Franchises go female

The next time you walk into your local Subway or Dunkin Donuts, take a look into the management office. You’re more likely to see a woman or a minority there, according to the International Franchise Association. Minorities own nearly 20 percent of all franchise businesses, compared to just 13 percent of stand-alone companies. And women, either alone or with a partner, now own more than 42 percent of franchises.