On August 1, 2025, Elite Franchise Canada will proudly launch the second annual Elite Franchise 100 (EF100) league table, now recognizing the best and brightest franchises across Canada. Originally founded in the UK in 2017, this prestigious ranking now celebrates Canadian franchises that demonstrate excellence in growth, community impact, and innovation.
Ahead of the launch, Elite Franchise hosted a pre-entry virtual session on July 17, 2025 for franchisors, offering valuable insights into how to successfully submit for the EF100. The on-demand recording is now available, to view click here featuring industry experts, as well as esteemed EF100 judges, notable faces in the Canadian franchise landscape who shared their top tips for a successful submission.
Scott English, Global Brand Director for Elite Franchise, shared his excitement about the Canadian expansion, saying, “Bringing the EF100 to Canada was a major milestone for us, and we are thrilled to expand and continue to showcase the incredible achievements of Canadian franchisors. The EF100 not only celebrates their hard work and innovation but also highlights their positive impact on the communities they serve, and the economy.”
The 2026 EF100 has introduced two new category awards, bringing the total to 12 and including the highly coveted People’s Choice Award. New this year, the Highest Entry Award celebrating new systems to the EF100, as well as Rising Star of the Year, awarded to the system that moved highest up on the rankings from the year prior.
“The EF100 represents the pinnacle of franchising excellence,” English continued. “We are eager to recognize these trailblazers and forward-looking leaders who set the standard for success and innovation within the franchise industry, as well as offer an opportunity for franchise systems of all sizes the chance to be acknowledged and celebrated.”
The jury panel for this year’s EF100 in Canada includes distinguished and recognizable members of the franchise community, including Amy Delisle, Managing Partner at Keyser Mason Ball, LLP; Angelee Brown, Founder & CEO of FranOvation; Brian Bazely, Founder & Operating Director, Bazely Consulting; Gregory M. Prekupec, Corporate and Franchising Lawyer, Dipchand LLP; Larry M. Weinberg, Partner, Cassel’s Brock & Blackwell LLP; Travis Tinning, Chief Development Officer at Franchise GrowthLab. For a full list of judges, please click here.
Alongside earning a place in the EF100, participants will be invited to a black-tie awards ceremony in 2026, where they will have the opportunity to win prestigious awards such as Sustainable Business of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Community Builder of the Year, and Diversity & Inclusion of the Year. “These awards are a chance to celebrate the exceptional achievements of franchisors and their marketing innovation, contributions to the franchise community, and commitment to inclusivity,” added English.
Key Dates for the EF100:
Entries open: August 1, 2025
Entries close: September 30, 2025
Finalist ranking announced: January 30, 2026
Additional Award finalists announced: February 6, 2026
EF100 Celebration & Awards Evening: March 25, 2026 at Toronto’s iconic The Carlu
For more information on the EF100, including submission guidelines and the full list of judges, please visit the official Elite Franchise 100 page.
