Today marks the first-ever World Franchise Day, a new global initiative where franchise leaders from across the world come together to highlight the significant economic role of franchising and honor the local entrepreneurs behind these brands.

The concept dawned on Sherry McNeil, the president and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association, late one night. “I woke up at 3 a.m. and thought, Why isn’t there a franchise day? We have a national chocolate cake day, a national potato chip day, etc. So I started researching and found nothing on Google about an official celebration of franchising,” she explained.

In collaboration with Kirk Allen, co-founder of Reshift Media, and with support from the World Franchise Council—which includes over 40 nations—McNeil played a key role in designating today, June 11, and the second Wednesdays of June hereafter as World Franchise Day. The initiative’s goal is to recognize franchisees as genuine small business proprietors.

“People often think franchising is just big business,” McNeil says. “But franchisees are your neighbors. They hire locally, pay local taxes and support their communities. They are the definition of shopping local.”

From mobile dog grooming to home services and fitness studios, franchising is expanding into new sectors worldwide. According to the Canadian Franchise Association, franchising now spans over 660 distinct business categories — far beyond fast food and retail. At the same time, franchise service providers and consultants are also growing fast, with many firms bundling services like digital marketing, PR and lead generation to support brands and franchisees alike.

For prospective franchisees, both McNeil and Allen emphasized due diligence — understanding total startup costs, expected lifestyle changes and the importance of aligning with ethical brands. “Look for the logo,” McNeil says, referencing organizations like the CFA and International Franchise Association, which vet members for responsible franchising.

Ultimately, the hope is that World Franchise Day serves as both a celebration and a rallying cry. “Every franchise brand should do something — put a poster in the window, share a franchisee’s story, give away a coffee,” Allen says. “Because franchising deserves to be recognized globally.”