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August 26, 2026

Countdown to Biggest IFA Advocacy Summit Ever

The IFA26 Advocacy Summit is just weeks away, bringing franchise leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C., September 14–16 for three days working together to protect America’s 832,00 franchise businesses.

Why It Matters: A new Advancing American Freedom report names protecting franchisees and small businesses among the top 10 ways policymakers can improve affordability, and you can join franchising leaders in calling on Congress to pass the American Franchise Act during the IFA Advocacy Summit.

What Else: This year’s Advocacy Summit features former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, The Economist’s Alice Fulwood, the Ruthless podcast hosts, IFA President and CEO Matt Haller, IFA Chair Sam Ballas, and more.

IFA Sues New Jersey For Franchising

IFA joined a coalition of business groups in filing suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey challenging New Jersey’s recently enacted Employer Healthcare Assistance Contributions Act (A5324), which may ensnare franchisees to make payments to the state’s Medicaid program.

Why It Matters: IFA’s challenge is based on whether a state may use a Medicaid assessment to pressure employers into redesigning benefit plans that Congress placed under a single federal framework (i.e., ERISA).

What's Next: IFA’s suit is timely because New Jersey's first assessment to businesses is scheduled for December 31, 2026, with notices to be sent to employers by March 1 and payment due by April 15, 2027.

SBA Proposes New Size Standards

The SBA has issued a proposed rule that would update small business size standards for purposes of SBA loans and federal contracting. 

Why It Matters: The proposed standards transition from 6-digit NAICS codes to 4-digit codes, making it easier for small business owners to determine their eligibility. The updated standards would also expand the number of eligible small businesses by over 110,000.



What’s Next? IFA is reviewing the new standards, and SBA is accepting comments through September 21st. 

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IFA Member Hosts Florida Congressman

Last week, IFA Board Member and We Sell Restaurants CEO Robin Gagnon hosted U.S. Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), a cosponsor of the American Franchise Act, at her office in Palm Coast, Florida, to talk directly about how important it is to pass this legislation to provide certainty for the franchise business model.

Why It Matters: With the AFA primed for consideration by the full U.S. House, last week U.S. Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC) also visited a McDonald’s franchise last week, thanking them for “ALL they contribute to our community.”

Take Action: You can invite your Member of Congress to visit your business! Contact IFA’s Grace Hill, and IFA can help coordinate a great visit for you.