Holding the position of Chairwoman of the Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC) is both a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart. It’s a privilege to play a role in uplifting one another as we work towards enhancing our representation and amplifying our voices.

Our core objectives are centered around promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities within the franchise industry.

The HLFLC is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and representative environment within IFA, where Hispanic franchisees and professionals can not only thrive but also actively contribute to the industry’s growth.”

“Our goals for the future are to enhance the visibility of the PFLC and share more educational resources both from, and to, the LGBTQ+ community on the power of franchising. We continually emphasize the fact that franchising is a space that not only welcomes our community, but also values the fact that diversity of all types makes for a richer business and personal environment. When awareness of the PFLC grows, the more likely that our community will be well represented and know that they are not alone.”

DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

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Programming

2023 Programs The Diversity Institute programming occurs throughout the year and helps expand IFA’s network by building relationships with successful franchisees, entrepreneurs, community leaders and diverse business associations. Through a combination of virtual and in-person programming, the Diversity Institute reached new audiences and grew substantially in 2023.

Numbers by the

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Community Webinars

Webinar Attendees

11

In-Person Trainings

In-Person Attendees

30

118 340

Program Partners & Sponsors

LinkedIn Organic Impressions 12,137

IFA Annual

Convention

This year’s IFA Annual Convention convened a record number of 4,200 attendees! 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. Additionally, each Affinity Group Council hosted a networking Reception for their members.

During the IFA Convention, BFLC Chair, Richard Snow, was awarded the Ronald E. Harrison Award for his commitment to increasing diversity.

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DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

Pathways F to

2023 Programs

ranchising: MD & PA

The Pathways to Franchising program is a series of one-day educational events consisting of several panel sessions and networking opportunities curated for franchise opportunity seekers from diverse communities in various cities throughout the year. The IFA Diversity Institute partners with local and regional business organizations in each target city to convene a diverse audience of aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about opportunities in franchising.

Topics covered included: • Franchising 101 • Selecting the Right Franchise • How to Franchise Your Existing Business • Financing Your Franchise • Legal Tips for Franchising • Real Estate Development, and more.

Pathways to Franchising programming was originally piloted in Prince George’s County, Maryland and subsequently hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for more cities in 2024!

West South

Franchise Expo & Franchise Expo

The Diversity Institute participated in “Franchising 101” panels at Franchise Expo West in Phoenix, AZ and at Franchise Expo South in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Franchise Expos showcase hundreds of franchise brands from every industry and every investment level.

Latino Franchise

Symposium

The HLFLC visited Yum! Brands headquarters in Plano, TX to participate in the 9th Annual Latino Franchise Symposium hosted by Latino Leaders Magazine.

DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

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View our panelist testimony

2023 Programs

Videos:

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative (CBCF ALC)

Conference

The CBCF ALC is a premier opportunity to connect with African American Congressional leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, community stakeholders and more. For the second year in a row, IFA hosted a panel session during the conference titled, “Franchising: A Path Towards Wealth Creation.”

The Franchise Game:

Franchise Symposium

The IFA Diversity Institute participated in The Franchise Game: Franchise Symposium and Trade Show at Yum! Brands in Plano, TX. The Franchise Game was co-founded by Tarji Carter and Dessie Brown with the goal of exposing more African Americans to opportunities in franchising.

Community

Webinars & M

We highlighted members of our Affinity Group Councils during Pride Month in June, Black Business Month in August and for Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15. In advance of Pride Month, the PFLC led a webinar discussion on “Leading with Allyship During Pride Month,” and also shared a list of resources for companies interested in celebrating Pride Month.

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DIVERSITY INSTITUTE IMPACT REPORT 2023

ember

Highlights

WATCH

LISTEN

2023 Programs Maryland Hispanic Business

Conference

The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC) participated in the 18th Annual Maryland Hispanic Business Conference held in Hanover, MD. The Conference convened over 300 attendees and included representation from several federal, state, and local government agencies.

The conference culminated with Maryland Governor Wes Moore providing a keynote address. IFA joined a panel titled, “How to Franchise Your Hispanic Brand,”to discuss strategies for increasing franchise business ownership within the state.

In The

News

2023 Resources for LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs Franchise Wire. June 2023

READ

WATCH

Franchisors Continue DEI Efforts with Emphasis on Education

Franchise Times. October 2023

Awareness Boost Key to Expanding Minority Franchise Ownership

Franchise Times. October 2023

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I N S T I T U T E

Diversity Institute Program

Sponsors & Partners AARP African American Chamber of Commerce PA, NJ, DE Au Bon Pain Bremer Bank Choice Hotels International Congressional Black Caucus Foundation DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC) Facil Insurance Feher Consulting Franchise Dictionary Magazine Home Instead, an Honor Company Internicola Law Firm Latino Leaders Magazine Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) MFV Expositions

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Administration (MFHA) National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Paychex Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) SOUL Programs Stay Effing Positive Podcast Stay In Your Lane The Ascension Initiative The Franchise Player The Franchise Voice Podcast Toro Taxes US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) The Franchise Game Z2Zee Podcast

Contact Us

David Smith Director, Diversity Programs IFA Foundation dsmith@franchise.org