Franchising Your Business
What if your business could grow beyond one location — without you having to manage every storefront yourself?
Franchising can be an exciting way to scale, but it’s not a one-size‑fits‑all solution. Before you take the leap, join us for a practical, founder‑friendly panel discussion that breaks down what franchising really involves.
This session is built for business owners who are curious, cautious, and serious about growth.
🎟️ Admission: Free (Registration Required)
📋 Agenda
🕔 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Arrival, networking & refreshments
🎤 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Panel discussion
🤝 6:30 – 7:00 PM | Open networking
Who It’s For: Small business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs exploring growth
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Could my business be franchised?” — this event is for you.
This event is graciously sponsored by KMB Law.
What We’ll Cover
Is franchising the right growth move for your business?
What does it actually take to franchise — legally and operationally?
Common mistakes businesses make when franchising (and how to avoid them)
The questions every business owner should ask before expanding
Our panelists:
Joseph Adler - Partner at KMB Law
Joseph Adler is a Partner at KMB Law and a member of the firms Franchising, Retail & Distribution Group, Corporate/Commercial Group and Intellectual Property Group.
Joseph is also a registered trademark agent and regularly advises clients in all matters related to their operations and transactions in Canada. His particular emphasis is in franchising and distribution, intellectual property law and cross-border trade. Joseph serves as legal counsel for Canadian and US (and other foreign) franchisors doing business in Canada and Canadian franchisors doing business in the US, Europe and abroad. He also acts and has acted for various multi-unit franchisees and franchisee associations as well.
Joseph has published and has been quoted in numerous articles and has spoken on various franchising topics at venues organized by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, and the International Franchise Association (IFA).
Paul DaSilva - National VP, Francise Markets @ RBC
With 40 years in commercial lending — including 31 years dedicated to the franchise sector — CFA Board Director — Paul has helped nearly 25,000+ franchisees and / or independently owned businesses across Canada. Known for structuring cash flow lending for multi-unit operators and designing credit frameworks that support sustainable brand growth, Paul brings rare depth of market insight. Today, he focuses on mentoring lenders, franchisors, and emerging brands, helping them align capital, risk, and strategy to build resilient, scalable franchise systems.
John DeHart - Chief Strategist & Co-Founder @ Franchise GrowthLab
John is Chief Strategist at Franchise GrowthLab. He is an expert and experienced franchise entrepreneur who spent over a decade compiling and executing on the best ways to build, operate and grow a world-class franchise system. Since selling his franchise in one of Canada’s largest franchise transactions of 2019, he has advised multiple brands on how to scale, chaired the Canadian Franchise Association, and launched the Franchise GrowthLab Consulting. John knows how tough it is to get past single digit locations and truly scale, and he is inspired to help more franchisors accomplish this. His specialty is strategy and he provides abundant, clear insights and roadmaps to our clients. John also helped build a company that won a Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures Award (2011), and Canada’s Smartest Company (2014). He has been a two-time winner of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and is an experienced keynote speaker throughout North America, giving talks on building culture and brand. He is an avid soccer coach, Cross Fitter and trail runner.
Moderated by:
Amy Delisle - Partner at KMB Law
Amy Delisle is Partner at Keyser Mason Ball, LLP, a member of the firm’s Corporate/Commercial Group and leads the firm’s Franchising, Retail & Distribution Group. She advises corporate clients on all aspects of business law, with an emphasis on franchise systems for both franchisees and franchisors.
Her practice includes mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and shareholder and partnership advice, as well as advising businesses on website terms and privacy issues.
In franchising, Amy assists with franchise structuring and development, disclosure requirements, drafting agreements, advising foreign franchisors operating in Ontario, and the purchase and sale of franchised businesses.
She is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, holds a CFE (Certified Franchise Executive) designation, and was recognized in 2022 as a top lawyer in Franchise Law by Best Lawyers.