Building Generational Wealth
Building Generational Wealth Through Franchise Ownership
The African American Franchise Association expands opportunity, grows the U.S. economy, and opens the doors of franchise ownership to all — regardless of background, gender, or ethnicity.
Open to all. Driven by purpose. Powered by community.
The Franchise Opportunity — By the Numbers
$858B
Franchise industry contribution to U.S. GDP annually
806K+
Franchise establishments operating across the United States
8.7M
Americans employed by franchise businesses nationwide
~26K
New franchise locations opened in the U.S. each year
Our Mission
Why Franchise Ownership Matters
Franchising is one of the largest engines of job creation in the United States — 8.7 million Americans go to work at a franchise business every day, and roughly 26,000 new franchise locations open each year. Of the 806,000+ franchise establishments operating across the country, fewer than 3% are owned by African Americans — despite African Americans representing 13.6% of the U.S. population. Research from FRANdata and the IFA Diversity Institute estimates that fewer than 25,000 of those locations are African American-owned. AAFA exists to change that. While our mission is rooted in expanding African American franchise ownership, we welcome entrepreneurs, investors, and allies of every ethnic background, gender, and walk of life. A more inclusive franchise industry is a stronger one — and that work belongs to all of us.
A Massive Opportunity Gap
Of 806,000+ U.S. franchise locations, fewer than 25,000 — under 3% — are estimated to be African American-owned. With ~26,000 new locations opening every year, the opportunity to close that gap is right now.
Proven Business Model
Franchises offer a tested system, established brand, and ongoing corporate support — dramatically reducing the risk compared to starting from scratch.
Wealth Building
Franchise ownership creates tangible assets, equity, and income streams that can be passed to future generations — a direct path to closing the racial wealth gap.
Community Impact
Local franchise owners reinvest in their neighborhoods, serve as visible models of entrepreneurial success, and multiply economic opportunity for everyone around them.
Upcoming Events
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Oct 21
2025
AAFA Annual Franchise Summit
Our flagship annual event bringing together franchise owners, founders, investors, and industry leaders for two days of education and networking.
Nov 7
2025
Franchise Financing Workshop
A deep-dive session on SBA loans, franchise financing options, and how to structure your path to ownership.
Dec 3
2025
Women in Franchising Roundtable
A focused conversation for women entrepreneurs exploring or expanding their franchise portfolios.
Join the Movement
Join the Movement
AAFA membership connects you with a national network of franchise owners, founders, investors, and industry experts — plus the tools, education, and advocacy you need to succeed.
For aspiring franchise owners exploring their options
For active franchise owners and founders
For franchise brands and corporate partners
The Bigger Picture
Every new franchise owner strengthens the American economy.
Franchising already employs 8.7 million Americans and opens roughly 26,000 new locations every year. When we expand ownership across all communities, we don't just change individual lives — we grow GDP, create jobs, and build a more equitable economy for every American. That's the AAFA mission.