Everything You Want to Know About the Franchise Action Network

As the franchise industry becomes more vulnerable to changes implemented by the US government, organizations like the International Franchise Association rely on advocating for its franchisees, franchisors and suppliers who are interested and willing to get involved in the conversation and engaged on legislative issues.

The Franchise Action Network (FAN) is a diverse grassroots network that focuses on promoting proactive efforts to neutralize legislative and regulatory attacks and educate policymakers that locally-owned franchise businesses not only create jobs, but also provide incredible value to local communities.

“The FAN provides an advocacy hub to engage franchise supporters and stakeholders through recruitment videos, testimonials and blogs, advocate toolkits, current media and news, and informational and educational pages on local, state and federal issues impacting franchising,” said Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy. “After all, locally owned franchises are America’s hidden small businesses.”

The FAN is paramount in protecting the viability of the franchise business model. Franchising is a pillar of the American economy and the model creates jobs, opportunity and local small business ownership. While the industry contributes $889 billion to the U.S. economy, it also creates opportunity for minorities, women, veterans, and young entrepreneurs.

As the organization looks forward into 2016, priorities continue to revolve around the issue of joint employer at the federal level and, increasingly, in specific states. They plan to actively engage lawmakers at home in their districts, connecting local small-business owners with their elected officials to tell their stories.

“Through the Franchise Action Network and a primary leadership role in the Coalition to Save Local Businesses, IFA intends to continue broadening our education, lobbying, public relations and grassroots campaign in the year ahead on this important issue that impacts more than just franchise brands, but rather, the broader small business community,” Farage said.

Additionally, FAN wants to grow its membership to show strength nationally. Since its launch in the summer of 2014, FAN has added over 9,000 advocates, up from 1,100 total previously, through our industrywide recruitment and engagement campaign. They now have the largest group of grassroots advocates in the history of IFA, with over 10,000 FANs heading into the important 2016 election year.

“We welcome anyone interested or involved in franchising to get involved, no matter where you reside or where your business is located. You are a voting member of your community so you must make your voice heard,” Farage said.

While Farage is thrilled about such tremendous growth of the FAN in just a year-and-a-half, she explained that they are just beginning.

“As we head into 2016, with the joint employer threat looming large at the federal level and continued threats in the states, it is more important than ever to continue to grow the Franchise Action Network and create quality relationships with elected officials who understand the existential threat we are facing,” Farage said.