For many Americans, owning a small business is more than a financial goal — it’s about creating opportunity, building generational wealth, and making an impact in their communities. But starting from scratch isn’t easy. That’s where franchising comes in.
Franchising offers a unique pathway to entrepreneurship, combining the independence of running your own business with the infrastructure of a brand. Instead of reinventing the wheel, franchise owners can benefit from a business model that has been proven at other locations, by the brand itself, and by other franchise owners in communities. When done right, franchising offers a prospective business owner a built-in playbook for customer acquisition, employee training, and operational systems that can take years to develop on your own.
The result? Franchises tend to grow faster, last longer, and create more jobs than non-franchised small businesses. According to recent data, there are now more than 850,000 franchise establishments across the United States, employing over 9 million Americans and contributing $936 billion to the U.S. economy in 2025 alone. Franchises range across industries, from food service and retail to healthcare, fitness, education, home services, and even pet care. While often misconstrued as big business, franchising is small business, plain and simple. In fact, 81% of franchisees own and operate a single location.
More accessible business ownership
Beyond the numbers, franchising offers something more personal: access.
For groups that have historically faced barriers to small business ownership, such as women, veterans, and people of color, the franchise model provides a more accessible, structured route to ownership. With support systems in place and training programs designed to build leadership skills, franchising helps level the playing field.
Becky Encinia’s story is one example. She started working at a Chick-fil-A in college while earning her degree in marketing.
“I wasn’t thinking about ownership,” she says, “but someone saw something in me.” That someone was her franchise owner, who encouraged her to consider a future with the brand.
After graduation, Becky entered Chick-fil-A’s leadership development program, a two-year journey that gave her hands-on experience in everything from team building to operations. By age 24, she was running her own Chick-fil-A franchise, becoming not only a small business owner but a leader in her community.
“It’s been a blessing,” she says. “Now, we have people staying on at Chick-fil-A as their career.” For Becky, franchising wasn’t just a job — it was a launchpad. Now, she’s using her role to mentor others, especially fellow minorities looking for a similar opportunity.
“I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have if it weren’t for the franchise model, and I will always be grateful for that,” says Becky.
An opportunity for hard workers
Of course, franchising isn’t for everyone, and it requires the prospective owner to do their proper due diligence, as not all franchise brands are created equal. Knowing the right questions to ask and the right answers to listen for from brands you are researching is critical. Further, franchise ownership requires a significant financial investment, a willingness to follow brand guidelines, and a strong work ethic. However, for the right person, matched with the right brand, franchising offers a tremendous opportunity for long-term success.
As the workforce continues to evolve, with more people seeking autonomy, purpose, and business ownership, franchising remains a compelling option. No matter your stage of life, franchising may be the next step in your journey — and the key to achieving your American Dream.
Franchising isn’t just about running a business; it’s about building a future — one that’s open to anyone willing to take the leap.
