Developer docs
API playgroundTry for free, no card

Search company profiles

International Franchise Association

Full company profile

uuid0009boq

Namestring
International Franchise Association
Legal namestring
International Franchise Association
Websiteurl
franchisefoundation.org
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1960
Descriptiontext

The International Franchise Association (IFA), founded in 1960 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a U.S.-based nonprofit trade association representing franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and international members across the franchise sector. IFA describes itself as the world's oldest and largest franchise association and positions its member base as supporting approximately 831,000 franchise establishments, nearly 8.8 million jobs, and $896.9 billion in U.S. economic output. Its revenue model is membership-driven, supplemented by event and conference fees, certification programs, preferred-vendor sponsorships, and the IFA Foundation's 501(c)(3) fundraising — pricing is not publicly disclosed and prospective members must contact IFA directly.

IFA's service portfolio spans advocacy, education, certification, networking, and research. Advocacy infrastructure includes FranPAC (a political action committee), the Franchise Action Network, and support for federal legislation such as the bipartisan American Franchise Act introduced in September 2025. Educational offerings run through the IFA Academy learning management system, IFA LIVE Learning webinars, and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential. Flagship events include the Annual Convention, IFA World Franchise Show, Multi Unit Franchising Conference, Legal Symposium, and the International Franchise Show London. Member-facing platforms include the Member Resource Hub, Franchise Opportunities Directory, IFA Preferred Vendors directory, Ask the Experts advisory service, and content channels such as Franchising World Magazine and IFA Podcasts. Specialized programs include VetFran (veteran franchising), Diversity Institute, Franchise Ascension Initiative, National Scholarship Fund, and FranShip Mentorship, alongside the wholly-controlled IFA Foundation (established 1983) and demographic-focused councils for Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Pride franchise leadership communities.

Short descriptiontext

The International Franchise Association is a U.S.-based nonprofit trade association founded in 1960 that represents franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and international members, delivering advocacy, education, certification, events, and research across the franchise sector.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
11–50
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersWashington, United States
HQ citystring
Washington
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
franchise association membership, franchise education certification, franchise advocacy services, franchise industry events, franchise professional development
NAICS code3 codes
  • Business Associations813910
  • Professional Organizations81392
  • Convention and Trade Show Organizers561920
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Membership Organizations8600
Social media profiles2 records
Marketing channels10 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 of 7 records shown
1VetFran
Description

Program empowering Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to explore and pursue franchise ownership through education and access to franchise opportunities.

franchise.org
+6 more records
Core offering1 text field

IFA is a membership-based trade association that provides advocacy, education, certification, networking events, and industry resources to franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Core deliverables include the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential, the IFA Academy LMS, annual conventions and conferences, the Franchise Opportunities Directory, and government relations advocacy on behalf of the franchise industry.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

The International Franchise Association offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs, events, certifications, and advocacy services supporting the franchising ecosystem. The organization provides educational offerings through IFA Academy (LMS) and IFA LIVE Learning, professional certification via the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program, and mentorship through the FranShip Mentorship Program. Core programs include the IFA Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit), VetFran (veteran franchising), Diversity Institute, Franchise Ascension Initiative, and National Scholarship Fund. The organization hosts major events including the Annual Convention, IFA World Franchise Show, Multi Unit Franchising Conference, and Legal Symposium. Members also access the Member Resource Hub platform, Franchise Opportunities Directory, Ask the Experts advisory service, and IFA Preferred Vendors program. Advocacy initiatives include FranPAC, Franchise Action Network, and the Franchise Means Local campaign.

Scale indicator8 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Recent move5 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1U.S. Chamber of Commerce
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

The largest US business association, with overlapping advocacy, events, and member service functions. Significantly larger and broader than IFA, but competes for the same small-business policy agenda and member mindshare.

2National Restaurant Association
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

A large US trade association representing the restaurant industry, including many franchise brands. Overlaps with IFA on advocacy, education, and events, and is one of IFA's coalition partners on the American Franchise Act.

3Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)
TypeOthers
Description

A global membership community for founders and owners of businesses, including many franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. Comparable member-services model (events, learning, peer networking) but focused on individual entrepreneurs rather than the franchise model specifically.

4Canadian Franchise Association
TypeRegional player
Description

Canada's principal franchise trade association, structured similarly to IFA with advocacy, education, and member services. Acts as a regional counterpart that IFA could partner with for North American expansion.

5World Franchise Council
TypeEmerging player
Description

Umbrella body connecting national franchise associations worldwide. Directly comparable in mission to IFA but at a global rather than national level, and a natural coalition/peer for IFA's international ambitions.

6British Franchise Association (bfa)
TypeRegional player
Description

The UK's national franchise association, offering accreditation, broker relationships, and events. Structurally analogous to IFA but geographically distinct, making it a natural peer and potential international partner.

7Franchise Brokers Association (FBA)
TypeDirect peer
Description

A membership association specifically for franchise brokers and consultants. Less expansive than IFA but operates a similar member-driven model focused on standards, ethics, and education in the franchise ecosystem.

8American Hotel & Lodging Association
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

US trade association for the lodging industry, which is heavily franchised. Shares IFA's model of member advocacy, certification, and industry events, and faces similar joint-employer and labor regulatory issues.

9National Retail Federation
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Major US retail trade association with overlapping membership profiles (multi-unit operators, franchisors) and similar advocacy, education, and events infrastructure. Competes for sponsorship and member engagement in adjacent retail-vertical categories.

10SCORE Association
TypeOthers
Description

US nonprofit resource partner of the SBA providing mentorship and education to small business owners. Adjacent to IFA's VetFran and Franchise Ascension Initiative mission of supporting aspiring entrepreneurs entering franchising.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Subsidiaries1 record

Each record includes

Name, Acquired on, Relationship type, Type, Business focus

Compliance1 record

Each record includes

Name, Class, Description

Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

International Franchise Association

franchisefoundation.org

The International Franchise Association is a U.S.-based nonprofit trade association founded in 1960 that represents franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and international members, delivering advocacy, education, certification, events, and research across the franchise sector.

What International Franchise Association does

The International Franchise Association (IFA), founded in 1960 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a U.S.-based nonprofit trade association representing franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and international members across the franchise sector. IFA describes itself as the world's oldest and largest franchise association and positions its member base as supporting approximately 831,000 franchise establishments, nearly 8.8 million jobs, and $896.9 billion in U.S. economic output. Its revenue model is membership-driven, supplemented by event and conference fees, certification programs, preferred-vendor sponsorships, and the IFA Foundation's 501(c)(3) fundraising — pricing is not publicly disclosed and prospective members must contact IFA directly.

IFA's service portfolio spans advocacy, education, certification, networking, and research. Advocacy infrastructure includes FranPAC (a political action committee), the Franchise Action Network, and support for federal legislation such as the bipartisan American Franchise Act introduced in September 2025. Educational offerings run through the IFA Academy learning management system, IFA LIVE Learning webinars, and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential. Flagship events include the Annual Convention, IFA World Franchise Show, Multi Unit Franchising Conference, Legal Symposium, and the International Franchise Show London. Member-facing platforms include the Member Resource Hub, Franchise Opportunities Directory, IFA Preferred Vendors directory, Ask the Experts advisory service, and content channels such as Franchising World Magazine and IFA Podcasts. Specialized programs include VetFran (veteran franchising), Diversity Institute, Franchise Ascension Initiative, National Scholarship Fund, and FranShip Mentorship, alongside the wholly-controlled IFA Foundation (established 1983) and demographic-focused councils for Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Pride franchise leadership communities.

International Franchise Association firmographics

Firmographics
Name
International Franchise Association
Legal name
International Franchise Association
Website
https://franchisefoundation.org
Company type
Private
Founded year
1960
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
11–50 employees
Short description
The International Franchise Association is a U.S.-based nonprofit trade association founded in 1960 that represents franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and international members, delivering advocacy, education, certification, events, and research across the franchise sector.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where International Franchise Association is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Washington
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

International Franchise Association business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

International Franchise Association product offering

Product offering

Core offering

IFA is a membership-based trade association that provides advocacy, education, certification, networking events, and industry resources to franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Core deliverables include the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential, the IFA Academy LMS, annual conventions and conferences, the Franchise Opportunities Directory, and government relations advocacy on behalf of the franchise industry.

Product overview

The International Franchise Association offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs, events, certifications, and advocacy services supporting the franchising ecosystem. The organization provides educational offerings through IFA Academy (LMS) and IFA LIVE Learning, professional certification via the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program, and mentorship through the FranShip Mentorship Program. Core programs include the IFA Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit), VetFran (veteran franchising), Diversity Institute, Franchise Ascension Initiative, and National Scholarship Fund. The organization hosts major events including the Annual Convention, IFA World Franchise Show, Multi Unit Franchising Conference, and Legal Symposium. Members also access the Member Resource Hub platform, Franchise Opportunities Directory, Ask the Experts advisory service, and IFA Preferred Vendors program. Advocacy initiatives include FranPAC, Franchise Action Network, and the Franchise Means Local campaign.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • VetFran: Program empowering Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to explore and pursue franchise ownership through education and access to franchise opportunities.
  • Diversity Institute
  • Franchise Ascension Initiative
  • National Scholarship Fund
  • FranPAC
  • FranShip Mentorship Program
  • Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)

Companies that use International Franchise Association

Customer profile

Segments4 records

International Franchise Association technology and API

Technology

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

International Franchise Association partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

International Franchise Association competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The largest US business association, with overlapping advocacy, events, and member service functions. Significantly larger and broader than IFA, but competes for the same small-business policy agenda and member mindshare.
  • National Restaurant Association: A large US trade association representing the restaurant industry, including many franchise brands. Overlaps with IFA on advocacy, education, and events, and is one of IFA's coalition partners on the American Franchise Act.
  • American Hotel & Lodging Association: US trade association for the lodging industry, which is heavily franchised. Shares IFA's model of member advocacy, certification, and industry events, and faces similar joint-employer and labor regulatory issues.
  • National Retail Federation: Major US retail trade association with overlapping membership profiles (multi-unit operators, franchisors) and similar advocacy, education, and events infrastructure. Competes for sponsorship and member engagement in adjacent retail-vertical categories.

Others

  • Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO): A global membership community for founders and owners of businesses, including many franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. Comparable member-services model (events, learning, peer networking) but focused on individual entrepreneurs rather than the franchise model specifically.
  • SCORE Association: US nonprofit resource partner of the SBA providing mentorship and education to small business owners. Adjacent to IFA's VetFran and Franchise Ascension Initiative mission of supporting aspiring entrepreneurs entering franchising.

Regional players

  • Canadian Franchise Association: Canada's principal franchise trade association, structured similarly to IFA with advocacy, education, and member services. Acts as a regional counterpart that IFA could partner with for North American expansion.
  • British Franchise Association (bfa): The UK's national franchise association, offering accreditation, broker relationships, and events. Structurally analogous to IFA but geographically distinct, making it a natural peer and potential international partner.

Emerging players

  • World Franchise Council: Umbrella body connecting national franchise associations worldwide. Directly comparable in mission to IFA but at a global rather than national level, and a natural coalition/peer for IFA's international ambitions.

Direct peers

  • Franchise Brokers Association (FBA): A membership association specifically for franchise brokers and consultants. Less expansive than IFA but operates a similar member-driven model focused on standards, ethics, and education in the franchise ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

International Franchise Association social profiles

Digital presence

International Franchise Association compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

International Franchise Association financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

International Franchise Association leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

International Franchise Association subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries1 record

International Franchise Association funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

International Franchise Association M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Franchise Association

What does International Franchise Association do?

IFA is a membership-based trade association that provides advocacy, education, certification, networking events, and industry resources to franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Core deliverables include the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential, the IFA Academy LMS, annual conventions and conferences, the Franchise Opportunities Directory, and government relations advocacy on behalf of the franchise industry.

Is International Franchise Association a public or private company?

International Franchise Association is a private company. It is currently operating.

When was International Franchise Association founded?

International Franchise Association was founded in 1960. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is International Franchise Association based?

International Franchise Association is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.

Who are International Franchise Association's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association and National Retail Federation. Others are Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and SCORE Association. Regional players are Canadian Franchise Association and British Franchise Association (bfa). World Franchise Council is listed as an emerging player. Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) is listed as a direct peer.

Does International Franchise Association have an API?

No public API is recorded for International Franchise Association.

Unlock the full company data

50 free credits on sign-up, no credit card required.

Contact sales
Live signals
PR NewswireBrian and Chris O'Keefe of BrightStar Care Named Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise AssociationBrian and Chris O'Keefe, multi-unit owners of BrightStar Care in Northern California, were named 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association. They operate nine territories and were honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes their leadership, business growth, and community impact.Third NewsAllen Stanczak: A Trailblazer in the Coffee Franchise IndustryAllen Stanczak, multi-unit owner of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Florida, was named Franchisee of the Year for 2026 by the International Franchise Association. He operates three locations from Jacksonville Beach to Crescent Beach and has been recognized for community engagement and workforce development.Third NewsTrey Thomas-Piazza: A Trailblazer in Franchising Recognized as 2026 Franchisee of the YearTrey Thomas-Piazza, inaugural Service Experts franchisee, was named 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. He became a franchisee in 2025 after serving as Tulsa market GM, and Service Experts has welcomed five franchise owners across 16 territories in one year.EleconomistaFranquicias mexicanas: ¿qué sectores tienen más oportunidad en EU y Canadá?The Mexican Franchise Association (AMF) signed a collaboration agreement with the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) to facilitate the expansion of franchises among Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The partnership aims to improve information exchange regarding regulations, consumer insights, and market entry strategies for businesses in these three countries.EleconomistaMéxico, EU y Canadá crean alianza para impulsar la expansión de franquicias y creación de empleoThe Mexican Franchise Association, International Franchise Association, and Canadian Franchise Association signed an agreement to facilitate the cross-border expansion of franchise brands across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The alliance aims to reduce regulatory barriers for internationalization and is projected to create over 1,000 jobs within five years while serving approximately 500 million consumers.PR NewswireRichard Weissman of The Learning Experience Elected to International Franchise Association Board of DirectorsRichard Weissman, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Learning Experience, has been elected to serve on the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors, officially assuming the position at the 2026 IFA Annual Convention in February for a three-year term. The Learning Experience, described as the nation's fastest-growing educational childcare provider, operates more than 450 centers across the United States with three additional centers in the U.K. and 250 locations in development domestically and internationally. IFA is the world's oldest and largest franchise association, representing approximately 831,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million jobs and $896.9 billion in U.S. economic output.PR NewswireIFA Launches $5 Million "Franchise Means Local" Campaign to Spotlight Local Franchise Business OwnersThe International Franchise Association announced the launch of "Franchise Means Local," a $5 million awareness campaign launching October 8, 2025, designed to highlight that franchise businesses are locally owned and operated by individual entrepreneurs. The campaign will feature real franchise owners across the country and showcase their community impact, job creation, and local investment. Franchise businesses employ approximately 9 million Americans through 831,000 small businesses, generating $870 billion in economic output across more than 300 industries.VffranchiseconsultingAcquire the VF Franchise Consulting License and Lead the Future of Franchising Across Asia & MENAThe article outlines the projected growth of the restaurant franchising sector in 2025, driven by technology adoption, shifting consumer preferences toward health and sustainability, and strategic expansion into high-growth regions like the Southern U.S. It cites data from the International Franchise Association indicating significant economic output and job creation, while noting ongoing challenges such as inflation and labor shortages that brands are mitigating through automation and operational efficiency.Franchising.comIFA Applauds Introduction of Landmark American Franchise ActThe International Franchise Association (IFA) praised the introduction of the bipartisan American Franchise Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first-of-its-kind legislation for America's 831,000 franchise small businesses. The act aims to clarify the joint employer standard, specifying that franchisors can only be considered joint employers if they possess and exercise substantial direct and immediate control over franchisee employees. The legislation comes after a decade of changing joint employer rules and seeks to end regulatory uncertainty that previously cost small businesses $33.3 billion and led to 376,000 job losses.Nation's Restaurant NewsCongress introduces bipartisan American Franchise ActCongress introduced the American Franchise Act to the U.S. House, aiming to clarify the legal definition of joint employer and limit franchisors' liability for franchisee labor law compliance. The legislation seeks to establish a standard based on direct control over employees' terms and conditions, replacing multiple revisions over recent years. The bill is supported by restaurant industry groups such as the National Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association.