Franchisors are increasingly recognizing the value of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), both at the corporate level and within their franchisee ranks, and they’re finding creative ways to do so. To honor those brands that we think are doing it best, we’ve created our ranking of the top 100 franchises for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Unlike most of our other rankings, which rely on objective data run through a formula, this more subjective list has been determined editorially—and for that reason, rather than being numbered, the brands are listed alphabetically. Each brand had to opt into consideration for the list and provide us with as much information as possible to help us make our choices. Factors we considered include: incentives to help franchisees from underrepresented groups join the system; diversity among franchisees; diversity within the leadership team; and other programs or initiatives undertaken related to DEI.
We spoke to a few of the brands on the list to get to know more about how they’re advancing DEI within their organizations, and what advice they would give to other franchisors who want to do the same. Make sure you dig deeper to get to know any franchise brand you’re interested in as well. This list is not intended as an endorsement of any particular opportunity, so it’s important to do your own thorough due diligence before investing. That should include reading the company’s legal documents, consulting with a lawyer and an accountant, and talking to as many franchisees as you can.
List compiled with assistance from Jordan Hall and Andrew Robinson.
AlphaGraphics
Printing, marketing communications, signs and graphics
FRANCHISE FEE
$48.95K
STARTUP COST
$285.3K-$368.6K
TOTAL UNITS
(Franchised / Co.-Owned)
259/0
INCENTIVE
$5,000 off franchise fee for BIPOC and women franchisees
Amada Senior Care
Home care and assisted-living placement
FRANCHISE FEE
$55K
STARTUP COST
$115.2K-$270.2K
TOTAL UNITS
(Franchised / Co.-Owned)
160/1
Anytime Fitness
Fitness centers
FRANCHISE FEE
$25K-$42.5K
STARTUP COST
$388.9K-$970.1K
TOTAL UNITS
(Franchised / Co.-Owned)
5,167/17
A Place At Home
Nonmedical home care, care coordination, senior living placement, staffing solutions
FRANCHISE FEE
$49.5K
STARTUP COST
$84.2K-$148.5K
TOTAL UNITS
(Franchised / Co.-Owned)
24/2
ASP-America’s Swimming Pool Company
Swimming pool maintenance, repairs, and renovations
FRANCHISE FEE
$40K-$90K
STARTUP COST
$84.4K-$207.4K
TOTAL UNITS
(Franchised / Co.-Owned)
379/0
INCENTIVE
$5,000 off franchise fee for minority, women, and LGBTQ+ franchisees
