Entrepreneur magazine has named Choice Hotels International a top franchise for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among 50 leading industry brands.
"Cultivating an inclusive culture – in which diversity of thought, background and experience are celebrated – is a commitment driven at the top of the organisation that extends to every facet of the company, from our corporate associates to our franchise owners and their guests," said Patrick Cimerola, chief human resources officer, Choice Hotels. "This latest ranking by Entrepreneur isn't just a testament to our ability to live out Choice's brand promise of ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome, wanted, and respected, but speaks to the many initiatives our company continues to undertake to fuel diversity and equitable opportunity across the entire hotel industry."
Choice Hotels boasts an impressive history of creating and supporting a diverse associate and franchisee base. For nearly two decades, the company's industry-leading emerging markets team has been committed to making small business ownership a reality for those underrepresented and minorities. Earlier this year, the company developed the newly enhanced HERtels by Choice to expand its support. This programme leverages a multi-faceted approach to advance and empower women in hotel ownership. The company has awarded and financially aided over 310 franchise agreements with underrepresented minority and veteran entrepreneurs, including 24 deals awarded in 2021 despite the pandemic.
Entrepreneur's first-ever selection of brands to its new Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion list underlines the franchising industry's extraordinary efforts to diversify its ranks. All companies were chosen editorially based on information submitted by the companies and independent research.
Brands were selected for various reasons, from franchise fee discounts and other assistance to helping those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC), women, or LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, some promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in other ways, such as serving their communities, implementing initiatives and programmes at the corporate and franchise level, including representation among their leadership team, franchisees, and employees, and more.
