Celebrating the First-Ever World Franchise Day: A New Era for Indian Entrepreneurship

On this historic occasion, we proudly mark the first-ever celebration of World Franchise Day, a moment that shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of franchising worldwide. Spearheaded in India by the Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) — the only dedicated body representing the Indian franchising community — this day symbolizes a bold step forward in empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses through the franchising model.

Franchising is not just a business format; it is a movement of entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to become business owners, job creators, and agents of change in their communities. Across sectors such as food & beverage, education, retail, and wellness, franchising has proven to be one of the most inclusive and scalable models, particularly for first-generation entrepreneurs and women-led ventures.

“Franchising is the biggest equaliser in modern business. It transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary entrepreneurs by giving them a proven system and strong brand support,” says Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) and a key driving force behind India’s franchising evolution. “With World Franchise Day, we hope to inspire a new generation of dreamers to build businesses that last.”

ISFA’s Role in Building a Robust Franchise Ecosystem
With franchising in India now a $50 billion industry growing at a CAGR of nearly 30%, ISFA has emerged as a catalyst for collaboration, compliance, and global exchange. As the only Indian franchising association, ISFA has championed fair practices, policy advocacy, and international linkages, signing MoUs with associations in Russia, Vietnam, and the Middle East — creating a strong platform for cross-border investments and knowledge sharing.

On this inaugural World Franchise Day, ISFA reaffirms its commitment to:
• Support MSMEs through structured mentorship, training, and access to franchise networks.
• Drive digital and skill-led transformation for franchise operations.
• Enable responsible entry of international brands while protecting Indian entrepreneurs.
• Encourage youth and women to view franchising as a viable and empowering career choice.

Join the Movement
We invite policymakers, investors, educators, and aspiring business owners to collaborate with us in shaping a vibrant, inclusive franchising ecosystem. World Franchise Day is not just a celebration — it’s a call to action. A call to uplift small businesses, scale big dreams, and make India a global leader in the franchising revolution.