The IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute launched the Franchising Pride Council in 2019 to offer support to franchise professionals in the LGBTQ+ community. Through mentorship, networking, and events, the Council seeks to encourage more LGBTQ+ business owners around the country. By Rose Mango
Franchising Pride Council Continues to Be the Voice of Franchise Equality
The IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute launched the Franchising Pride Council in 2019 to offer support to franchise professionals in the LGBTQ+ community. Through mentorship, networking, and events, the Council seeks to encourage more LGBTQ+ business owners around the country. The IFA has a partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce to support these and other like-minded efforts. The alliances are strong and growing stronger every day.
Franchising is an industry built by communities, relationships, people, and opportunities, and it spans more than 300 different business categories. Over the years, the franchise sector has flourished, creating jobs that offer career progression and economic stability, and it has also contributed to wealth accumulation opportunities. The proven franchise business model allows any individual – regardless of their previous experience or education – to own their own business without assuming the significant risks of starting a new brand from the ground up.
Franchising is a perfect gateway opportunity for all groups who have been historically disadvantaged economically and have faced extreme difficulties in areas including access to capital, fair and sustainable financing, property ownership, and insurance.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in franchising. The IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute provides information to assist IFA member companies in expanding their diversity recruitment at both the corporate and local levels. They create an inclusive space for minorities to explore franchise opportunities with companies leading the charge in tackling inequality in business. Many of America’s franchise brands provide prospective minority business owners with programs explicitly designed to remove and overcome the barriers that have historically locked their communities out of pathways to wealth creation, especially access to the initial capital.
Moreover, companies and businesses that are diverse build more substantial and more relevant ties to the communities they serve. Here are some quotes from the people and companies that support the IFA Pride Council’s goals and objectives.
Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer of FASTSIGNS and Propelled Brands, and Council Chairman: “Diversity is a key part of franchising, and I believe this Council is expanding the hallmark of our business model to the LGBTQ community and beyond. There are great things ahead for diversity groups in franchising.”
Paul Pickett, CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited: “Being a founding member of the IFA’s Pride Council is something that I am so proud to be a part of. Embracing diversity of all kinds makes the franchise community richer. We need to continue to make it known how welcome the LGBTQ community is within our ranks.”
Liliana Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, and Executive Sponsor of WeQual, Wendy’s Equality Resource Group: “At Wendy’s, we are committed to creating a culture for our employees and franchisees that is inclusive and diverse. Franchising is an industry of opportunity, and I applaud the IFA Foundation and Franchising Pride Council for their continued work to celebrate the diversity of the franchise community, demonstrate LGBTQ+ inclusion and foster a supportive and educational network.”
Trevor Rappleye, CEO, Corporate Filming: “Our company creates digital video media for franchises and other businesses, and we are ready to come alongside the IFA Pride Council and be a part of their amazing initiative. We fully support the Pride Council and find it fills a great need in the diversity community. We are in an inspiring time in business.”
To learn more about the IFA’s Pride Council and Diversity Institute board, visit franchise.org/committees-and-forums/diversity-institute-board.
– Rose Mango