There are almost a million franchised businesses in the U.S., accounting for over 10% of private-sector output and employing as many as 11 million Americans, according to the International Franchise Association. At the same time, franchise companies face an efficient capital marketplace with new competitors emerging daily, giving franchise prospects more choices and opportunities than ever before, and making it more difficult for concepts to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Also, many franchise companies are considering how they can effectively participate in socially responsible endeavors to support the communities they serve, but have struggled to find a disciplined approach beyond making donations, holding special events, or the ever-popular “change bucket” on the front counter.

Welcome to the Era of Social Franchise, the intersection of the nonprofit and franchise worlds which may well create a powerful and compelling gate to the future for both sectors. It promises to provide renewed prospects for differentiation, develop long-term sustainability, and enhance the mission or goal for the conjoining parties. While there have been some pioneers who have forged ahead over the past decade, there are only a hundred or so social franchises in the United States today, and it represents an emerging and dynamic new path for generating revenue and meaningful job creation.

Click the button below to learn more about how Franchise Well can serve your organization through a formal Social Franchise Assessment.