Global Franchise Issue 10.1

maximum loan amount available through this program is $1 million. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA): in addition, all the major banks have established relationships with the Canadian Franchise Association. The CFA network is an invaluable resource for gaining insight into and understanding of the nuances and particularities of business ownership in Canada. Why partner with the CFA? While expansion into Canada has a strong potential for success, there are legal and cultural adaptations that must be considered before making the leap. Canada is a diverse nation, with a diverse racial and ethnic makeup across its major cities and welcomes more than 450,000 newcomers per year from other countries. Prospective franchisors must adjust their rollouts to appeal to a wide audience. Additionally, franchising is regulated at the provincial level in six out of the country’s 10 provinces (soon to be seven, as franchise legislation will come into law in Saskatchewan later this year). Foreign franchisors should ensure that their franchise agreements have been adapted to Canadian laws. Each of these provinces – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island – has specialized legislation for franchise operations. Between withholdings tax, language requirements, and disclosure legislation, foreign franchisors will undoubtedly need a helping hand when making an introduction in Canadian markets. The CFA has a wealth of resources to introduce newmembers to our network of entrepreneurs, investors, and established franchisees. Incoming franchisors can learn the particulars of these differences and connect with franchise experts and suppliers who can prime their system for the Canadian market. The vibrant diversity of cultures creates a rich and varied customer market for foreign franchise brands. That is our mission at the Canadian Franchise Association: as the national not-for-profit representing the franchise industry, our goal is to enhance, grow, and protect franchising in Canada, and shine a light on the members who make our industry valuable and represent our country so well on the global stage. We do this through: • Community – connecting our members with opportunity and the sharing of best practices. • Education – providing learning opportunities that make franchising stronger across the country and give CFAmembers the resources to improve their systems. • Advocacy – expounding the benefits of franchising to all levels of government across Canada, bringing national attention to the issues that impact franchised businesses, and fighting for franchisees on their behalf. • Brand awareness – creating new connections for franchisors and franchisees and promoting franchising as a path to successful business ownership. The CFA has launched a Look for the Logo campaign to highlight the strength of our CFA community. This campaign helps those considering franchising understand the importance of partnering with qualified CFAmember brands and encourages all members to share their CFAmember logo. This logo highlights their commitment to excellence in franchising, including by following the Association’s code of ethics. So, what’s not to love about Canadian franchising?With seemingly limitless opportunities, a diverse audience hungry for new options, and strategic partnerships available with key partners, continued growth is on the horizon – and the CFA invites you to become a part of it. About the CFA The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) helps everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. The CFA advocates on issues that impact this dream on behalf of more than 600 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees from many of Canada’s best- known and emerging franchise brands. Beyond its role as the voice of the franchise industry, The CFA strengthens and develops franchising by delivering best-practice education and creating rewarding connections between Canadians and the opportunities in franchising. Learn more at: www.cfa.ca or www.FranchiseCanada. online. DIVERSE LANDSCAPE Canada boasts a mature franchising market, with over 1,300 franchise brands operating across diverse sectors, from food service to health and education. 5% OF GDP Franchising contributes over $100 billion annually to Canada’s economy, employing nearly two million people nationwide. FRANCHISE LAWS Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have specific franchise disclosure laws, ensuring transparency in franchising practises. B U S I N E S S W I S E 71 GLOBAL-FRANCHISE.COM Ins ight | FEATURE