b'COVER STORYGood for BUSINESSBy Matthew BradfordAs more openly gay business owners turn to franchising, theyre helping entrench an inclusive culture in the Canadian marketplace Driverseat employees and franchisees participating in the brands Ride with Pride campaignT he franchisee journey is rewarding,and in the world of franchising, companiesAssociation (CFA). With that shift, comes but not for the faint of heart.are committed to creating a more greater representation and visibility of Building and running your ownequitable path. LGBTQ2SA+-owned businesses.business can be tough and it helps whenJust like our larger society, inThe Canadian Gay and Lesbian you have the right support to be yourfranchising there has been a shift towardsChamber of Commerce estimates there authentic self. This hasnt always been theopenness and inclusiveness over the lastare more than 100,000 LGBTQ+-owned case for gay business owners in the past,few years, says Sherry McNeil, presidentbusinesses across Canada today, including but the Canadian marketplace is changing,and CEO of the Canadian Franchisemany franchises. And while the CFA does 4| QBiz CANADA | Issue 2 2021'