Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Canadian Franchise Association | A national, not-for-profit association of more than 600 corporate members representing over 40,000 franchise business owners. Check out their page on research and statistics.
- National Franchise Association | Serves as a source of education, training and advocacy for franchise members and vendor partners.
- International Franchise Association | The IFA protects, enhances, and promotes franchising. They are dedicated to achieving the greatest possible benefit for their members and franchising worldwide.
For larger franchises, an association for franchisees often exists, for example: Independent Organization of Little Caesars Franchisees and Domino's Franchisee Association
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Canadian Business Franchise | Helps entrepreneurs find top franchise opportunities across Canada by offering a comprehensive directory, success stories, and franchise-related news.
- Canadian Franchise Magazine | A digital publication providing the latest news, expert advice, and franchising information from coast to coast.
- Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine | Delivers vital information and business solutions to help multi-unit franchisees make informed decisions to strengthen franchise systems, grow their brands, and achieve their business objectives.
- Franchise Canada | Published six times a year by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), Franchise Canada helps everyday Canadians realize their dream of business ownership through discovering franchise opportunities.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- FranBlog | IFA’s FranBlog includes the best of franchise success stories from around the world. These personal accounts help you learn directly from the collective experiences of IFA’s franchise community.
- Franchising.com | This mission is to help all stakeholders in franchising improve and grow their businesses. They provide an environment where customers can learn, find new business opportunities, network and be inspired by their peers.
- The Franchise King | The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, provides all aspiring franchise owners trustworthy, useful, and timely information on all aspects of buying and owning a franchise business.
- Franchise Chatter | A blog and subscribers hub that analyzes the profit potential of hundreds of franchises across dozens of industries.
- Franchising 101 Podcast | Helps educate listeners on all aspects of franchise ownership. Episodes feature a wide range of guest industry leaders, spotlights on top franchisors, interviews with franchisees, and more.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.