Certified Franchise Executives Program Expands to India
The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE)™ in the U.S and the Franchising Association of India (FAI) will cooperate to launch the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)™ program in India under the banner of FAI Educational Foundation starting in October,2008. The formal announcement will be made during FAI's Convention & Expo 08-09, October 2-3, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregoan, Mumbai.
-- “With therapid growth of the franchising industry in India, at the rate of 40 percentper year, we want to ensure that we bring the highest standards of professionaleducation to our members. The Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)™program is an important part of these plans,” said C.Y.Pal, President of theFranchising Association of India (FAI).
“The ICFEis excited to be working with FAI’s leadership to introduce the CertifiedFranchise Executive™ program in India.Our mission is to enhance professionalism in theFranchising domainby certifying the highest standards of quality training and education,”said Melanie Bergeron, CFE, chair of the ICFE Board of Governors and CEO, TwoMen and A Truck Intl. “The CFE program offers franchise executivesan established curriculum taught by recognized experts in the field. Itprovides individuals with the opportunity for expanded knowledge, industryrecognition, and peer-level networking,” she added.
“Thefranchising industry has grown impressively in India in recent years. It is estimatedthat there are more than 850 franchisors and 60,000 franchisees in sectorsranging from education and retailing to hospitality and healthcare. FAI and ICFE will cooperate to bring education and trainingto these professionals,” said C.Y. Pal.
Under theagreement, FAI members will be able to enroll in the ICFE program at specialrates and receive reduced fees for ICFE-approved programs. FAI and ICFEwill cooperate to develop educational programs to be offered throughout theyear, including web-based programs. FAI members will also have access tothe ifa-university.com website for additional courses and resources. AsFAI members complete the course of study and meet other requirements of theICFE program, they will be awarded their Certified Franchise Executive™credentials. FAI members will be recognized in graduation ceremonies forCertified Franchise Executives (CFEs)at the Franchising Association ofIndia’s annual conference in New Delhi,the next one which will be held on 3rd and 4th April 2009as well as at International Franchise Association’s annual convention.
The CFEis a great tool that will be the new benchmark for Indian Franchising, havingenrolled for CFE, I see enormous scope for peer-to-peer learning, Dhawal Shah,Dy. Executive Officer of Franchising Association of India, added.
TheInstitute of Certified Franchise Executives™ is the only professionaldevelopment program for franchise executives designed by franchiseexecutives. It is governed by a peer-led board of directors, whothemselves have completed the CFE program and also includes representativesfrom academia. To be awarded the CFE designation, individuals mustcomplete an extensive course of study, and meet experience, participation andethics requirements as established by the ICFE Board of Governors.
In the United States, more than 1,100 franchise executivesare currentlyparticipating in the CFE program. The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives is happy to be collaboratingwith the Franchising Association of India (www.fai.co.in) in conductof the CFE program
Notes to Editor
The Franchising Association of India is a Membership Organisation ofFranchisors, Franchisees, Vendors, Consultants, Financial Institutions andStudents and others. Our services are dedicated to provide a one-stop shoppingexperience for franchising business and with membership of the prestigiousWorld Franchise Council we have ongoing access to knowledge of the Worldaccepted best practice related to Franchising in different areas of businessactivity as also networking contacts with the WFC member FranchisingAssociations in different parts of the world for generating new businessopportunities for Indian entrepreneurs.
In recognition of the increasing role of franchising in the market place andthe very beneficial positive contributions of franchising to the Indianeconomy, the franchisor and franchisee members of the FAI believe thatfranchising must reflect the highest principles and standards of fair businesspractices.
Mission
Tap the vast entrepreneurial energy available in the country by promotingthe concept and practice of franchising in India.
Objectives
- Exchange and safeguard the business environment for franchising, both withregard to franchisors and franchisees
- Act as the resource centre for current and prospective franchisors,franchisees, the media and the Government.
- Disseminate knowledge to promote the concept of 'franchising' and propagateit as a healthy business practice.
- Establish a forum for discussion and deliberation on Franchising relatedmatters and problems and help promote the interest of members by organisingseminars, conferences and meetings.
Activities
To work towards achievement of the above mission and objectives our activitieswill include:
- Creation of appropriate forums for discussion of issues and problems relatedto Franchising.
- International linkages to promote - bringing in of foreign frachisors andbest practice for doing business in India through Marketing India atInternational Expos and otherwise.
- Make representations to the Government with regard to legislative and othermeasures affecting the promotion of concept and practice of Franchising.
- Encouraging Bank and Venture Capital funding for franchisees.
-Publication of Franchising Successes
- Creation of India's most comprehensive Online Franchise Directory -which helps franchisors promote their business's and attract new franchisees.
For more information about FAI, please visit www.fai.co.in