Deal Strengthens IFPG’s Growing Platform With More Seasoned Consultants Committed to Integrity
- IFPG acquired Business Alliance Inc. to build a larger, more connected franchise growth platform.
- The deal adds more seasoned franchise consultants to IFPG’s award-winning network.
- IFPG is expanding through training, events, media, data and acquisitions.
- As franchising grows, brands are looking for smarter, more streamlined ways to develop through trusted partners.
The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a leading franchise growth platform, announced today its acquisition of Business Alliance Inc. (BAI), a franchise broker network with more than 35 years of history. Founded in 1991, Business Alliance Inc. has built a respected broker community that helps individuals evaluate franchise opportunities based on their financial goals, interests and lifestyle.
The acquisition is another step in IFPG’s strategy to bring strong franchise companies together under one larger platform that better serves franchisors, consultants, suppliers and entrepreneurs. Rather than working with multiple organizations, brands can leverage a more efficient approach through IFPG.
“Our mission has always been to create the strongest and most collaborative community of professionals in franchising,” said Don Daszkowski, Founder and CEO of IFPG. “BAI and IFPG joining forces expands that vision. Together, we are building an even more powerful platform to help entrepreneurs find the right franchise opportunities while helping brands grow responsibly.”
For franchisors, a one-stop platform is appealing. Many do not want to divide their time, money and attention among multiple groups. A broader platform gives more efficient access to seasoned consultants, industry education, trusted vendors, brand exposure, lead generation tools and relationship-driven events.
Steady Growth in Franchising
The International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook projects steady growth in franchising, with the number of franchise units expected to rise from 832,521 to 845,000 in 2026. With this momentum, brands and suppliers are increasingly seeking smarter, more streamlined ways to engage with broker networks. IFPG’s robust platform creates greater efficiency, stronger alignment and more consistent collaboration across the franchise development process.
“With more entrepreneurs looking to franchising as a path to business ownership, there will be more demand for franchise consulting services,” said Matt Otskey, Chief Operating Officer at IFPG. “Consolidating strong broker networks into our platform will help franchisors gain access to a larger and more productive consultant ecosystem that consistently introduces qualified candidates.”
Brandon Clifford, CEO of Business Alliance Inc., said the transaction reflects strong alignment between the two organizations and creates new opportunities for the BAI community.
“For more than three decades, Business Alliance Inc. has helped entrepreneurs explore franchise ownership through the guidance of experienced brokers,” Clifford said. “Joining the IFPG ecosystem allows our broker community to benefit from a larger consultant network, expanded franchisor relationships and a broader platform designed to support franchise growth.”
Gina Johnson, President and COO of Business Alliance Inc., said the combination brings together two organizations with a similar vision. Our priority has always been supporting brokers as they guide entrepreneurs through one of the most important business decisions of their lives,” Johnson said. “IFPG has built a collaborative community with strong education, technology and industry relationships. We are excited for our brokers to be part of a platform that is investing heavily in the consultant technology and tools of the future.”
IFPG’s Evolving Platform
Year after year, IFPG has continued to grow while staying grounded in ethics, education and responsible business practices. The organization is best known for its franchise consultant community, and was ranked the No. 1 franchise broker organization for the seventh year in a row on Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers list, based on direct feedback from franchisors.
“We are committed to constant improvement,” said Daszkowski. A major part of that effort is consultant education. “Our Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) Training program is the most comprehensive in franchising. We have a team dedicated to training and supporting consultants, so they have the knowledge and skills to help aspiring business owners make the right choices.”
In addition to franchise consulting training, IFPG supports franchisors across nearly every stage of growth, from emerging brand development to long-term expansion and even exit strategy. Its platform includes consultant, franchisor and vendor memberships, proprietary CRM tools, lead generation, digital marketing support and media brands. FranchiseWire, Franchise Consultant Magazine, and IFPG Radio all operate within that ecosystem, giving members more ways to learn, connect and build visibility.
Events are another major piece of the platform. IFPG’s Annual Retreat is its signature gathering, known for networking and relationship building in a relaxed environment. The organization also hosts an annual virtual conference, The IFPG Franchise Summit, plus Regional Discovery Mixers in major cities, where members can meet in smaller settings for brand presentations, education, networking and team-building. Co-hosted events and discovery days add even more touch points throughout the year.
Recent deals have made the IFPG platform even broader. In February 2026, IFPG acquired Franchise Business Review, a highly regarded independent research firm known for franchisee satisfaction and brand performance data.
Last year also brought new ownership backing, with CNL Strategic Capital and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners aligning with IFPG in a deal to expand franchise consultant support and lead generation tools.
A Seasoned Franchise Consultant Community
BAI’s long history makes it a natural fit for IFPG. The company is guided by its C.A.R.E. values — collaboration, accountability, respect and ethical leadership — which align closely with IFPG’s culture and mission.
“A seasoned network joining another seasoned network creates a stronger foundation for the long haul,” said IFPG President Red Boswell. “What makes IFPG special is the strength of our culture. BAI brokers share that same entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping people achieve business ownership. BAI and IFPG coming together makes our franchise consultant community even stronger in this next chapter.”
For more information about IFPG, visit www.ifpg.org.
