Harnessing the Franchise Model for Social Impact

Ab Igram speaks in front of a screen with the International Society of Franchising logo
Listen

In today’s interconnected world, the concept of social impact has evolved beyond mere philanthropy to encompass initiatives that address pressing global challenges, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, equity, and community benefit. With its proven business model renowned for its scalability and operational efficiency, franchising has emerged as a potent vehicle for driving these social impact initiatives.

This synergy was highlighted during the Social Impact and Franchising panel at this year’s International Society of Franchising (ISoF) Conference, hosted by the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College’s Boston location, in conjunction with The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership. On the panel, experts underscored the pivotal role franchising poses in amplifying social change efforts. Here are the key takeaways:

Integrating Social Impact

When asked by panel moderator Babson Associate Law Professor Leslie Garbarino what trends are being seen in franchising regarding social impact, Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute, emphasized franchisors increasing recognition of the imperative to integrate social impact and responsibility into their business frameworks and brand ethos.

Headshot of Cheryl Kiser
Cheryl Kiser, executive director of the Institute for Social Innovation

Igram explained how this approach not only aligns with customer and employee expectations but also empowers local franchisees to contribute meaningfully to their communities. For instance, he noted, franchises such as Dunkin’ demonstrate a dual-pronged approach: While adhering to corporate social responsibility standards centrally, individual franchisees have the flexibility to tailor initiatives to local needs.

The trend toward franchising models that prioritize social impact is not just about corporate goodwill; it’s also smart business. In the panel discussion, Cheryl Kiser, executive director of the Institute for Social Innovation, highlighted how businesses that effectively integrate social impact initiatives can enhance their reputation, reduce risk capital costs, and foster deeper customer loyalty. This strategic alignment was underscored by the Institute for Social Innovation’s work on Project ROI, secondary research conducted by Babson that illustrates the tangible benefits of robust social impact strategies.

Exemplifying Social Impact

Headshot of Aidan Mullaney
Aidan Mullaney, community engagement and sports philanthropy manager, AMB Sports + Entertainment

A compelling example discussed was initiatives led by AMB Sports + Entertainment, under the stewardship of Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98. Aidan Mullaney, AMB community engagement and sports philanthropy manager, shared how AMB leverages its platform through initiatives such as flag football programs for girls and boys across multiple states, to promote inclusivity and community engagement. By seeding local teams and providing necessary equipment, the organization not only promotes sports but also breaks down barriers to participation, demonstrating how a national franchise entity can catalyze grassroots impact.

Moreover, initiatives such as the culinary program near Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium exemplify a top-down approach to community support. By offering local students opportunities in hospitality, AMB ensures that economic benefits extend beyond the stadium walls, fostering long-term community resilience and development.

Policy and Ethical Considerations

Looking forward, there is a growing call for regulatory bodies to incentivize and enforce social impact practices within franchising. Audience discussions from the Social Impact and Franchising panel highlighted the potential role of federal policy makers, such as the Federal Trade Commission, in promoting transparency and accountability. Advocates argued that mandatory disclosures of social impact commitments could empower prospective franchisees to align with brands that share their values, thus amplifying the sector’s positive societal contributions.

Embracing the Future

As franchising continues to evolve, its potential to drive social impact at both local and global scales remains substantial. By aligning business success with community well- being and environmental stewardship, franchisors not only fulfill their ethical obligations but also lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, innovation and resilience. The narratives shared at the ISoF Conference underscored a clear message: In the pursuit of profitability, franchising can and should serve as a force for positive change, ushering in a future where doing good is not just an option but a prerequisite for enduring success.

Posted in Insights

More from Insights »

Latest Stories

a row of electricity meters
The Price of Power: What’s Driving Rising Electricity Rates? Electricity rates have been steadily increasing. Ryan Davies, a Babson professor of finance, unpacks the many reasons for that, including the massive data centers popping up across the country.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
September 30, 2025

Posted in Insights

The Babson community and mascot celebrate at the Roger Babson statue last year
No. 2 Again: Wall Street Journal Ranks Babson the No. 2 Best College for the Second Year in a Row For the second year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranked Babson as the No. 2 Best College in the United States, lauding the College for its impressive student outcomes.
By
Eric Beato
Editor / Writer
Eric Beato
Eric Beato is the Editor of Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. A native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Eric has worked as an editor and writer at newspapers across the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Boston Herald. Eric joined Babson College in 2019 after working as the communications director for a private educational travel company and as the managing editor of six regional sports publications.
September 29, 2025

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Insights, Outcomes

First row (left to right): Laura Bautista ’29, Ezel Bhatty ’29, Sydney Fojas ’29; Second row (left to right): Lucas Lebrija ’29, Tia Malhotra ’29, Remy Witt ’29
Class of 2029 Blank Leadership Scholars Bring Excitement to Campus The Class of 2029 Blank Leadership Scholars arrive at Babson equipped with entrepreneurial spirit and social impact experience, from launching nonprofits and tech solutions to championing environmental education.
By
Melissa Savignano
Writer
Melissa Savignano
Melissa Savignano, a content marketing manager at Babson College, has worked in higher education for almost a decade, where she tells authentic, compelling campus and community stories. Before Babson, she managed communications for Boston University’s largest college, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. She previously worked in client relations, helping brands of various sizes launch content marketing strategies and storytelling initiatives. When not at work, you will find her in the city of Boston, probably at the movie theater.
September 25, 2025

Posted in Community