Affiliations
IFA – International Franchise Organization
IFA’s mission is to protect, enhance and promote franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.
The IFA is the World’s largest and leading Franchise Trade Organization, based in Washington, DC. The IFA is composed of both Franchisors and Franchisees and is the definitive authority and voice of franchising. Being a member of the IFA and adhering to the IFA Code of Ethics, is significant as it demonstrates Discovery Point’s commitment as a leading Franchisor of Child Development Centers by maintaining high ethical standards in selecting and working with our Franchisees. We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to our active membership in the IFA.
IFA Code of Ethics:
The International Franchise Association Code of Ethics is intended to establish a framework for the implementation of best practices in the franchise relationships of IFA members. The Code represents the ideals to which all IFA members agree to subscribe in their franchise relationships. The Code is one component of the IFA’s self-regulation program, which also includes the IFA Ombudsman and revisions to the IFA bylaws that will streamline the enforcement mechanism for the Code. The Code is not intended to anticipate the solution to every challenge that may arise in a franchise relationship, but rather to provide a set of core values that are the basis for the resolution of the challenges that may arise in franchise relationships. Also the Code is not intended to establish standards to be applied by third parties, such as the courts, but to create a framework under which IFA and its members will govern themselves. The IFA’s members believe that adherence to the values expressed in the IFA Code will result in healthy, productive, and mutually beneficial franchise relationships. The Code, like franchising, is dynamic and may be revised to reflect the most current developments in structuring and maintaining franchise relationships.
SBA Registry
To appear on the SBA Registry, Discovery Point submitted detailed operational and financial information, including the current FDD, to the SBA for review and approval as a Nationally approved SBA Franchise Concept. This benefits new Franchisees as they apply for SBA financing by expediting their loan process. Local and national banks gain confidence in making the SBA backed loan when the franchised concept is listed on the Registry.
Discovery Point Franchising, Inc. is committed to assisting individuals obtain the most cost effective financing available today. The SBA offers loan programs that are a strong fit for the Discovery Point Franchise investment and capital requirements, which include the land, building, equipment package and working capital. The SBA loan terms and interest rates are very favorable and offer a tremendous financing source for our new Franchisees.
“We want our franchisees to receive the best terms and rates for their loan in order to preserve their capital and to manage their cash flow in the most effective manner. We are proud of our relationship with the SBA and to our success in assisting our Franchisees secure their financing…. – Cliff Clark, Founder & President
Discovery Point Franchising, Inc.
SEFF: Southeast Franchise Forum
Industry Associations
Discovery Point Franchising, Inc. has always been greatly impressed with GCCA (Georgia Child Care Association) and other state organizations that support and represent members in ways that are vital to the growth of the childcare industry, especially in challenging economic times. Discovery Point Franchisees directly benefit from initiatives that address a variety of concerns:
- Supports child care interests
- Providing access to state legislators
- Providing lobbyists
- Striving to increase state funding
- Maintaining student/teacher ratios
- Fighting for limited exemptions