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

ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Strong Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

servicemaster-restore-powers-into-the-second-half-of-2025-with-strong-growth-and-purpose-driven-impact

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

comfort-keepers-franchise-midyear-momentum-2025

petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

petbar-franchise-austin-garrett-dewan-multi-unit

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

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

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

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

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS