A franchise business is most successful when it reaches a broad range of communities – and to best achieve this, it must bring a diversity of voices and experiences to the ranks of its franchisees and companies. That’s why, for the third year, we’ve selected the 100 franchises that we believe will do the most to expand opportunities for everyone.
Typically, our franchise lists are created by collecting and evaluating lots of data and then ranking brands based on the results. It can be difficult to quantify diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. That’s why we’ve editorially selected the companies on this list and listed them alphabetically rather than ranked. To determine which brands we should include, we considered a number of factors, including: any incentives offered to franchisees from underrepresented groups; diversity among franchisees; diversity within the leadership team; and other company initiatives or programs related to DEI. We also asked executives from both companies why their brand values DEI and what specific ways they have found to promote and support it. Below you will find a selection of their answers.
If DEI is important to you, this list can be a good starting point for finding a franchise that fits your mindset. However, keep in mind that the list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company and it is important that you do your own homework before investing in a franchise opportunity. That means reading the company’s legal documents, consulting with a lawyer and accountant, and speaking with current and former franchisees about their experiences.
Related: The 50 Franchises Most Committed to Diversity
We asked..
Why are diversity, equity and inclusion important to your company?
“Our franchisees serve diverse consumers and communities with diverse demographics, cultures and backgrounds. By promoting diversity in our support team and franchise community, we ensure we can effectively engage with our guests.” — Jessica McDonald, Senior Director of Brand Marketing, Altitude Trampoline Park
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the foundation of a thriving, innovative franchise community. We believe that incorporating diverse perspectives improves our company culture, encourages creativity and ensures everyone has a seat at the table, which positively impacts our company community.” – Tina Bacon-DeFrece, CEO, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
“Our founders, executives and the majority of our franchisees are people of color and women. We understand firsthand the importance of seeing people who look like us in positions of leadership and influence. This representation not only reflects the diverse communities we serve, but also ensures that our products and services meet a wide range of needs.” — Vishal Bhasin, co-founder of Wize Computing Academy
How has your company promoted DEI at a corporate or franchise level?
“In 2023, we have placed a focus on accessibility in our DEI. This initiative includes projects such as improved signage, autism certification, email accessibility, recruiting efforts, internships, campground design and technology partnerships, all aimed at improving the camping experience for people with diverse needs.” — Whitney Scott, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Campgrounds of America (KOA)
“We tell our community that ballet is for everyone.” Our ballet storytime curriculum and monthly ballet book club feature visual representations of characters diverse in race, gender, and body type. We want our students to see that ballet is more beautiful when differences are considered and celebrated in the studio and beyond the stage.” — Genevieve Custer Weeks, Founder and CEO, Tutu School
“Our values statement has always included: ‘We embrace diversity in our community.’ We share this with our franchisees, their teams and retail customers. An example of implementation is our support of Black AF in STEM Black Birders Week as one of our strategic partner support programs. — Paul Pickett, chief development officer and executive vice president of franchising, Wild Birds Unlimited
Related: If you want to join a truly diverse franchise, these are the top 100 to consider