Industry Resources
1. International Franchise Association (IFA)
The IFA was founded in 1960 and is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising.
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC was created in 1914 and its mission is to protect consumers and promote competition.
3. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The USPTO is an agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that issues patents to inventors for their inventions, and trademark registrations for product and intellectual property identification.
4. American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD)
The AAFD acts to educate the public regarding fair franchise practices, quality franchise opportunities and to expose unethical business practices in the franchise community.
5. North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)
NASAA is the oldest international organization devoted to investor protection and offers resources for corporation finance as well as franchising resources.
6. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA was created in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the U.S.
7. SCORE ("Counselors to America’s Small Business")
SCORE is a non-profit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
8. Franchise Times
The Franchise Times is a national business publication that covers news, trends and legal issues that affect franchising.
9. Blue MauMau
The Blue MauMau is an online franchise community where members share insights, stories, news and information on buying and running a franchise.