Franchise Consultants Celebrate Black History Month 

Is Franchising Inclusive? These Franchise Consultants Weigh In.  

February is Black History Month, a time to remember the contributions of Black individuals in science, politics, entertainment, entrepreneurship and beyond. While this annual celebration originated in the U.S., its impact is felt around the globe. 

Franchising has long been a pathway to business ownership for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, and franchise consultants have a front-row seat to its transformative power. These professionals help hopeful business owners understand if franchising is a good fit and narrow down the multitude of options. Franchising boasts an estimated 4,000 brands across multiple sectors. With so many opportunities available, guidance from franchise consultants is invaluable, especially as franchising’s momentum continues. Data from the IFA’s 2025 Economic Outlook report shows that total franchise output is expected to exceed $936.4 billion, creating 210,000 new jobs.

But in addition to fueling economic growth, franchising presents an opportunity to level the playing field — giving people from historically underrepresented communities a clear path to business ownership. Franchise consultants foster this inclusivity by acting as mentors and advocates. They don’t just match people with franchises — they help them break through barriers by providing education, access to financing resources and a step-by-step roadmap to ownership. From explaining franchise regulations and costs to educating candidates on the ins and outs of different concepts, consultants ensure that potential franchisees — especially those who may not have traditional business connections — are well-equipped for success.

The International Franchise Association has taken meaningful steps to promote diversity and inclusion through innovative initiatives and leadership councils, but can more be done to make franchising more inclusive? Here, four inspiring franchise consultants weigh in on the inclusiveness of franchising, what inspired them to become franchise consultants and what Black History Month means to them.    

Franchise Consultants Celebrate Black History Month 

Andrea Bailey Brown, Bailey Brown Business Consulting

Franchising can play a crucial role in fostering Black entrepreneurship by providing access to established business models, resources and support systems.

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

For me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of Black Canadians to the country’s history, development and diversity. The month is an opportunity to reflect on the rich cultural, social and political impact while honoring the resiliency and struggles of Black people, both historically and in the present. Black communities across Canada continue to fight against racism and inequalities at a micro and macro level. Black Canadians have played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian society. 

2. How can franchising better foster Black entrepreneurship?

Franchising plays a crucial role in fostering Black entrepreneurship by providing access to established business models, resources and support systems that help overcome barriers traditionally faced by Black entrepreneurs. These challenges include access to capital, high entry barriers and a lack of mentorship and support. When Black entrepreneurs invest in franchises, they can skip the start-up phase and build profitable and successful businesses faster.

3. Do you think franchising is inclusive? Why or why not?

Franchising has the potential to be very inclusive, but its current level of inclusivity depends on how the system is structured and how industries, franchisors, consultants and other stakeholders approach opportunities for underrepresented groups. In many ways, franchising offers a more accessible path to business ownership compared to independent entrepreneurship.

However, there are areas where the franchising model could improve to ensure greater inclusivity for minority groups like people of color, women and low-income entrepreneurs. Franchising can be more inclusive than other industries because every entrepreneur invests their own money. The entrepreneur is taking the risk on themselves.

4. What inspired you to become a franchise consultant?

I was inspired to become a franchise consultant for a few reasons. First, I have been an automotive franchise owner for the past 16 years, so I have practical knowledge about what it takes to grow a successful business. While earning my master’s degree in business, many of my classmates and professors asked about franchising. My automotive franchise was used for a marketing project for one of the MBA cohorts. Finally, I truly believe that franchising is a faster way to become successful in business. I love that I am able to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of selecting, opening and growing their own businesses within an established franchise system. 

5. What is the greatest lesson you learned as a franchise consultant?

As a franchise consultant, the greatest lesson I have learned is the importance of aligning the right franchise opportunity with the unique goals, skills and values of each candidate. Every individual has a different background, set of aspirations and risk tolerance, so taking the time to really understand their personal and professional objectives is essential to their success. I have also learned that it is important to be transparent with the candidates we serve as they are making major life-changing decisions. Educating them on both the risks and rewards of franchising is key. As a result, we have to work with our candidates to help them overcome their fears, as this is a major part of the role of a consultant.

Sylvester Ford, Alternative Finance Business Strategies

Franchise ownership can create a legacy of generational wealth to be passed down.

1. What does Black History Month mean to you? 

Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of many great African Americans and how their accomplishments helped the nation. In many instances, these achievements are not covered by the mainstream media. It is also a time to appreciate the goodness of America and the opportunities available in the country.

2. How can franchising better foster Black entrepreneurship?

Franchise ownership is a great equalizer in the world of entrepreneurship. It allows you to operate the same brand as anyone else. Your costs are the same, your brand exposure is the same. No one knows who the owner is unless it is advertised. Everyone has the same playbooks and training. With desire and access to capital, you can succeed in franchising; I truly believe this. This is the “Golden Era of Opportunity” for Blacks to be involved in franchise ownership.

3. Do you think franchising is inclusive? Why or why not?

Franchising is inclusive. I think a tremendous amount of mystery surrounds it in the Black community due to less exposure to ownership opportunities until recently. That’s why I dedicate time to speaking with small business groups and individuals, educating them on franchise ownership.

4. What inspired you to become a franchise consultant?

I became a franchise consultant because of my desire to educate and provide great advice to individuals who want to own a business and don’t know where to start. I also believe that franchises have longevity. I go home and see franchise businesses that were opened when I was a teenager, and I say to myself and others, ‘That was a good investment by the initial owner.’ I enjoy sharing those stories with candidates. I also tell them that choosing the right franchise should bring the same excitement they felt on Christmas morning when they unwrapped the exact gift they had been hoping for.

5. What is the greatest lesson you learned as a franchise consultant?

I think that people who select franchise ownership as their business vehicle will never want to start from scratch. Franchise ownership can create a legacy of generational wealth to be passed down.

Bryant Sells, APEX Franchise Consulting

It is rewarding to connect people with the right opportunity for them and watch them thrive in that role. 

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the significant contributions of Black individuals throughout history. History that is not preserved is forgotten. It helps keep me grounded by understanding the fact that I am standing on the shoulders of giants to reach the spaces I am in today. 

2. How can franchising better foster Black entrepreneurship?

Franchising can be a powerful tool for fostering Black entrepreneurship by creating accessible pathways to business ownership. To better support Black entrepreneurs, franchisors can provide mentorship, access to capital and resources to help overcome barriers that might otherwise limit success.

3. Do you think franchising is inclusive? Why or why not?

I do believe franchising is inclusive. Entrepreneurship is a space where you don’t have a boss, and your ability to create value outweighs most other factors. 

4. What inspired you to become a franchise consultant?

I was inspired to become a franchise consultant by the flexibility, earning potential, and the ability to positively impact aspiring entrepreneurs. I want to work hard, but life is short — I don’t want to miss out on key life events because of work. I have also witnessed many people get into business and fail because they simply didn’t invest in the right opportunity. It is rewarding to connect people with the right opportunity and watch them thrive in that role. 

5. What is the greatest lesson you learned as a franchise consultant?

The greatest lesson I’ve learned as a franchise consultant is the importance of truly listening to people’s goals and aspirations. Every candidate is unique, and understanding their personal and professional objectives allows me to better align them with the franchise opportunities that will set them up for long-term success. Patience, empathy and personalized guidance are key to helping others navigate the complexities of franchising.

Hallie Williams, Right Next Door

I enjoy helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and create a path to financial freedom and independence.

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a period of celebration to learn about the many accomplishments of Black Americans and share their contributions that have shaped and impacted history. More importantly, Black History Month is American history — it encompasses science, entertainment and social and political change while serving as a source of motivation and inspiration for future generations.

2. How can franchising better foster Black entrepreneurship?

Franchising fosters Black entrepreneurship by providing a framework and structure to launch and stabilize a small business quickly. Franchising provides access to education, resources and financing that are integral to early business success.  

3. Do you think franchising is inclusive? Why or why not?

Yes, I think franchising is an inclusive business model. Franchising provides opportunities for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to pursue many different domains. For example, if you have a business concept that is scalable, you can become a franchisor; if you want to execute on an existing business vision, you can become a franchisee; or if you want to assist aspiring entrepreneurs acquire a business, you can become a franchise broker or consultant.

4. What inspired you to become a franchise consultant?’

As a franchise consultant, I am inspired to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and create paths to financial freedom and independence. I live a life of servitude and helping others to learn, dream and grow. As a franchise consultant, I have been able to assist professionals pivoting from a corporate employee to an entrepreneur owning multiple franchise businesses.

5. What is the greatest lesson you learned as a franchise consultant?

The greatest lesson I have learned as a franchise consultant is that ‘no’ oftentimes means ‘not right now.’ Becoming an entrepreneur and franchise business owner, often requires individuals to see themselves in that role and consider the impact on their immediate family and friends. For some that decision may take some time, so my role with the same candidate may be as a coach, consultant or confidante as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey.