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April 30, 2025

2025 Legal Symposium Next Week

Now less than a week away, IFA’s 2025 Legal Symposium is shaping up as an action-packed three days in the nation’s capital chock-full of insights and analysis on how legal and regulatory issues impact the day-to-day operations of the franchise community.

Go deeper: This year’s program will feature Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, and Chris Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, SBA officials to discuss recent Franchise Directory changes, CEOs, dozens of in-house counsel, and more.

What’s next: Register today, and we’ll see you in Washington next week!

Franchisees Advocate for Tax Relief

As IFA continues its full court advocacy to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) before its expiration at year’s end, our members are speaking up and adding their voices to the conversation. 

Dig deeper: In South Carolina, BrightStar Care franchisee Susan Whittelsey penned an op-ed in the Bluffton Sun, while Tim Nesler, a BrightStar Care franchisee in Texas, authored a similar piece in Federal Newswire. Both highlighted the urgent need for Congress to extend Section 199A, the 20% tax deduction for small businesses. 

The big picture: Preserving the 20% small business tax deduction, as well as restoring 100% bonus depreciation, remain pillars of our 2025 Roadmap for Small Business Growth, as outlined in a recent op-ed penned by IFA President and CEO Matt Haller and U.S. Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK).

Send Us Your Store Openings!

Joined by representatives from the office of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (R-LA), Bill and Anne DiPaola opened the first Chicken Salad Chick in Metairie, Louisiana to great fanfare on April 22, bringing the brand’s southern charm to the New Orleans market. 

Why it matters: IFA helped invite local leaders to the DiPaola's new franchise, and we would be happy to help you promote your new business with elected officials in your local area.

One fun thing: With their support of local non-profit organizations, the new store shows how business success and community impact go hand in hand. As part of its pre-opening events, the Metairie team is raising funds for the Career Immersion & Leadership Institute (CILI), while the CSC Foundation continues to support CURE Childhood Cancer and local food banks.

SBA to Reinstate Franchise Directory

Last week, IFA applauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) announcement restoring the Franchise Directory, a vital resource that streamlines SBA loan processing for franchisees and lenders. 

Dig deeper: Working alongside the SBA, IFA helped effectuate several positive changes that will be welcome news for franchisors and franchisees alike, including:

• Listing on the Directory remains free of charge
• The SBA Addendum is being replaced by a simplified certification process
• Franchisors previously listed may submit the Franchisor Certification now to stay on the Directory
• New applicants will apply to the SBA to confirm eligibility; applications will be reviewed in order received

What’s next: With one in five SBA loans going to franchises, the Franchise Directory reinstatement (which takes effect June 1, 2025) is a major step forward expanding access to capital for franchisees nationwide.

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