President’s Message

Focusing on Women in Canadian Franchising

Afew months ago, I had the incredible honour of being featured in Global Franchise Magazine’s The Female Franchising Power List 2019. The list of 23 of the most inspiring women making their mark on the franchise industry is a testament to how far along the sector has come in terms of diversity. According to the Wall Street Journal, as of May 2019, 35 per cent of franchise outlets in the U.S. are owned by women. Here in Canada, women are following suit, turning to franchising for the many benefits it provides, including work-life balance. As a seasoned professional in the Canadian franchising industry with more than 20 years of experience, it has been incredible to see the transformation first-hand. I’ve seen the once male-dominated board rooms of franchising’s corporate offices become increasingly diverse as more and more women are turning to franchising, whether it’s as franchisees, franchisors, or providing support services. As Global Franchise Magazine’s Power List demonstrates, women are not only using the franchise model to pursue their business goals but are playing a massive role in driving the industry forward as decision-makers. They’re running corporate divisions, franchise development offices, franchise territories, becoming CEOs, and launching franchise systems of their own. On page 10 of this Winter issue of The Franchise Voice, ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) honours just some of the amazing women within our own community who are already making a difference. There are so many more opportunities awaiting women in franchising, and the women featured in this issue are paving the way. In this feature, we’ll hear from female CEOs, presidents, founders, and prominent franchising lawyers who share their thoughts on Canadian women in franchising: where they are, how they got there, and where they’re going.

As you may already know, the CFA’s strategic focus is creating a strong sense of community amongst our franchise system and support service supplier members. Moving forward into 2020, this will be one of the CFA’s top priorities. In the coming months, we’ll be looking to build not only a stronger sense of community within the Association, but also to grow it to attract new members and bring more people into Canadian franchising. I hope many of these new community members will be women like those featured in this magazine. I believe strongly that the more diverse companies are, the stronger they become, and our Association is no exception.

Ultimately, the CFA and franchising is about people. Everyday Canadians, working in partnership, sharing success, and Growing Together™. The diversity of the people in franchising is our strength. This issue celebrates that diversity as more women are getting involved in franchising and adding their perspectives, their voices, and their skills to our growing industry. They are seizing the many opportunities the franchise business model provides, working at the corporate level, helping franchise systems grow as support service suppliers, and as franchisees. By serving as pillars of both our Association and the greater franchising community, they are making franchising stronger. Their dedication as franchising professionals in franchise sales, marketing, law, finance, real estate, etc. is helping to make the dreams of everyday Canadians come true.

The women featured in this issue are already making a difference. There are so many opportunities available for women in franchising throughout the country, and I look forward to welcoming more female entrepreneurs into our community in 2020 and beyond.

Sherry McNeil President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association