FREE Resource
2026 Franchising Economic Outlook Report
presented by IFA
(International Franchise Association)
The 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook is IFA’s annual study detailing the franchise sector’s performance for the past year and projected economic outlook for the year ahead.
Franchising in the U.S. is projected to continue steady growth in 2026, with franchise units increasing 1.5%, employment rising by over 150,000 jobs, and total output reaching $921.4 billion.
Growth will be strongest in service-based industries and in business-friendly regions like the Southeast and Southwest, driven by population growth, affordability, and consumer demand for services and experiences.
Franchise ownership is a great way to create an additional income stream by investing in a proven system.