Franchising is a competitive space, especially as brands from around the world continue to expand globally. This growth is clear sign that franchising can be an incredibly lucrative business model for those with ambitions to scale efficiently.
However, the business model’s popularity often creates greater competition between brands, making it harder to stand out, let alone win industry awards.
Yet, there are numerous brands that have differentiated themselves within their sectors and the wider franchising community – on a truly worldwide level.
Here, we look at some of the heavy hitters that are gaining significant recognition, and how you can do the same.
What are the Global Franchise Awards?
There are several annual franchise awards, but the Global Franchise Awards are considered the most international. This makes the accolade appealing to franchise brands eager to reach unexplored territories and attract new master franchisees.
The Global Franchise Awards typically takes place in February of each year, with the ceremony held in the United States. You can submit your entry between July and November, which will be judged by a panel of franchise experts – usually the leaders of various national franchise associations.
Why are winning franchise industry awards important?
External validation of your brand’s success can be an incredibly powerful tool. It will likely increase your brand’s credibility and differentiate you from others in a competitive market space. In fact, it may well be the reason why someone may decide to sign a master franchise agreement with you as opposed to another brand. It can also be the confidence boost existing franchisees need to build their businesses further and set their ambitions higher.
“We were recognized as global franchise champions last year, and it really kickstarted an amazing year for us. For our existing franchise network, after a couple of hard years with Covid, they really got a boost to be recognized with this award and we also saw a huge uplift in enquiries as a result.”
Callum Mackay, former General Manager at Boost Juice International
What kind of businesses have won Global Franchise Awards?
The Global Franchise Awards receives hundreds of submissions from international brands operating across the continents each year. But only a handful walk away with an award. Here are some of the businesses that have been considered ‘winner worthy’:
1. Signarama
Signarama is a global sign manufacturing franchise, boasting nearly 700 locations across more than 50 countries – believed to be the biggest brand presence among sign franchises worldwide.
Established by founder Ray Titus, CEO of Signarama and its parent company, United Franchise Group (UFG), the business was built on the idea that purchasing signage could be more efficient.
Titus aimed to revolutionize the industry by moving sign production out of industrial facilities and warehouses into clean, convenient retail spaces, making the process of buying signs much simpler and more enjoyable for customers.
Find out how Signarama won a Global Franchise Award
2. Reshift Media
Reshift Media, a Toronto-based digital marketing and development firm, employs a team of 50 full-time professionals with extensive expertise. The agency has spent over a decade addressing marketing challenges specific to the franchise industry, specializing in crafting custom digital marketing strategies, processes, and technologies tailored to the needs of franchise clients.
By designing and implementing bespoke digital marketing strategies, Reshift Media helps its franchise partners outpace international, national, and local competitors while reducing potential friction points.
The firm serves more than 250 clients in 20 countries across various industries. While headquartered in Canada, Reshift’s largest market is the United States, with clients spanning Europe, Australia, Asia, and Latin America.
Find out how Reshift Media won its Global Franchise Award
3. Little Kickers
Little Kickers aims to give children aged 18 months to eight years a positive introduction to soccer/football in a friendly, non-competitive setting.
Unlike other franchises that focus solely on the sport, Little Kickers integrates the game into weekly classes designed to teach children the fundamental skills aligned with key stages of their learning and development.
Each week, coaching emphasizes important concepts like sharing, teamwork, and following instructions in a fun, engaging way. Little Kickers hires coaches not for their soccer expertise, but for their passion for working with children in this age group.
Find out how Little Kickers won its Global Franchise Award
4. Venture X
As part of the Vast Coworking Group, Venture X claims to have the world’s largest privately-owned affiliated franchise network of office spaces. It currently has 52 operated locations globally and nine more on the way.
It believes its success stems from a bold and innovative strategy that sets it apart from the competition. Unlike many in the coworking industry who directly own and operate all their locations, Vast Coworking adopts a different approach: franchising.
The company invites entrepreneurs and investors to join its network, using its established brands, Venture X and Office Evolution, to build thriving coworking communities in their local markets.
Find out how Venture X won its Global Franchise Award
5. All Points PR
Lauren and Jamie Izaks founded All Points Public Relations in 2011 with the goal of creating a modern, integrated PR agency dedicated to providing exceptional support to franchise brands across the nation.
Today, their vision is fully realized, with a diverse roster of clients that includes startups, seasoned entrepreneurs, and international franchise brands. The team have aimed to operate with passion, a personalized approach, and professionalism, as well as offer smart, integrated PR solutions that drive results for franchise businesses.
The agency now employs over 45 full-time professionals across four key disciplines: public relations, creative and digital, content marketing, and lead qualifying.
Find out how All Points PR won its Global Franchise Award
How to write a winning entry for your business
Choose the most relevant categories and include as much detail as possible. There are plenty of categories to enter at next year’s awards, from food and fitness to children’s services and marketing. Target those most relevant to your business for the best chance of winning.
Categories for Global Franchise Awards 2025
- Best children’s service and education franchise
- Best food and drink franchise
- Best fitness franchise
- Best lifestyle franchise
- Best signage and communications franchise
- Best business and professional services franchise
- Best emerging franchise
- Best retail franchise
- Best property maintenance franchise
- Best franchise law firm
- Best franchise consultancy
- Best franchise marketing and PR firm
- Best health and beauty franchise
- Best entertainment franchise
Understand judging criteria
The panel of expert judges will be assessing all entries by a specific set of criteria so make sure your submission aligns with their focus. This includes:
- Global intentions: show how you’re planning to grow your franchise across countries in a sustainable and ethical way, regardless of whether you’ve started this expansion yet.
- Good franchisee and franchisor relationships: demonstrate how the franchise collaborates and communicates as well as provides support during tough times.
- Innovative marketing: outline what promotions your franchise has rolled out during 2024. This could be online, in print, on social media – or something totally unexpected.
- Contributed to international franchising: explain how your franchise has contributed to the business community. This could be through exhibitions, keynote speeches, extracurricular organizations, or anything else that makes the industry a better place to work in.
Write a winning submission
Put hands to keyboard and tell the judges exactly why your franchise should be a winner at the Global Franchise Awards. Make sure to:
- Outline how your franchise meets the judging criteria.
- Highlight your franchise’s unique selling points. Use data and specific examples to support your points.
- Tell a unique story that demonstrates your brand.
- Be clear and avoid technical jargon or industry cliches.
- Proofread to catch grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting.
Promote your franchise
If nominated, make sure to shout about it on social media in the lead up to the awards ceremony. And if your franchise wins… there’s even more cause for celebration online.
Find out more information about The Global Franchise Awards and how it could benefit your business.
