About AAFA
A Movement Built on Ownership
The African American Franchise Association was founded to close the franchise ownership gap, build generational wealth, and grow the American economy — for everyone.
Our Story
Why We Exist
Franchise ownership is one of the most reliable pathways to business success in America. With a proven system, established brand recognition, and ongoing corporate support, franchises offer aspiring entrepreneurs a lower-risk entry into business ownership. Yet African Americans remain dramatically underrepresented among franchise owners — a gap that costs communities, families, and the broader U.S. economy.
The African American Franchise Association was founded to change that. Our team brings over 300 years of cumulative franchising experience, has advised more than 3,000 individual franchises, and members of our team have audited well over 400 franchises for over 30 years. We put that depth of knowledge to work for aspiring owners, existing franchisees, and the communities they serve.
<3%
of U.S. franchise owners are African American
Despite representing 13.6% of the U.S. population, African Americans own fewer than 3% of franchise businesses. AAFA exists to close this gap — and in doing so, unlock billions in economic value for communities and the broader economy.
Source: IFA Diversity Institute, FRANdata
What We Do
Connecting Capital, Knowledge, and Opportunity
AAFA has multiple relationships with top financial institutions, facilitating a corridor of opportunity to both launch as well as acquire and operate a franchise successfully. Access to capital is one of the most significant barriers to franchise ownership — and we work to remove it.
Our mission is to grow the U.S. economy through successful franchising, with a close link to the communities in which it serves. We consistently educate the entire entrepreneurial community on the different corridors of opportunity available to launch a franchise or acquire one.
We look forward to the next open chapter — in which all are invited to become a franchisor as well as a franchisee.
3,000+
Individual franchises advised
300+
Years of cumulative franchising experience
400+
Franchises audited over 30 years
Mission & Vision
What We Stand For
Mission
To grow the U.S. economy through successful franchising — facilitating capital access, educating the entrepreneurial community on every corridor of opportunity to launch or acquire a franchise, and maintaining a close link to the communities in which our members serve.
Vision
A franchise industry that reflects the full diversity of America — where ownership opportunity is accessible to every qualified entrepreneur, regardless of background, gender, or ethnicity.
Ownership
We believe in the transformative power of business ownership to build wealth, create jobs, and strengthen communities.
Inclusion
We welcome all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds. All are invited to become a franchisor as well as a franchisee.
Education
We equip aspiring owners with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to make informed decisions.
Advocacy
We represent our members' interests with franchise brands, lenders, policymakers, and the broader business community.
Community
We maintain a close link to the communities in which our members serve, building lasting relationships among owners, founders, and allies.
Impact
We measure our success by the economic impact we create — jobs, GDP contribution, and wealth built by our members.
Inclusion Statement
Open to All. Driven by Purpose.
While the African American Franchise Association was founded to address the specific underrepresentation of African Americans in franchise ownership, our doors are open to entrepreneurs, investors, and allies of all backgrounds. We look forward to the next open chapter — in which all are invited to become a franchisor as well as a franchisee. You are welcome here.
Leadership
The Team Behind the Mission
Clem Yeboah
Chief Executive Officer
Clem Yeboah serves as Chief Executive Officer of the African American Franchise Association, leading the organization's mission to close the franchise ownership gap and build generational wealth through entrepreneurship.
Christine Parker
Director of Education and Programs
Christine Parker leads AAFA's educational programming and mentorship initiatives, equipping aspiring franchise owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Arnold Dixon
President
Arnold Dixon serves as President of the African American Franchise Association, driving membership growth, strategic partnerships, and the organization's expanding national presence.
Timothy Cray
Vice President of Government Affairs
Timothy Cray leads AAFA's government affairs strategy, building relationships with policymakers and advocating for policies that expand franchise ownership opportunities for African American entrepreneurs.
Ivan Jimenez
Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer
Ivan Jimenez co-founded the African American Franchise Association and serves as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the organization's financial strategy, capital access initiatives, and long-term fiscal health.
Barima Yeboah
Chief Operating Officer
Barima Ebola serves as Chief Operating Officer of AAFA, managing day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization delivers on its mission to expand franchise ownership across the country.
Devin McKnight
Chief Revenue Officer
Devin McKnight drives AAFA's revenue strategy, developing partnerships, sponsorships, and membership programs that fuel the organization's growth and impact.
Kiani Alvarez
Chief Development Officer
Kiani Alvarez leads organizational development at AAFA, building the programs, relationships, and infrastructure needed to expand opportunity for aspiring franchise owners nationwide.
Barry Nepper
Chief of Financial Compliance
Barry Nepper oversees financial compliance at AAFA, ensuring the organization and its members operate with the highest standards of fiscal integrity, regulatory adherence, and transparency.
Robert Abrams
Advisor, Regulatory Matters
Robert Abrams brings deep regulatory expertise to AAFA, advising the organization and its members on compliance, licensing, and the evolving regulatory landscape affecting franchise ownership.
Melissa Mensah
International Advisor and Growth Strategist
Melissa Mensa guides AAFA's international strategy and growth initiatives, identifying global opportunities and building cross-border partnerships that expand the reach of African American franchise ownership.