Dunkin’ Brands, NAACP Launch Web Series To Attract Black Franchisees

Donuts and ice cream lovers can get a lesson on owning their own shops thank to a web series launched by Dunkin’ Brands Group, parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. The new educational webinar is part of its Diversity in Franchising Initiative in partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The goal of the initiative, which was first announced at the NAACP’s national convention in July, is to increase the number of franchised businesses owned by people of color in both the quick service restaurant sector and across the spectrum of franchise concepts in today’s marketplace.

Dunkin’ Brands hosted its first complimentary Franchising 101 webinar on Thursday, November 6 in collaboration with the International Franchise Association (IFA) Educational Foundation’s Diversity Institute. The franchising education session, which was open to anyone interested in learning about the power of franchising, provided a thorough overview of the industry, franchising business model, resources and tips to get started.

“Dunkin’ Brands and the NAACP are excited to work with the IFA Educational Foundation to provide African-Americans and other entrepreneurs with a path to business ownership,” Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands, said in a statement.

“The IFA is always looking to promote diversity and inclusion within franchising through educational programs and cultivating relationships with key partners around the country,” added Miriam Brewer, CFE, senior director of education and diversity. “We fully support Dunkin’ Brands’ and the NAACP’s mission to grow minority presence within the industry, and are thrilled to participate in the Diversity in Franchising’s first ever Franchising 101 Webinar.”

Dunkin’ Brands also recently participated in Economic Development workshops at the NAACP’s annual state

conventions in Michigan, Texas, Florida, California and Georgia. These workshops, sponsored by NAACP’s Economic Department, are designed to provide resources and tools to NAACP members to encourage economic advancement. Dunkin’ Brands’ involvement helped to raise awareness on the benefits of franchising and highlight existing resources that will help qualified candidates overcome information barriers associated with franchising.

“The attendees at our NAACP state conventions in Michigan, Texas, Florida, California and Georgia have had a firsthand opportunity to learn more about the Diversity in Franchising Initiative and the power of franchising,” said Dedrick Asante – Muhammad, senior director,

NAACP Economic Department.  “We’re excited to work with Dunkin’ Brands to continue providing educational resources on the business development opportunities within the franchise sector and the role franchising can play in creating community and economic development opportunities in communities of color.”

Visit http://franchisingevents.dunkinbrands.com to register.

The company will host three more webinars in November to discuss franchise opportunities specific to Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins: Wednesday, November 12^th from 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT); Thursday, November 13^th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT, and Tuesday, November 18^th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT).