Form an Independent Franchisee Association

Empowering the collective strength of franchisees

Representation, Guidance, Success

Empowerment Through Unity

At the AAFD, we believe every franchise owner deserves a seat at the table. That’s why we organize trademark-specific chapters and provide strong support to independent franchise associations. A franchisee association provides a platform for members to speak with one voice, providing representation and advocacy with the franchisor, and as a negotiating body to promote the interests and rights of franchisees.

To date, the AAFD has helped over 80,000 businesses, joined together advocating for the causes that matter most to their specific brands.

50+

Managed Chapters

1.9k+

Franchisee Members

The Center for Total Quality Franchising®

Proven Expertise and Leadership in Franchisee Advocacy

For over 30 years, the AAFD has been a dedicated advocate for franchisees, working tirelessly to protect their rights and promote their interests. With decades of expertise, we specialize in guiding franchisees in the formation and management of effective, independent Trademark Chapters. Our mission has always been to foster fair, balanced franchise agreements and relationships, helping thousands of franchisees establish a more fair and equitable relationship with your franchisor.

Franchisee Associations: Story of Success

Top 4 Goals for any Franchisee Association

When franchisees unite, they gain access to shared resources, collective expertise, and a strong network of mutual support. Effective associations foster transparency, fairness, and balanced franchisor-franchisee relationships. This collaboration strengthens the brand, paving the way for long-term success and sustainability.


Unified Voice for Advocacy

A primary objective of any franchisee association is to ensure that there is a unified voice when interacting with their franchisor. Advocacy efforts focus on protecting franchisees’ rights, addressing systemic challenges, and negotiating favorable terms that benefit the collective group.


Promotion of Transparency and Fairness

Independent associations are essential in fostering transparency, fairness, and equitable partnerships, creating an environment where franchisees can thrive with trust and confidence. Additionally, they address challenges that cannot be resolved through collaborative negotiation, often confronting abuses through legal action or legislative advocacy.

Platform for Mutual Support

Strong franchise associations create a collaborative platform where franchisees can support one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth. This vision goes beyond simply improving relationships with franchisors or renegotiating contracts—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting changes for the entire franchising Industry.

 

Best Practices and Shared Success

By joining forces, franchisees gain access to shared resources, enabling them to pool knowledge, expertise, and tools necessary for growth and success. Associations strive to educate and empower their members with business insights, financial literacy, and operational strategies to enhance individual and collective success.

Take the first step towards a more fair franchisee-franchisor relationship.

We can help build an Independent chapter for your franchise system and provide management and support services in a simplified, cost-effective way. Your Association will be officially formed, and you will be on your way to achieving a more fair and equitable relationship with your franchisor.