Women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping the future of Canada’s franchise sector, expanding into industries traditionally dominated by men and building scalable businesses across the country. As part of International Women’s Month, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is highlighting several women who are leading franchise systems in sectors such as construction, automotive, and skilled trades.
Franchising continues to provide a structured pathway to entrepreneurship for Canadians seeking to launch or expand businesses. According to the CFA, women are leveraging the franchise model to enter industries where representation has historically been limited. The organization says the growth of women in franchising Canada reflects broader changes in entrepreneurship and leadership across the country’s small and medium-sized business community.
“Women franchisors are redefining what’s possible in industries traditionally dominated by men,” says Sherry McNeil, President and CEO, Canadian Franchise Association. “At the CFA, we are proud to provide the tools, mentorship, and advocacy these entrepreneurs need to grow, scale, and succeed. This International Women’s Month, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the pathways they’re creating for the next generation of women leaders in franchising.”
Women-Owned Businesses Continue to Grow in Canada
The CFA points to several indicators showing the growing role of women entrepreneurs in Canada’s economy. Majority women-owned businesses now account for approximately 20% of businesses in Canada, representing a 17.6% increase compared with 2024. These companies generate more than $90 billion in annual revenue and employ nearly one million people nationwide.
Women also represent 37% of self-employed Canadians, with increasing participation in sectors such as construction and manufacturing. Research cited by the CFA indicates that majority women-owned businesses are more likely to employ women at all levels compared with private sector businesses overall.
These trends are becoming visible within the franchise sector as well. Franchising offers established brand systems, operational support, and training that can help entrepreneurs scale businesses more quickly than independent startups. For many women entrepreneurs, the model provides an accessible entry point into industries that historically have had higher barriers to entry.
Franchise Leaders Challenging Industry Norms
Several franchise leaders highlighted by the CFA illustrate how women in franchising Canada are expanding their presence in sectors often viewed as male-dominated.
Andrea Mackey Builds Wise Cracks Franchise Network: Andrea Mackey, CEO & President, Wise Cracks, co-founded the business with her husband in 1991 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The company began in the couple’s basement while Mackey was still working full time in electrical and instrumentation sales.
Over time, the company evolved into a franchise network operating across Canada. As CEO and President, Mackey now oversees the system’s expansion while mentoring franchisees and leading a family-run organization.
Throughout her career, Mackey says she has often encountered assumptions that the company must be male-owned. She says those perceptions gradually shifted as the business established its reputation among suppliers, franchisees, and associates.
Mackey also highlights the success of female technicians within the network and encourages women entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities in trades-related sectors.
“Women are capable in every industry. Many of the women I’ve worked with in business are incredibly strong, and they rise to the challenge. I would advise aspiring women entrepreneurs to just go for it.”
Anita Elliott Leads Expansion of JDI Cleaning: Anita Elliott, President & CEO, JDI Cleaning, entered the business in 2008 in a regional sales role. Two years later she purchased her region and expanded it to include 42 local franchisees.
Today Elliott leads a growing franchise system operating across Canada and the United States. Her leadership approach focuses on strengthening systems while building relationships with franchise operators throughout the network.
Early in her career, Elliott says she was often underestimated due to her age and the expectations associated with leadership roles in the industry. Over time, she says measurable results and operational growth helped establish credibility with franchisees and partners.
Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and accessibility, which she says helps maintain strong relationships across the franchise network.
“Don’t let fear hold you back. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone, but thoughtful, informed risk-taking is often what separates those who consider entrepreneurship from those who truly build something meaningful.”
Erin Vaughan Expands Automotive Franchise Concept: Erin Vaughan, Founder, Kinetic Auto, entered the automotive industry two decades ago as an apprentice technician before launching Kinetic Auto Service in 2011.
Vaughan developed the brand with a focus on transparent service for customers and long-term career development for employees. Her company has emphasized workplace culture, including a four-day work week designed to support work-life balance for staff.
In the early stages of her career, Vaughan says she often needed to advocate for equal pay and access to training opportunities. Those experiences shaped her commitment to building a more inclusive automotive industry.
She says diverse perspectives ultimately strengthen organizations and improve outcomes for employees and customers alike.
“DO IT! We need more female leaders who can show young girls that women are capable of doing anything they set their minds to doing.”
Franchising Provides Pathways to Entrepreneurship
The CFA notes that franchising has long served as a pathway to business ownership across a wide range of industries. The association represents more than 60 sectors, spanning everything from hospitality and retail services to automotive repair, construction, and professional services.
Within that ecosystem, the CFA provides mentorship programs, training resources, and advocacy aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow and scale businesses. For women entrepreneurs in particular, those support structures can help accelerate entry into industries where networks and experience have traditionally been harder to access.
As more women enter franchise leadership roles, the sector is seeing broader diversity among both franchise owners and employees. The CFA says this trend is contributing to stronger business communities and expanding economic opportunities across Canada.
The continued rise of women in franchising Canada reflects a broader shift in entrepreneurship. As more women establish and expand franchise businesses, they are opening doors for future entrepreneurs while reshaping industries that historically had fewer female leaders.
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