06/18/2026
If you've been thinking about business ownership, the timing might be better than you think.
The IFA's 2026 Economic Outlook is out, and franchising is holding strong - even as the broader economy slows down. That kind of resilience is what a proven model, built-in support, and established brand equity looks like in practice.
Here's what the data projects for 2026:
📈 Franchise output growing to $921.4 billion
🏢 845,000 franchise establishments nationwide
👷 Nearly 8.9 million jobs supported by the sector
💰 Total franchise GDP reaching $558.4 billion
Regionally, the Southeast and Southwest are leading the way - Texas and Florida top the list, with Michigan, Ohio, and Utah emerging as new growth markets. Child services and commercial/residential services are among the fastest-growing sectors this year.
The data is encouraging. But numbers alone don't tell you which opportunity is right for you - that depends on your goals, your strengths, and where you want to go next.
If you've been on the fence, this might be the time to take a closer look!