The Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC) has been part of the International Franchise Association (IFA) since February 2021. As an integral part of The IFA’s Diversity Institute, BFLC is showing strong leadership in assisting black franchisors and franchisees in succeeding in owning their own business through franchising.
The BFLC serves as a critical network in creating an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and creativity. BFLC helps stimulate conversations about the franchising community with black entrepreneurs and offers new insights and perspectives. The council promotes education and provides access to franchise opportunities for black entrepreneurs.
A vital goal of the BFLC is to educate members of the IFA and other organizations about delivering opportunities to the black community that will build legacies and
establishes generational wealth through franchising.
The BFLC operates with significant support through the IFA, The Diversity Institute, and numerous groups within the franchise community. They have also garnered bipartisan congressional support. With all that crucial backing, the BFLC can successfully execute all legs of its mission.
Part of that mission is to perform regular community outreaches. Sharing essential information and connecting people to their preferred programs will change the playing field while building partnerships and creating engagement. It will open eyes to all possibilities, including franchise ownership, marketing, and communications, and improve access to capital funding and funding strategies.
The Black Franchise Leadership Council brings energy and enthusiasm to mentor, educate and build stronger communities, resulting in writing a more compelling story about diversity and inclusion. It has altered the lives of black entrepreneurs by helping them gain business ownership through franchising.
General membership in the council is open to leaders from all industries and franchise sectors. To learn more about the Black Franchise Leadership Council, visit linkedin.com/showcase/black-franchise-leadership-council.
Richard Snow
Chair, IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council
“The IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council will continue our mission of providing advocacy and access to franchise opportunities for black entrepreneurs. We envision a day when everybody has the opportunity to thrive in franchising!”
Carolyn Thurston
Vice-chair, IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council
“There are so many people of color that are not aware of the opportunities before them. We make it our mission to bring awareness to them and help them investigate and see if franchising is the right path for them to take.”
Rikki Amos
Executive Director, IFA Foundation
“Our mission is acute and specific to focus on a serious and sustained effort to build a community in franchising for current and future black entrepreneurs. We help them find success and help them support their communities by building successful businesses. Minorities like people of color, women, veterans, etcetera find significant success through franchising.”
LaTonia Pouncey
Advisor, IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council
“As a trusted advisor, my focus is to continue providing BFLC with deep expertise and insights around diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising for black business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We set intentions and prioritize this work by ensuring the Council is sustainable for the long term.”
linkedin.com/showcase/black-franchise-leadership-council
~ Rose Mango