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July 30, 2025

IFA Chairwoman Advocates in D.C.

Last week IFA Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of Business Network International, visited Washington D.C. on behalf of IFA, meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to discuss the importance of protecting the franchise model.

Why it matters: Among several other lawmakers, Thompson met with U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Don Davis (D-NC) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI).

The big picture: Thompson’s visit models how franchisors and franchisees’ voices are valued on Capitol Hill – now you and your teams are encouraged to join IFA in Washington, D.C. at our Advocacy Summit in September. Register today!

SBA Extends Deadline for Franchise Directory Listing

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has extended the deadline for franchise brands that were previously listed on the franchise directory to complete the required re-certification process. Brands have until Dec. 31, 2025, to re-certify.

Why It Matters: Championed by IFA, the SBA announced earlier this year the return of the Franchise Directory, which was eliminated in 2023. The Franchise Directory is an essential tool for lenders who are assessing SBA loan eligibility.

Dig Deeper: According to FRANdata, an estimated 20% of all SBA loans go to franchises. This extension is welcome news to provide franchise brands extra time to ensure they are listed on the directory.

Joint Employer Legislation Advances

Last week, the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce advanced the IFA-backed Save Local Businesses Act, which would provide much-needed stability to the franchise community on the issue of joint employer.

Why it matters: After years of changes to the joint employer rule over the last decade, the SLBA will protect local businesses and stabilize the franchise community.

What’s next: Having been voted out of committee, the SLBA now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. IFA continues to advocate for its passage to ensure lasting regulatory stability for small businesses.

NASAA Publishes Model Broker Measure

On July 28, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) issued a revised Model Broker Registration Act that would require third-party franchise sellers, including broker networks, individual brokers and franchise sales organizations, to register with state regulators.

Why it matters: The draft aims to improve transparency in franchise sales but could also shift liability onto franchisors for broker conduct, raising compliance risks in any state that adopts it. You can find our submitted comments here.

What’s next: Comments are due August 27 and IFA encourages members who use brokers or franchise sales organizations to monitor the proposal and consider submitting feedback to NASAA.

IFA Advocacy Summit Coming Soon!

IFA is thrilled to announce that U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) will speak at the 2025 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. A strong champion of the franchise business model, Sen. Marshall will speak on many of the key legislative issues affecting the industry, including the importance of both tax and joint employer certainty.

Why it matters: The Advocacy Summit is the single most important event for anyone invested in the future of franchising. Franchise leaders from across the country will gather to meet directly with lawmakers, advocate for pro-business policies, and experience an insider’s view of Washington.

What’s next: Now only a few weeks away, don’t miss your opportunity to hear from key policymakers like Sen. Marshall and others on Capitol Hill.

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IFA Privacy Coalition Testifies

On July 30, Paul Martino, General Counsel to the IFA-backed “Main Street Privacy Coalition” testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law on the importance of ensuring a balanced and effective national privacy framework that protects customers and businesses alike. 

Zoom in: Martino’s testimony emphasized potential joint liability concerns, especially given the legislation’s language that discusses “common branding.” 

The big picture: IFA supports privacy legislation that protects consumers in a nationwide, uniform, and consistent way, and makes all businesses responsible for their own conduct, rather than subjecting businesses to unfair liability for independent business owners.