Franchising
(Hosted by the Greater Richmond Chamber Small Business Development Center)
The Virginia Franchise Forum is an educational and networking group formed in the fall of 2008 to bring the franchise community in Central Virginia together to discuss emerging trends and developments, ideas for success, and other best practices.
Franchising has a significant impact on our economy-locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. A recent study conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers,Inc. on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) reported that, in Virginia alone, there are over 26,000 franchised businesses that employ over 625,000 people and generate over $69 million annually. This does not include the dozens of franchisors headquartered in Virginia that have franchised units operating all over the world.
The VFF supports franchising business leaders as well as prospective franchisors and franchisees by hosting important networking and educational opportunities throughout the year.
Vision:
Become the business support group of choice for Central Virginia Franchisors and Franchisees by assisting them in growing and developing their businesses through networking, education and outreach.
Mission:
Support information sharing between members by creating separate roundtable programs for franchisees and franchisors comprised of 8 – 10 non-competing business owners that will act as an adjunct board of advisors for one another and provide advice in a confidential manner.
Provide educational programs, articles, guest speakers and training programs both in-person and on-line on relevant business topics.
Connect members by conducting networking events that will assist them in finding valuable contacts, help them grow and develop their businesses and keep members up to date on current trends in their business sector.
Promote success and increase recognition of member businesses in the Central Virginia Region and beyond.
For more information on VFF or to attend one of our upcoming breakfasts, please contact Mike Leonard at mike.leonard@grcc.com or 804.783.9369.
VFF can also be found on 
