Indianapolis Business Journal:
Betsy Knoke’s northeast-side business is the latest addition for Colorado-based 10 til 2, a franchised staffing service that places college-educated individuals in part-time employment.
On a grander scale, the andscape-architect-turned-business-owner is among the scores of women and minorities who are finding business opportunities through franchises.
A report issued in October by the IFA Educational Foundation found minorities own 20% of the nation’s franchises and women 25%. The affiliate of the International Franchise Association in Washington, D.C., used U.S. Census data from 2002, the most recent year for which statistics are available, to compile the report.
The study gives the IFA its first comprehensive look at how minorities and women are shaping the franchising industry. The organization plans to use census data to track minority and female participation every 5 years.
‘Of course we want the number to increase,’ said Miriam Brewer, the foundation’s director of diversity. ‘We’re pleased with the results, but we know we can do better.’
One effort involves more than 220 companies that are IFA members. They participate in a program that aims to increase the number of minority franchisees, employees and suppliers. Since April, the IFA’s Diversity Institute has conducted more than a dozen seminars in major cities addressing franchising opportunities for minorities, women and veterans.
For Knoke, 45, the 10 til 2 concept of helping professionals find part-time employment attracted her more than any recruiting effort. Yet, she realizes the obstacles that can arise when starting a company from scratch.
‘[With a franchise], you have your own business, but you’re really not alone,’ she said. ‘You get a lot of support and a lot of things from your franchiser that you would have to do on your own.’
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