About FCA

What is the Franchise Council of Australia?

The Franchise Council of Australia is the industry representative body for the Australian franchise sector. We represent franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to the sector - including financial institutions, legal advisors, bookkeepers, IT consultants, HR consultants and many more.

What FCA membership means is credibility - which is maintained through our member standards and the Franchising Code of Conduct; professional support - through education programs, networking opportunities and regular events; and representation - if the government proposes changes to policy that will negatively affect the sector then the FCA puts its hand up for you.

Whether we are offering advice on best practice franchising, contributing to government policies, promoting franchising in the media or providing educational services to our members, the FCA does its part to make the sector a sustainable place to work. We ensure that all activities and services which benefit franchising will benefit the broader community including: franchisees, franchisors, employees and their local economies and communities.

What are the benefits of becoming a member

Communications

• FCA Update - informative monthly e-newsletter informing you of the issues affecting the sector and updates on FCA related activities;
• The Franchise Review - quarterly publication containing news, issues and commentary aimed to increase your knowledge base and inform the decision making processes of senior management within the sector;

Education

• The FCA Franchise Academy will equip those people developing a career in Franchising with the skills and knowledge vital for their success and the continuing success of the sector. Members receive a discount on all education programs.

Educating State & Federal Governments on issues of relevance to the sector.

• The FCA coordinates member feedback for the compilation and representation of submissions to government on relevant franchising issues.

Regular industry events

• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners in all states provide networking opportunities and guest speakers from some of the country's biggest and most influential business people.

FCA Branding

• FCA membership enables you to use the FCA logo and brand in your marketing activities. The member standards ensure that the FCA brand is perceived as a mark of credibility and professional excellence.

Website Advertising

• Discounted Advertising on www.franchisebusiness.com.au gives you access to over 80,000 potential franchisees and existing franchisors on Australia’s premier franchise website.

Excellence in Franchising Awards

• The pre-eminent franchising Awards process in Australia. The Excellence in Franchising Awards is open to franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to the sector and will give you the opportunity to showcase your products, services and people on the national stage.

Conferences & Exhibitions

• The FCA holds annual state and national conferences which are the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The conferences include exhibitions, guest speakers, roundtables, plus much more. Members save 30% on their conference registration fees.

Public Relations

• The FCA undertakes public relations activities to continually reiterate the positive aspects off franchising, and to create a public image of franchising conducive to its continued growth in Australia.

A Voice in your Association

• All members have equal voting rights and all members are eligible to become committee members or office bearers of state chapters, as well as direct election to the national board. Only FCA members have an effective say in the future of franchising in Australia.

Why deal with members

Members of the Franchise Council of Australia are required to abide by the FCA Members Standards, which encourage standards of conduct worthy of franchise sector professionals.

Prospective members of the FCA are closely evaluated before their application to join is accepted. An important part of this process is ensuring all their franchising paperwork at the time of applying is aligned with the council's beliefs and values. This will allow potential franchisees are handed disclosure paperwork, a period to "cool off", as well as a franchise agreement.

Only members are required to abide by the guidelines drawn up by the Franchise Council of Australia. Those franchises and individuals who have not joined and have therefore not been evaluated by FCA are not required to abide by the guidelines.