Paving the way for the future of franchising in Canada

Canadian franchises contribute billions of dollars in products and services, payroll, and employment to the economy. In addition, franchises boost local economies by fostering community involvement, generating tax revenue, and creating jobs. Canada’s diverse franchise landscape, which includes real estate, health and fitness, retail, education, quick service and full-service restaurants, and many other sectors, is the country’s 12th most important economic contributor. In Canada, franchising employs almost two million people. With 56% of franchise headquarters located in the province of Ontario (primarily in the Greater Toronto Area) and 65% of all franchise outlets operating in the region, Ontario leads the rest of the country in franchising.

Despite the looming threat of a recession and the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the Canadian franchise industry remains vibrant. Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Vice President of Content and Marketing Kenny Chan says, “The franchise industry will continue to thrive and expand well into the future. However, the industry is currently facing a significant shortage of skilled workers.”

Businesses are putting more effort than ever into attracting fresh talent. In addition to a lack of applicants, employers are also encountering a skills gap and fierce competition from rival businesses. More than half of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are having difficulty finding employees, according to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The hiring crunch is expected to persist through 2023, prolonging the labour shortage. The CFA organized a virtual Franchise Career Fair in partnership with Humber College to address the shortage of skilled workers. The event offered graduates of post-secondary institutions unique employment and placement opportunities in various franchise sectors to discover their career paths. The online event allowed companies to connect with top-tier candidates and allowed attendees to engage with postings from well-known brands.

“At the Canadian Franchise Association, we strive to provide resources and education to help members of our community achieve their goals and grow,” says Chan. “Through our strategic partnership with Humber College, we are connecting motivated students interested in part-time and co-op employment with franchise business owners looking for exceptional talent.”

In franchising, there are numerous employment opportunities, ranging from the head office seeking permanent employees or offering internships in all departments (HR, Operations, Finance, Marketing, etc.) to franchise locations hiring part-time positions. Educating aspiring entrepreneurs is a significant component of the CFA’s mission to assist in their success. The CFA’s collaboration with Humber College includes educating the next generation about franchising as a path towards business ownership.

Growth, innovation, and a sense of community have kept franchising at the forefront of the business world, ensuring the sector’s continued regional and national prominence. And its continued expansion into the foreseeable future bodes well for the job market, enabling a wealth of new opportunities.