International Franchise Association Launches $5 Million Campaign to Highlight Local Franchise Owners

International Franchise Association Launches Campaign

On October 7, 2025, the International Franchise Association (IFA) unveiled its ambitious campaign titled "Franchise Means Local." With a substantial initial budget of $5 million, this initiative aims to shine a light on local franchise business owners and their contributions to their communities across the United States.

The Heart of the Campaign

At the core of the "Franchise Means Local" campaign is a simple yet powerful message: franchises are not merely large corporations, but locally owned ventures committed to their neighborhoods. According to Matt Haller, the President and CEO of IFA, "These local entrepreneurs represent the best of American business." Haller emphasizes that the campaign will amplify the voices and stories of franchise owners who play vital roles in their communities, providing not just services, but also creating employment opportunities and supporting local causes.

The campaign is set to launch its advertisements on October 8, 2025. It will feature diverse franchise owners participating in various industries, emphasizing how integral they are to the local economy and society. Each story will highlight the unique challenges and successes that these owners face, ultimately working to correct the misconception that franchising strictly equates to big business.

Economic and Social Impacts

Franchising plays an important role in the U.S. economy, with franchise businesses employing around 9 million Americans through over 831,000 local establishments. This sector is responsible for generating a staggering $870 billion in economic output across more than 300 diverse industries. Interestingly, more than 81% of franchisees typically operate a single unit, demonstrating that franchising is an accessible path to entrepreneurship for many individuals.

A notable statistic is that nearly one-third of franchise owners assert they would not be able to run a small business if not for the franchising model. Additionally, over 60% of franchises extend beyond the food service realm, encompassing various sectors that contribute significantly to local economies.

Franchising is not only stable but growing. The sector is adding jobs at a rapid pace, with an estimated growth rate of 7.3%, which is notably higher than the overall U.S. economy's growth rate of 3.6%. This highlights the pivotal role that franchises play in economic resilience and recovery.

A Voice for Local Entrepreneurs

As Ron Feldman, Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, stated, “This campaign is a timely investment in the future of our business model. Franchisees are not faceless; they are neighbors, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who chose franchising as their path to business ownership.” Feldman’s comments underline the importance of showcasing franchise owners as individuals whose investments and profits benefit their communities directly.

Through this campaign, IFA aims to educate the public about the significant local impact of franchising. It strives to connect the dots between franchise brands and the entrepreneurs behind them, revealing that these businesses are locally rooted and community-focused.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The campaign will feature inspiring stories from franchise owners like Clement Troutman of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Tanya Lee from Woofie's, bringing their experiences into the spotlight. These personal narratives will demonstrate the profound influence local franchise businesses have in driving economic growth and community engagement.

For more information about the initiative and to view the featured stories, interested individuals can visit FranchiseMeansLocal.org.

Conclusion

The "Franchise Means Local" campaign by IFA is a significant step toward changing the narrative surrounding franchising. By emphasizing the local ownership and community involvement of franchises, this initiative not only promotes small business ownership but also fosters a deeper understanding of the critical role these businesses play in the American economy. With a strategic focus on real stories and local impacts, the campaign aims to inspire both current and future entrepreneurs by showcasing the unique advantages that franchising offers.

Through this initiative, the International Franchise Association aims to empower and educate, showing that franchising is indeed a pathway to thriving local businesses.