Exploring franchise ownership is a powerful way for underrepresented entrepreneurs to build generational wealth. But it can feel daunting without the right support and information. Below are key resources, programs, and strategies mentioned in the the “Barriers to Diversity in Franchising” podcast episode to help minorities take confident steps toward franchise ownership.
1. Franchise Ascension Program (IFA)
The International Franchise Association (IFA) offers the Franchise Ascension Initiative, a program designed to help underrepresented groups access mentorship, education, and network connections.
It connects prospective franchisees with mentors, provides coaching, and offers resources tailored to those facing economic or informational barriers. Its hope is to create more diversity in franchise ownership.
Why it’s helpful:
- You get matched with an experienced mentor
- It lowers the barrier to entry by providing structured support
- Helps you understand the franchising world from insiders
2. Multicultural Franchise Connectors (501c3)
Founded by Toni Harris-Taylor, Multicultural Franchise Connectors is a nonprofit created to steer minority entrepreneurs toward franchise opportunities.
What they offer (or plan to offer):
- Programming and guidance tailored to diverse communities
- Events, connections, and outreach to franchises and candidate markets
- A platform to highlight available opportunities to minority audiences
3. Key4Women (KeyBank)
Although not franchise-specific, Key4Women provides financial education, mentorship, leadership training, and networking support tailored for women entrepreneurs.
How this helps:
- Strengthens your business acumen (helpful in franchises)
- Helps with financial pathways and planning
- Offers access to a network of women business leaders
4. Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)
For those particularly interested in foodservice or hospitality franchises, the MFHA runs initiatives such as Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership, backed by brands like PepsiCo.
Key advantages:
- Industry-specific support and training
- Access to grants, funding, or brand alignment within food/hospitality sectors
- Connection to franchisors focused on diversifying their ownership base
5. Attend Franchise Expos, Regional Franchise Shows, and Other Events
Attending franchise expos is a low-risk, high-reward way to explore the landscape in person. Franchisors set up booths, offer education, and answer questions directly. MFV is the biggest name in the game, offering expos all over the U.S. but often franchise brokers will offer something more local or regional.
Coaches like Tarji Carter of The Franchise Player and Toni Harris-Taylor of Drastic run events regularly that connect diverse entrepreneurs with franchise opportunities.
Tips for making the most:
- Walk through aisles with open curiosity — no need to commit
- Ask about investment levels, systems, training, and support
- Note which franchisors demonstrate visible diversity in their branding or owner profiles
6. Curated Franchise Lists & Industry Publications
We at Franchise Business Review are here for you! We survey over 30,000 franchisees a year to figure out the best franchises to own. Our data is unbiased, third party market research. With that data, we create lists and guides to help folks thinking about buying a franchise. We have the following lists to help underrepresented communities in the franchise world:
- Top 20 Franchises for Black Owners
- 12 Resources for LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs and Franchisees
- Top Franchises for Women
- Top Franchises for Culture
These curated selections can help you narrow down franchises whose values or track records align with yours.
7. Networking Platforms & Organizations
- National Sales Network — While this nonprofit is geared towards people working in sales (and working to improve their sales skills), there are some amazing opportunities for people of color within their offerings and conferences.
- YUM! Center for Global Franchise Excellence — Located at the University of Louisville College of Business, this center is committed to “educating communities to create and sustain generational wealth through franchising”.
There are so many opportunities out there to network and learn.
8. Validation & Due Diligence Tools
While not a “resource” in the conventional sense, these are tips on how to look for the franchise brands looking to empower underrepresented groups in franchising.
- Know the red flags to look for! For example, you can learn a lot from the Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise.
- Listen to our podcast! Get educated about the best franchises to own, the importance of talking to franchisees, and more.
- Use ChatGPT (or other AI tools) to help parse and analyze a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and highlight red flags. Special thanks to Toni Harris-Taylor for this tip!
- Ask direct questions during franchise validation:
- “What are you doing for people of color or women in your brand?”
- “How does your training support diverse franchisees?”
- “How can I help you further your diversity mission?”
These tactics help you assess whether a franchise is more than performative about diversity.
Wrapping Up
If you’re from an underrepresented group and are franchise-curious, leveraging these resources deliberately can help you navigate the path more confidently and avoid isolation in what too often feels like a closed system. Use the programs, events, networks, and tools above. These are not passive resources, but as platforms you actively engage with.
Best of luck on your franchising journey!
