Women's Franchise Committee
The Women's Franchise Committee was set up in 1996 by the International Franchise Association, with the aim of inspiring and encouraging more women into starting their own business through a franchise opportunity. The Committee recently launched a discussion forum for women in franchising. Click on the following link to register for the forum, and start interacting with other women involved in the franchise industry: Women in Franchising Discussion Forum.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers franchisees access to a variety of services and resources, and encourages the development of women-owned franchises.
SBA's mission is: "to promote the growth of women-owned businesses, the SBA works directly with the Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) in promoting and assisting the development of women in franchising".
The Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO)
What services are provided by the OWBO?
- OWBO is a comprehensive network of training, education, and counseling services that provides technical and management assistance programs to women.
- It provides women franchisees access to capital, contracts, and international trade opportunities.
The Online Women's Business Center is an important resource for women franchisees and business owners nationwide. As well as working with the OWBO, the SBA has signed partnership agreements with 15 leading professional women’s organizations, including the following four organizations:
- The Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC);
- The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO);
- The National Federation of Black Women Business Owners, and the
- National Association of Female Executives.
These organizations can help potential women franchisees achieve their ambition in operating their own business, through mentoring and training programs, on-line advice, legal and financial assistance, as well as the knowledge of been part of a community or network of female entrepreneurs.
Association of Women's Business Centers
(AWBC) is a non-profit organization that represents women business owners throughout the U.S.
The organization brings women business owners together to focus on three main strategies: Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Research.
The AWBC achieves its mission by creating strategic alliances through a network of members and women's business centers. It promotes the development of women entrepreneurs through mentoring, educating, training, and providing financing opportunities.
It holds an annual AWBC Leadership Conference, giving women's business center leaders the opportunity to make alliances, share information, and stay informed with the developments of the organization.
Women Hold The Key In Boosting US Economy. Find out more information on women in franchising and business opportunities.
For many women hoping to start up their own franchise or business opportunity it can be difficult to avail of funding from the SBA considering the receive thousands of applications every year. So with this in mind it is worth your while to research some other resources that can help you fund your franchise start-up:
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
NAWBO is an organization that works to build effective coalitions and affiliations between women business owners, and strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of their businesses. NAWBO was originally set up by 12 women business owners in the Washington, DC area. They began meeting in 1974 as an informal group to share information on finance, contracts, and other business issues. On July 7, 1975, they incorporated into a formal organization, known as the National Association of Women Business Owners.
NAWBO’s aim is "to fully represent the diverse community of women business owners and plans to include membership from all women business owners in the U.S. This full participation in the organization will help build a community for women franchisees to promote economic development and create effective changes in the business culture".
The organization’s web page (www.nawbo.org) provides a list of resources for women franchisees and business entrepreneurs, such as:
- government departments;
- training programs;
- development programs;
- associations;
- financial and legal corporations;
- marketing associations and technical assistance associations.
NAWBO holds an annual Women's Business Conference to give entrepreneurs the chance to learn, share, and network. Franchise experts are invited to speak on matters of marketing, technology, leadership, business trends, and growth strategies. An exhibit hall displays business resources and information for women, and gives attendees the opportunity to make alliances and pursue vendors. A presentation of awards to exceptional women business owners also takes place at the event.
The National Federation of Black Women Business Owners
The National Federation of Black Women Business Owners supports and assists black businesswomen, in representing the collective interests of women in construction, manufacturing, professional services and non-professional services.
National Association of Female Executives (NAFE)
The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972, is the largest women's professional association and the largest women business owners' organization in the country, providing resources and services through education, networking, and public advocacy to empower its members to achieve career success and financial security.
NAFE is owned by Working Mother Media (WMM), which includes the following resources:
- Working Mother and NAFE Magazine,
- the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE),
- WMM Business Advisory Services, and a
- Conferences & Special Events division that produces the 100 Best Companies WorkLife Congress,
- the Best Companies for Women of Color Conference, and the
- NAFE National Conference, among other events.
- In January 2007, WMM acquired Public Affairs Group, Inc. and its membership organization Business Women's Network (BWN).
MinorityFran
The mission of the IFA's Minorities in Franchising (MIF) Committee is to increase the number and success of minorities in franchising, including women franchisors, women franchisees, suppliers, and employees.
The committee provides educational information and programs to IFA members and prospective minority franchisees and participates in outreach activities to increase the awareness of franchising in minority communities.
The initiative builds on relationships forged with leading organizations through the IFA Diversity Institute, such as the:
- National Urban League;
- Association of Small Business Development Centers;
- U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the
- Minority Business Development Agency.
The goal is to not only to increase the numbers of minority franchisees, but to send the message to all communities that franchising is a smart and affordable way to realize the American Dream of small business ownership.
MinorityFran is open to all IFA member companies that are committed to expanding opportunities for minorities in franchising at all levels – in employment, in franchise recruitment, and vendor relations.
There are a number of events and seminars to be held throughout 2008, to help promote minorities entering into the franchising industry.
Your Request List