Finnish Franchising Association
The FFA increases knowledge about franchising by organizing meetings, seminars and training sessions for franchisors and potential franchisees alike. Its websites act as databases for broadcasting general information to the franchise industry.
Furthermore, it supplies statistics about franchising in Finland through its publication of books and articles. An important source of information to the franchise business is the FFA’s media publication of the “Franchising Suomessa”. Here the FFA supports and guides those who are involved or interested in the franchising industry, and recommends bankers, lawyers, and consultants for further franchising services.
The association is a member of the European Franchise Federation (EFF) and the World Franchise Council (WFC), and maintains good relations with other European associations.
Contact Details: Finnish Franchise Association
Egyptian Franchise Development Association
The Egyptian Franchise Development Association is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that supports and develops the franchise industry in Egypt. The EFDA was founded in 2001 by 16 businessmen, owners and operators of over 40 renowned international franchise brands.These entrepreneurs volunteered their expertise, time and effort to support the business community in Egypt.
The association ensures the successful development of franchise projects by increasing the awareness of the franchise form of doing business. By providing a database of franchise industry parties, and holding exhibitions, seminars and conferences, the EFDA establishes effective partnerships between potential franchisees and interested franchisors worldwide. They also provide information on financial and governmental institutions based on the franchising concept, helping to build relationships between International companies and the Egyptian franchising community.
From 2006 - 2012, the EFDA was host to the annual MIFE (Middle East and North Africa International Franchise) Exhibition, which gives franchisors the opportunity to expand their business and expose their brands worldwide. The MIFE 2012 exhibition brought together over 40 National and International exhibitors, and around 5,800 visitors.
EFDA has also been a full member of the World Franchise Council (WFC) since 2005. It was the first country in the Middle East and the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to be admitted. The WFC is an association of National Franchise Associations around the world and was formed in 1994 by 27 countries. It now has members from over 35 international franchise associations. The WFC meets twice a year, and in April 2007 was hosted by the EFDA for the first time in Egypt. Members from all over the world participated at this event to discover what franchisors have to offer.
The franchise industry in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region is valued at over US $30B, with an annual growth rate of 27%. A survey carried out by the EFDA in 2007 shows Egypt is at the heart of this growth, with 290 franchise systems at present, an increase of 37% since 2005.
Franchising has developed quite extensively in Egypt over a short time, especially in the fast-food sector. There are currently 40 international franchisees in Egypt at present, 58% of these are food franchises, 88% of which are American food franchises. This food franchise market size is estimated at over US $300 million.
With its unique geographic location, a population of 82.5 million, and an estimated 300 million consumers in the region, there is a great deal of potential for successful endeavors.
Contact Details: Egyptian Franchise Development Association
The British Franchise Association (BFA)
The British Franchise Association was established in 1977 by a number of leading franchises to promote good franchising practices in the UK. It creates a fair and ethical community for franchising, by setting standards that must be met by its members. The BFA provides quality advice and services for the franchise community indirectly by accrediting professional advisors such as accountants, banks, and solicitors.
Their online bookshop supplies a number of publications on franchising in the UK, such as Franchisee and Franchisor guides, surveys, and information packs; and the BFA holds regular seminars and workshops throughout the country to educate and advise potential franchisees and franchisors.
In conjunction with Nat West, the BFA conducts an annual survey, which contains the latest statistics on franchising in the UK. Now in its twenty-third year, the report is a reliable source for data on franchising trends and provides both franchisees and franchisors with an in-depth and up-to-date insight into franchising in the UK economy.
The BFA also holds an annual ‘Franchisor/Franchisee of the Year’ Awards ceremony, which helps highlight the increasing influence of the franchise industry by seeking out the top performing franchisors and franchisees in the UK and presenting individual excellence awards. The publicity of the event encourages franchisors and franchisees based in the UK, and promotes the growth of the industry.
In the past decade, franchising has developed extensively in the UK, with the number of franchising systems operating in the country rising by 29 this year. With the franchise industry operating 929 franchises in the UK, employing over 594,000 people, and creating a turnover exceeding €16.5 billion, the potential for success in the industry is optimistic.
Contact Details: The British Franchise Association
Franchise Council of Australia
The Franchise Council of Australia is a not-for-profit trade association, formed in 1983. The objectives of the FCA include developing a strong franchising sector; establishing standards of ethical business
practices in Australian franchise systems; educating and promoting understanding about the industry, and providing unique services to its members.
FCA membership is voluntary, and is made up of franchisees, franchisors, lawyers, financial institutions, and franchise consultants, academics, and publishers.
The national headquarters of the FCA is located in Melbourne, Victoria. It has five state chapters, based in each of the mainland states of Australia. These state chapters provide local assistance and services to members on behalf of the FCA. The association maintains close links with world-wide franchising associations. It is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC), and a member of the World Franchise Council (WFC).
The association organizes franchise weeks, exhibitions, shows, award ceremonies, meetings, guidance seminars, and franchising courses. An events directory can be found on the FCA website below, which also allows the public to register for these events online.
The FCA Franchise Academy is an educational institution offering nationally recognized qualifications in franchising through Certificate and Diploma level courses. It is the premier training provider for the industry. The FCA Franchise Academy is committed to providing industry specific education programs, which equip people with the knowledge, theory, and practical skills required for their success in the franchising industry.
The FCA has recently partnered with international insurance broker “Willis Australia”, to create “FCA Insurance Services”. FCA Insurance Services uses this global expertise to benefit all members, by providing general insurance and workers compensation services to its members at competitive rates.
Contact Deatils: The Franchise Council of Australia
Canadian Franchise Association
The Canadian Franchise Association is dedicated to encouraging and promoting ethical franchising in Canada. The CFA represents more than 400 franchise organizations throughout Canada. All members of the association maintain a strong code of ethics, and must conduct all business activities according to the disclosure laws. This helps promote ethical franchising, and gives prospects the assurance that each franchise is of a high standard.
CFA’s Website
As well as the CFA resource centre in Toronto, Ontario, the association provides an online directory, which aims to educate Canadians about franchising and specific franchise opportunities.
The Association includes a Franchising Bookstore, where a selection of information packs, books, articles, papers, and magazines are made available to assist franchisees and franchisors. The Bookstore provides a postage service, where one can order direct from the list of publications from this online source. The website provides current information on both CFA and international events, including franchise shows, expos, discovery days, and award ceremonies.
The Franchise Show
The CFA is responsible for producing the annual “Franchise Show”, Canada’s largest franchise-only show. The event is designed to give both franchisees and franchisors the opportunity to talk to franchise experts, attend seminars, and network with others in the industry through face-to-face contact. It is an important learning forum, where people can discover a world of information on Canadian and international franchising ideas. The CFA trade shows feature exclusively franchise opportunities, not business opportunities.
Contact Details: Canadian Franchise Association
International Franchise Association (IFA)
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a non-profit trade association of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Founded in 1960, the IFA’s office is based in Washington, D.C.
As a membership organization, it promotes good franchising practices by ensuring all members follow a rigid code of ethics. The IFA helps to support and develop the franchise industry by organizing events and meetings, publishing articles and books, and by its online database. It offers a range of educational programs for those interested in the franchise field. The association is an important franchise resource center, and supplies a full directory of franchises. It provides information on buying and selling franchises for both franchisors and potential franchisees alike.
The IFA organizes the Franchise Appreciation Day, an annual march that brings all aspects of the franchise industry together.
In 2001, The IFA conducted a research project on Franchising in the U.S. economy, with the consulting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers. This included the latest statistics on franchising in the U.S. and the impact it has on society.
Contact Details: International Franchise Association
Japan Franchise Association
Japan Franchise Association (JFA) is a public interest organization, formed by the leading franchisors and franchising institutions of Japan. The association was established in 1972, with the assistance of the ‘Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’. The purpose of the JFA is to improve and develop the Japanese franchising industry.
The franchise industry in Japan has been prosperous in recent years, and the JFA is committed to achieving an even greater leap forward in the years to come.
The JFA formed a code of ethics, which sets standards and codes of behavior by which all the members of the Association pledge to conduct themselves. This gives franchisees the assurance that all member franchise systems are of the highest standard. The member franchise systems must maintain a mutually beneficial business relationship with franchisees, help contribute to the promotion of the industry and the needs of the society, and encourage business performance.
The JFA provides various education and training seminars for its members. It also conducts research on the franchise industry in Japan, to increase the people’s awareness of the growth in this sector. With the economy facing issues such as pre-contractual disclosure and environmental problems, the JFA is engaging in various activities to deal with these problems.
Contact Details: Japan Franchise Association
Mexican Association of Franchises
The Mexican Association of Franchises was founded by six companies on February, 1989. The franchise industry is an important source of employment and wealth creation in Mexico. There are currently a total of franchise concepts in the country, based in over 70 different sectors. It is the 8th leading nation internationally in franchise development.
The Mexican Association of Franchises works to develop and defend this growing franchise sector in Mexico. The organization promotes the industry by providing information on franchise companies, experts and consultants, training courses, and franchise events. The association’s website is an advisory source for those interested in joining the franchise community in Mexico.
The annual “Feria Internacional de Franquicias” is the largest franchise event in Mexico. The event opens up new opportunities to both franchisors and franchisees.
Contact Details: Mexican Association of Franchises
The Franchise Association of South Africa
In 1979, a group of franchise companies operating in South Africa met to form the Franchise Association of South Africa, and establish ethical guidelines for franchise businesses. For nearly 30 years, FASA has continued to develop and expand the business environment for franchising in South Africa. FASA represents franchisors, franchisees, and the professional organizations associated with the franchise industry. As a member of the World Franchise Council, the association’s criterion for membership conforms to international business standards and practices.
FASA holds the annual “International Franchise Expo” (IFE), the official franchise exhibition in the country. The event showcases a wide range of business sectors, and attracts thousands of individuals and organizations interested in the franchising industry. It is the leading opportunity to find information and make international contacts.
The association also holds the annual “FASA Awards for Excellence in Franchising”. This event brings members and guests together to honor the best achievers in ethical franchising and business practices. The award ceremony gives franchisors, franchisees, and service providers the opportunity to network, build contacts, and celebrate the success of the franchising industry.
Contact Details: The Franchise Association of South Africa