As of February of 2020, the franchise industry was forecasted to add 232,000 jobs in 2020, growing the total number of employees employed… — As of February of 2020, the franchise industry was forecasted to add 232,000 jobs in 2020, growing the total number of employees employed by franchises to 8.67 million. The industry was expected to add 1.5% more franchised businesses in the U.S. to a total of 785,316 establishments.