The franchising industry has long been a powerful force for economic growth and opportunity, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a proven business model and the support they need to succeed. However, like many industries, franchising has faced significant challenges when it comes to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).

To address this critical issue, the franchising industry has launched a new DE&I campaign, spanning six months of the year, to promote greater understanding and inclusion across a range of topics.

By promoting DE&I, the franchising industry can create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all. This campaign is an essential step towards realising that vision, and we encourage everyone to get involved and support this important initiative. Join us in celebrating the achievements and contributions of all members of the franchising community, and in working towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for all.

What’s On?

March: Ladies Leading The Way– This campaign aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for women’s empowerment through sharing BFA members stories and experiences via social media.

• Celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in all fields
• The ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights
• Breaking down gender-based barriers and promoting equal opportunities for women
• The role of allies in supporting women’s empowerment
• Inspiring and empowering the next generation of women leaders

Hashtags: #LadiesLeadingTheWay #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity

April: Inclusion At Work – This campaign focuses on inclusive hiring practices and language in the workplace.

• Share your experiences with inclusive hiring practices and why they are important to you. Encourage your followers to share their thoughts and experiences as well.
• Highlight the importance of using inclusive language in the workplace and how it can promote a more welcoming and respectful environment. Share tips and resources for improving language usage, and encourage your followers to do the same.
• Discuss the impact of unconscious bias on the hiring process and how it can create barriers to inclusion. Share strategies for recognising and addressing unconscious bias and encourage your followers to do the same.
• Share your ideas for fostering a culture of inclusion in the workplace. Discuss how you celebrate diversity and promote open communication, and encourage your followers to share their own ideas and experiences.

Hashtag: #InclusionAtWork

May: Many Cultures One Community – This campaign highlights the value and pride in the cultural diversity within the franchise industry.

• The role of cultural diversity in promoting global peace and understanding
• Celebrating and preserving cultural heritage through sharing food, language and art.
• Encouraging intercultural dialogue and cooperation
• Overcoming prejudice and promoting cultural tolerance
• The importance of cultural diversity in creating a better world

Hashtag: #ManyCulturesOneCommunity

June: Pride In Franchising – This campaign celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community and promotes equality and acceptance for all, and showcases that the franchise industry is welcome to all.

• The importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community
• Celebrating and promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and equality
• Overcoming prejudice and promoting acceptance
• The role of allies in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community
• Celebrating the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community

Hashtag: #PrideInFranchising

July: Accessibility At Work

This campaign highlights the experiences of individuals with disabilities, promoting accessibility and inclusivity for all.

• The challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the workplace
• Promoting accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities
• Overcoming prejudices and promoting understanding and acceptance of disabilities
• The importance of accessibility and inclusion in creating a better world
• Celebrating the strength and resilience of individuals with disabilities

Hashtag: #AccessibilityAtWork

August: Franchising The Future– This campaign celebrates and supports young people, promoting their empowerment and involvement in shaping a better future.

• The importance of empowering and supporting young people
• Encouraging youth engagement and participation in decision-making processes
• Providing opportunities and support for young people to reach their full potential
• The role of mentors and allies in supporting young people
• Celebrating the energy, creativity and potential of the next generation

Hashtag: #FranchisingTheFuture

September: Franchising For All– This campaign is a round-up of the previous campaign months, which focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the franchising industry, and highlighting the experiences of underrepresented groups in franchising.

• The importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising
• Overcoming barriers and promoting equal opportunities in franchising
• The role of allies in promoting DE&I in franchising
• Celebrating the successes of underrepresented groups in franchising
• Advocating for a more inclusive and equitable franchising industry

Hashtag: #FranchisingForAll

In the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion, this will be an ever-evolving campaign so #WatchThisSpace

Are you a charity or organisation?

Please get in touch with us at press@thebfa.org if you’re interested in collaborating with us for any of these monthly themes.