National Women in Franchising Appreciation Day | October 14
Women in Franchising
In 2022, United Franchise Group created a national day to recognize the women who build, lead, support and grow franchise businesses. We celebrate them every October 14, while working year-round to create more opportunities for women in franchising.
The City of West Palm Beach proclamation, October 14, 2022.
Why We Created This Day
In 2022, United Franchise Group introduced the first National Women in Franchising Appreciation Day. The City of West Palm Beach supported the launch with an official proclamation, presented at our World Headquarters on October 14, 2022.
We chose October on purpose. It is National Women’s Small Business Month, and the Day sits just ahead of National Business Women’s Week. The goal was simple: give the women of franchising a day that is theirs and use it to show other women what franchise ownership and a career in franchising can make possible.
Franchising gives women access to a tested system, training, and a network of peers from day one. For many of the women in our system, that support was what made the leap possible.
Ray Titus, Founder and CEO, United Franchise Group
Women Are Shaping the Future of Franchising
Women are one of the fastest growing groups of franchise owners in the country. The numbers below come from independent industry research.
About 1 in 3
Women own about a third of all franchises.
Franchise Business Review, 2026
3 in 4
Women franchise owners who would recommend their franchise to others.
Franchise Business Review, 2026 (nearly 9,000 women owners surveyed)
36%
Women franchise owners who own more than one location or territory.
Franchise Business Review, 2026
64%
Franchisees who are first-time business owners. Women are represented at a disproportionately higher rate than in business overall.
IFA, 2026 Value of Franchising
Women Leading Businesses and Brands at United Franchise Group
Women own and lead businesses across every United Franchise Group brand, from sign and print shops to restaurants to business advisory firms. Inside United Franchise Group, women lead marketing, operations, training, and franchise support.
Our Commitment to Women in Franchising
For 40+ years, United Franchise Group has believed that the right system and the right support can turn ambition into ownership. That belief does not change based on who is walking through the door. What we can do is make sure more women see themselves in franchising and find the support to succeed once they arrive.
Visibility
We tell the stories of women owners and leaders every year, on this page, on our podcast, and on our YouTube channel. When women see owners like themselves, the path looks a lot more possible.
Support
Every United Franchise Group franchisee gets training, ongoing coaching, and a network of peers who have been where they are. Women in our system tell us that community is one of the things they value most.
Leadership
Women help lead United Franchise Group and our brands at every level. Their perspective shapes how we train, market, and support owners across the system.
Meet the Women of United Franchise Group
These owners, leaders and vendor partners share what drew them to franchising, what they learned along the way, and what they would tell the next woman thinking about taking the leap.
Beth Powers
Signarama, Novi, MI.
Owner since 2017. Beth chose franchising for the proven model and the support behind it, and found an instant peer group of mentors and friends.
Diane Hartz Warsoff
Transworld Business Advisors and Exit Factor, Lehi, UT.
Transworld owner since 2016; Exit Factor owner. After a corporate career in male-dominated industries, Diane and her husband chose franchising for its tested systems and network of peers.
Elena Karaivanova
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.
With the brand since 2018. Elena started as a front-of-house manager at the original Las Vegas locations and went on to lead operations for franchise units in Charleston.
Luteesa Ford
Graze Craze, Buckhead-Midtown, GA.
Owner since 2023. Luteesa was drawn to franchising by the chance to work with like-minded teammates and learn from experts.
Beth Powers
Signarama, Novi, MI.
Owner since 2017. Beth chose franchising for the proven model and the support behind it, and found an instant peer group of mentors and friends.
Hollie Choe
Transworld Business Advisors, Oregon Central
Hollie came to franchising for the freedom of ownership with the backing of a recognized brand.
Mary Jo Kurtz
United Franchise Group
Dream Coach and Director of Employee Development. Mary Jo coaches UFG employees to set and reach their goals and builds programs that support employees and franchisees.
Listen In
Join UFG CMO Christina Parsons as she explores the growth of women in franchising, from why the model appeals to first-time owners to the power of mentorship and what’s next for the industry.
Check out more inspiring conversations
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