Business
Why the Franchise Industry Has Its Own Day Now
- World Franchise Day, launched on June 11, 2025, celebrates the global economic and community impact of the franchise industry, recognising the role of franchisees in local economies.
- With over 800,000 businesses and rapid growth across 40+ countries, franchising is transforming lives through job creation, business ownership opportunities, and innovation.
Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating the businesses that bring your favourite coffee shop, gym, or hotel chain to your local high street. That’s exactly what World Franchise Day is all about. Launched on June 11, 2025, and now celebrated every second Wednesday in June, this day puts the spotlight on the franchise industry—a powerhouse that creates jobs, supports communities, and helps everyday people become business owners. So, how did this day come to be, and why does franchising deserve its moment in the sun? Let’s explore the story behind this new global celebration and why it matters.
How It All Began
The idea for World Franchise Day came from Sherry McNeil, President and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association, with a knack for spotting gaps in the market. One sleepless night, she had a lightbulb moment: “There was no celebration for franchising, unlike National Chocolate Cake Day or National Potato Chip Day.� It seemed odd that an industry so vital to small business ownership didn’t have its day. Determined to change that, McNeil joined forces with Kirk Allen of Reshift Media and the World Franchise Council, which represents franchise associations from over 40 countries. Together, they created World Franchise Day to celebrate franchisees—those hard-working entrepreneurs who run local branches of global brands—and to highlight the industry’s economic contributions.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Franchising is a massive part of the economy, especially in the U.S., where it supports over 800,000 businesses. That’s more locations than you’d find in most retail chains combined! These businesses employ over 8.5 million people—roughly the population of London—and generated $896.9 billion (about £664.6 billion) in 2024, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA). Looking ahead, that figure is expected to climb to $936.4 billion (£693.9 billion) in 2025, growing faster than the overall U.S. economy, which is projected to inch up by just 1.9%. While global figures are harder to pin down, franchises operate in over 40 countries, making a huge impact on local economies by creating jobs and supporting communities.
These numbers show why franchising deserves a day of its own—it’s not just about business; it’s about building livelihoods and communities.
More Than Just Burgers and Chips
When you hear “franchise�, you might picture a fast-food joint like or KFC. But franchising is so much more than that. It covers over 660 different types of businesses, from gyms and hair salons to estate agents and healthcare services. In 2023, personal services alone brought in $42 billion, with predictions of hitting $46 billion in 2024. This variety means there’s a franchise for almost anyone, whether you’re passionate about fitness, education, or even pet care. It’s this flexibility that makes franchising such a great way for people to start their businesses, and World Franchise Day celebrates that diversity.
Franchisees aren’t just business owners; they’re often the heart of their local communities. They hire local staff, sponsor school events, or support charity drives, making a real difference where they operate. This day is as much about them as it is about the big brands they represent.
Why Franchising Works
So, what makes franchising so appealing? For one, it’s a safer bet than starting a business from scratch. When you buy a franchise, you get a proven business model, a recognisable brand, and support from the franchisor—think training, marketing, and even group discounts on supplies. It’s like starting a business with a head start. For customers, franchising means consistency. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee in Cardiff or a burger in Birmingham, you know what to expect. That reliability, paired with the local touch of franchisees, is what keeps customers coming back.
A Global Party
World Franchise Day isn’t just a U.S. thing—it’s a global celebration. Franchises operate in over 40 countries, and many of their national associations are jumping on board. In the UK, the British Franchise Association (BFA) is spreading the word with toolkits and events, encouraging everyone “to show their support and help put franchising in the spotlight� (Franchise Direct). In the Philippines, the Philippine Franchise Association hosted a franchise fair in Antipolo to mark the first World Franchise Day, showing how the industry boosts local economies (Asian Journal). It’s inspiring to see how this day brings together franchise communities from all corners of the globe.
What’s Next for Franchising?
The franchise industry isn’t standing still. Technology is changing the game, with tools like AI helping franchisors find the right people to run their businesses. Platforms like Zoho CRM and HubSpot are using smart analytics to match franchisees with opportunities, making the process more efficient. Digital marketing is also helping franchises reach new customers while keeping quality consistent. In the U.S., the industry is expected to add 210,000 jobs in 2025—a 2.4% jump from 2024. Even with challenges like rising costs (86% of franchises say it’s a big issue), the industry keeps growing, proving its strength and adaptability.
Why Now?
The timing of World Franchise Day couldn’t be better. The industry is hitting new milestones, like the IFA’s World Franchise Show in May 2025, which was billed as the biggest franchise expo ever (Franchising.com). With franchising growing faster than many other sectors, today is a chance to celebrate its successes and look forward to what’s next. It’s also a reminder of how franchisees—ordinary people with big dreams—are making a difference in their communities.
Wrapping It Up
World Franchise Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of an industry that’s changing lives. From giving people the chance to own their businesses to creating jobs and supporting local communities, franchising is a force for good. Thanks to Sherry McNeil’s 3 a.m. brainstorm, we now have a day to recognise franchisees and the economic impact they drive. As this industry keeps growing and evolving, World Franchise Day will continue to remind us why franchising matters—and why it’s here to stay.
