The Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) is proud to highlight one of the most meaningful moments from our 2025 Annual Conference—our partnership with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Simply put: FBA partners with FBLA to help inspire and equip the next generation of business leaders with real exposure to franchising.
While our conference is known for brand growth, strategic networking, and deal-making, this year marked something even more significant: a commitment to shaping the future of the franchise industry by investing in the next generation of business leaders.
The Franchise Brokers Association FBLA Partnership and Why It Matters.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the nation’s premier student organization dedicated to preparing young people for successful careers in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With thousands of chapters across the country, FBLA provides students with hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to industries that power the American economy.
Franchising represents one of the most dynamic and accessible pathways to entrepreneurship in the United States. Yet for many students, the industry remains largely unseen—a powerful opportunity hiding in plain sight.
That’s where this becomes so meaningful. The Franchise Brokers Association partnership with FBLA reflects our belief that awareness, mentorship, and real-world exposure can shape future leaders.
At Franchise Brokers Association, our mission extends beyond connecting brands and brokers. We are committed to elevating ethical franchising, expanding responsible ownership, and strengthening the long-term health of the industry. Investing in young leaders who are already demonstrating initiative, discipline, and business acumen aligns perfectly with that mission.
If you’re exploring franchising and want expert guidance before making a decision, start here: Find Franchises.
FBA Partners with FBLA at the 2025 Annual Conference.
On Monday, November 10, 2025, FBA welcomed a group of standout FBLA students into one of the most valuable parts of our Annual Conference: scheduled inventory time.
Inventory time is where strategy meets opportunity. It’s where brand executives and brokers sit down for focused, high-level conversations about growth, territory expansion, and partnership alignment. For students, it provided rare behind-the-scenes access to the real mechanics of franchising.
Throughout the afternoon, students met directly with brand representatives, CEOs, COOs, VPs, and other key industry leaders—getting an inside look at how franchise brands operate, scale, and support their franchisees.
This was not a passive experience. Students engaged in conversations about:
- How franchise systems are structured.
- What makes a brand scalable.
- The importance of operations and support.
- How franchise development works.
- The role brokers play in guiding candidates.
Their professionalism, curiosity, and thoughtful questions impressed everyone in the room. The energy was undeniable. What could have simply been an observational opportunity quickly turned into meaningful dialogue between generations of business leaders.
For many of these students, this was their first true exposure to franchising—not just as a business model, but as a career path and long-term wealth-building vehicle.
That kind of exposure can change trajectories—and it’s a core reason FBA partners with FBLA.
To learn how franchising works step-by-step, you can also attend our free session: Franchise Webinar.
Why This Matters for the Future of Franchising
The franchise industry is at a pivotal moment. As experienced owners begin transitioning out of their businesses and new generations seek flexible, scalable opportunities, the demand for well-educated, ethically guided leaders continues to grow.
Gen Z and emerging young professionals are increasingly entrepreneurial. They value autonomy, impact, and systems that allow them to build something meaningful while maintaining work-life balance. Franchising checks all of those boxes—when introduced properly.
However, awareness is everything.
By bringing FBLA students directly into the conference environment, the Franchise Brokers Association partnership with FBLA is helping bridge the gap between classroom business theory and real-world franchise execution. We are not just telling students that franchising is an option—we are showing them.
That distinction matters.
When students see the collaboration between brands and brokers, the strategic thinking behind territory growth, and the infrastructure that supports franchisees, they begin to understand that franchising is not simply about opening a location. It is about leadership, systems, community, and long-term value creation.
This partnership is an investment in talent development for the entire industry.
If you’d like one-on-one help identifying the right franchise opportunities, explore Franchise Consulting.
Investing in Their Future: A $20,000 Commitment.
As part of this partnership, FBA was honored to present a $20,000 donation to FBLA to support their ongoing programs and student development initiatives.
The contribution was graciously accepted by Yukeeba Mays, Business Department Curriculum Leader and FBLA Advisor, whose dedication to cultivating leadership and opportunity for students made the moment especially meaningful.
This donation will help expand access to resources, leadership development programs, and experiential learning opportunities for students preparing to enter the business world.
Education, mentorship, and exposure are powerful equalizers. When we invest in students early, we multiply opportunity—not just for individuals, but for the industries they will one day lead.
A Special Thank You to FranGrowth.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of FranGrowth, whose $20,000 donation is directly fueling this effort to empower the next generation of business leaders.
FBA extends our deepest appreciation to FranGrowth for their commitment to education, opportunity, and the long-term strength of franchising. Their support demonstrates what industry leadership truly looks like—thinking beyond immediate growth and investing in sustainable impact.
Partnerships like this reinforce what makes the FBA community unique: collaboration, shared responsibility, and a belief that the future of franchising depends on intentional mentorship.
Looking Ahead: FBA Partners with FBLA for Long-Term Impact
The Franchise Brokers Association remains committed to mentoring and empowering young professionals who are passionate about business and entrepreneurship. Our responsibility as The Franchise Brokers Association remains committed to supporting, mentoring, and empowering young professionals who are passionate about business and entrepreneurship. Our responsibility as industry leaders extends beyond transactions—it includes stewardship.
The future of franchising will be shaped by the leaders we invest in today—and FBA partners with FBLA with that long-term vision in mind.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can start with the Zorakle Assessment or join FranPath Live for guided next steps.
For more information about this collaboration—or to learn how you can get involved in future initiatives—please reach out to our team. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more sustainable future for franchising.
