Buy a Franchise
As a franchisor, there are numerous educational resources and committees dedicated to helping you make your brand a more welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Franchising offers a path to entrepreneurship that can be both rewarding and challenging. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating the franchising world may come with its own set of unique considerations and hurdles. However, there are support systems and resources available to help franchisors build a more inclusive and welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ franchisees can thrive.
1851 Franchise recently spoke with Paul Pickett, chief development officer and executive vice president of franchising with Wild Birds Unlimited, about the support systems and resources available to the LGBTQ+ community in the world of franchising. Pickett not only has an extensive career in franchise development, but he is also the founder of the International Franchise Association (IFA) Pride Council, a group devoted to encouraging inclusion in franchising.
The IFA Pride Council aims to provide new perspectives, create dialogues and foster awareness to increase inclusivity in franchising. Through building understanding, the group also hopes to increase the LGBTQ+ community’s access to opportunities.
"Our goal is to advance inclusion in franchising, educate everyone—franchisees, franchisors, and the supplier network—about the LGBTQ+ community," said Pickett.
Beyond the IFA Pride Council, other support systems exist to empower LGBTQ+ individuals in franchising. The IFA Pride Council has collaborated with organizations like the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to improve outreach and education within both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader franchise network.
“We will continue to collaborate with [NGLCC], so that we can educate their constituents about the advantages of franchising. We want to communicate with members of the community and allies about the benefits of belonging to the chamber in terms of the support they can receive,” said Pickett.
In the past, the IFA Pride Council has teamed up with Rob Smith, founder and CEO of The Phluid Project, to offer a webinar focused on gender inclusivity and creating a safe workspace. Webinars and other similar initiatives offer valuable insights and resources not only to members of the LGBTQ+ community but also to franchisors who want to position themselves as supportive allies.
Becoming involved in groups dedicated to LGBTQ+ representation in franchising helps everyone feel welcome and celebrated. These groups provide education and understanding that is fundamental to growth and inclusion.
"It's about educating and helping others understand that we're not a group to exclude but a group to embrace," said Pickett.
Franchisors play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ franchisees. Other than aligning one’s brand with supportive groups or committees, Pickett suggested taking practical steps, such as offering discounts or benefits for underserved communities and implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training programs. He emphasized the importance of language and representation, urging franchisors to use inclusive terminology and showcase diversity in their branding and recruitment efforts. Simple gestures, such as using gender-neutral language in applications, can signal inclusivity and make prospective franchisees feel at ease.
Pickett shared an anecdote about the effects of language use in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
“I had suggested a sign for our Wild Birds Unlimited stores that said, ‘If you love birds and nature, you're welcome here.’ My boss, who's much smarter than I am, asked me, ‘Why would you qualify it at all? Isn't everyone welcome here? Even if they hate birds and don't like going outside, but their grandma loves birds, they’re welcome to come here and buy her a gift,’” said Pickett. “So instead, we created a sign that simply says, ‘All are welcome.’”
While words do matter, more important is the intention behind them. The most important thing is to be open-minded and have good intentions when getting to know prospective or existing franchisees. Pickett highlighted the significance of authentic engagement with diverse communities to gain a better understanding and build meaningful connections.
"If your heart is in the right place, it's easy to engage with them in a way that's authentic and real," he said.
While challenges may exist for LGBTQ+ individuals in franchising, there is a wealth of support and resources available that franchisors can seek out to create a more inclusive environment and brand culture. Through initiatives like the IFA Pride Council and collaboration with allied organizations, the franchising industry is taking strides towards greater inclusivity and representation. By embracing diversity and fostering an environment of acceptance, franchisors and franchisees alike can create opportunities for growth within the LGBTQ+ community.
To read more about inclusivity and diversity in the franchise space, check out these stories:
Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
