United Franchise Group (UFG) has created the official National Women in Franchising Appreciation Day, which will be held annually in recognition of women-led entrepreneurial achievements.
As founders of the new nationally celebrated day, UFG will hold a special presentation and formal proclamation at the UFG world headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida this Friday, on 14 October.
The holiday falls during a meaningful time for women in business, with October being National Women’s Small Business Month, as declared by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
It also nears the eve of National Business Women’s Week, launched in 1928 by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC), officially recognized in 1938 and celebrated every year since. The day is also sanctioned by Chase’s Calendar of Events, the world’s date book since 1957.
“Our industry has benefited enormously from the contributions of women,” said Ray Titus, founder and CEO of UFG. “And we want to recognize their accomplishments, talent, hard work and dedication that they bring to the table each and every day.”
The number of woman-owned business franchises has increased by almost 40 per cent in the last 10 years according to a recent survey by the Small Business Trends Alliance and Guidant Financial. The survey also revealed that 30.8 per cent of all franchise owners are women, with nearly nine in 10 female franchise owners enjoying owning and running their own businesses.
Jessica Fialkovich (pictured) is just one among the many women within the UFG system that epitomizes this drive and impact. A serial entrepreneur, Jessica has established, developed, and sold several small businesses before venturing to become a franchise owner a decade ago with Transworld Business Advisors (TBA), the largest business brokerage franchise company in the world and part of the UFG family of affiliated brands.
“I am passionate about small businesses and their role in driving our economy and am proud to be affiliated with a company like UFG that’s committed to creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs,” said Jessica. “With a proven business model and many layers of support and training, franchising is one of the best ways to become a business owner.”
Taylor Gregory, director of franchise development, said: “UFG invests in the growth and development of its employees by offering training seminars, assisting with certifications, and creating a strong sense of teamwork where colleagues are willing to sit down and help each other. In my short time here, I’ve been able to grow into a leadership position and create my own footprint by developing my department in new ways.”
The holiday is supported by the City of West Palm Beach, which has approved a declaration in an official proclamation.
