International Franchise Association

the business model and shaped its work in educating the public. A significant component that IFA endeavors to convey to the public is that these businesses are operated by individuals, just like any other small business. The only difference is they have a licensing deal with a more prominent brand. This public image always needs a complete picture of the business model and the uniqueness of franchising. It’s this core insight that IFA is working to protect via constantly creating educational content for the general public. businesses within their local communities. IFA’s role in the protection of franchises is to advocate for the business model and deal directly with government relations, as well as ensure that public policies at both federal, state and international levels create an environment conducive to the franchise model of growth. “When we talk about enhancing franchising, this is accomplished by hosting and attending networking events, education, and certifications. Activities that we do to improve franchising from within,” says Matthew Haller, President & CEO of the International Franchise Association. When asked how they are raising awareness of the business model for prospective franchisees, IFA answers that they create a platform and space for those individuals who might have the business acumen but don’t know how to get started on their own. IFA is not a franchise or a franchisee organization but represents the entire franchise business model. Currently, the business model is used by over 300 different industry sectors or business types. Serving both an advocacy and educational role, the IFA has the best interests of its members at the heart of its operating model. While most individuals associate franchises with restaurants or quick-service establishments (e.g. McDonald’s), these only make up 40% of the business model market.The variation of businesses that utilize franchises is truly endless, encompassing businesses from fitness studios, nail, hair salons, and childcare facilities to plumbing business and pet care services. “The franchise economy touches people in so many different ways. Franchising is a way to grow enterprises or allow people to own a successful business. It is a completely different way of conducting business and is unique,” says Haller. Around 20 years ago, the board of directors at IFA made the strategic decision to include franchisees in its membership. This has radically changed the organization’s path to representing the entirety of 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 06 INTERNAT IONAL FRANCHISING ASSOCIAT ION