While the number of franchised businesses stayed relatively flat in 2009, franchises are expected to grow slowly this year, according to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The report, prepared for the International Franchise Association's Educational Foundation, predicts the number of business format franchises will grow 2 percent in 2010, a net gain of nearly 18,000 establishments. About 36,000 jobs will be added this year by franchises.
The business sectors predicted to experience the largest percentage increases in the number of establishments in 2010 include quick-service restaurants (3.1 percent), real estate (3 percent), retail food (2.4 percent) and retail products and service (2.3 percent).