Independent Franchise Membership Eligibility

Updated Policy as of 2025

As of 2025, the Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ now allows certain locally owned franchise businesses to apply for membership on a case-by-case basis. This policy is designed to support truly local entrepreneurs — including some franchisees — who operate with full autonomy, local investment, and alignment with our community-first values.

Franchisees who meet the criteria below may be eligible for membership under the Franchise Tier. All applicants are subject to individual review and must be approved by the DCLBA leadership committee.

Core Requirements for Franchise Membership

  • Douglas County Based: Your franchise must be headquartered in Douglas County, Colorado — either as your official business address or where your LLC is registered.
  • Majority Local Ownership: At least 51% of the business must be owned by individuals who live in Douglas County.
  • Privately Held: Your business must be privately owned. Publicly traded franchises or parent-owned corporate stores are not eligible.
  • Locally Controlled: Local ownership must have full authority over operations, staffing, marketing, community involvement, and daily decision-making.
  • Local Pricing Authority (Mandatory): You must have complete control over your service pricing, discounting, and promotions at the local level. If your pricing is set by corporate or a franchisor — you do not qualify.
  • Independent Legal Entity: Your franchise must be structured as an independent LLC (or equivalent) registered in Colorado. Most franchises operate as LLC dba [Franchise Name] — and that’s acceptable, as long as the local LLC meets all DCLBA requirements.
  • Community Alignment: You must actively support local causes, participate in Shop Local initiatives, and demonstrate a community-first approach to doing business.

Ineligible Franchise Scenarios

  • Corporate-owned stores or regional franchise branches owned by a parent company
  • Franchisees who cannot set their own pricing or run their own local marketing
  • Franchisees with no independent LLC or no verifiable Douglas County-based registration

Our goal is to include locally owned franchises that truly operate as independent businesses — those with deep roots in our community, direct control over their success, and a shared commitment to uplifting Douglas County’s local economy.