1851

In March 2025, the United States saw its highest number of layoff announcements since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with job cuts totaling more than 275,000,&nbsp;<a href="https://hubs.li/Q03fJzxb0?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth-2729012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to a recent report by Challenger, Gray &amp; Christmas</a>. A significant portion of these reductions — over 216,000 — came from furloughs in the federal government, largely driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative spearheaded by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elon-musk-a4647575/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth-2729012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Elon Musk</a> under the Trump administration.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/06/layoff-announcements-soar-to-the-highest-since-2020-as-doge-slashes-federal-staff-.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth-2729012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DOGE’s aggressive efforts</a> to slim down the federal workforce have already impacted agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the IRS and the Treasury, with further cuts expected in the Department of Veterans Affairs.While broader employment data like weekly jobless claims remain relatively steady, the Washington, D.C., region has been hit particularly hard, with more than 278,000 job cuts year-to-date. The scale of federal layoffs represents a 672% increase from the same time last year, marking a potentially pivotal moment for workforce trends across the country. The impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-and-china-could-reshape-us-franchising-landscape-2728457">sweeping tariffs</a> will likely increase cuts even more in the coming months.This growing wave of layoffs could present&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-the-latest-layoffs-may-result-in-increased-opportunities-for-franchise-brands-and-franchisees-2720302">a unique opportunity for the franchising industry</a>. As corporate and government professionals face sudden job loss, many may begin seeking more control over their financial futures and careers. Franchising offers a compelling path forward — one that combines entrepreneurship with the proven systems and support of an established brand. For franchisors, now is the time to spotlight the stability, guidance and income potential of their models.Franchise development teams should consider aligning marketing campaigns with layoff trends, targeting displaced professionals who are ready to take ownership of their next chapter. Strategic outreach during times of mass layoffs can yield quality leads, especially from individuals with the management experience, financial acumen and drive to become successful franchisees.Ultimately, while the headlines may signal uncertainty in the job market, they also signal opportunity. For those navigating layoffs, franchising could be more than just a new job — it could be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-jim-mary-ann-clark-2728919">a life-changing new beginning</a>.Read the full report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.challengergray.com/blog/federal-cuts-dominate-march-2025-total-275240-announced-job-cuts-216670-from-doge-actions/?utm_content=329338385&amp%3Butm_medium=social&amp%3Butm_source=linkedin&amp%3Bhss_channel=lcp-28264&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth-2729012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth-2729012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs: Franchise Opportunity

1851 Franchise

U.S. layoffs are surging to pandemic-era highs, especially from federal cuts under the DOGE initiative, creating opportunity for franchises to attract displaced professionals.

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS