McDonald's launches Women in Franchising in Portugal

McDonald's is holding the first Women in Franchising event in Portugal, dedicated to women's entrepreneurship and opportunities to build a business through franchising. Human Resources reported on 26 October 2026 that the event was scheduled for that week, with Rita Rugeroni and female franchisees from the brand taking part.

An event focused on women's entrepreneurship

Women in Franchising focuses on women looking to build their own businesses. The announced format places franchising at the heart of the discussion, with businesswomen sharing their experiences and paths within McDonald's.

The session is framed around a concept that links purpose-led leadership with supported growth. These two elements define the event's theme: the individual initiative involved in starting a business and the support associated with joining a network.

For Portugal's franchising community, the significance lies in this being the first edition and in its specific focus on women's entrepreneurship. The stated aim is to give participants space to share their stories, making the experience of those already in the network central to the discussion about starting a business.

It is important to distinguish that aim from an investment decision. An event where people share their experiences can help prospective entrepreneurs clarify their questions and learn about different paths, but choosing a business requires an independent assessment of the entry requirements, responsibilities and resources involved.

Rita Rugeroni and female franchisees share their stories

The announced participants include Rita Rugeroni, entrepreneur, creative and founder of Favorite People. She brings experience of building a business to the programme, alongside accounts from women who have developed their careers as McDonald's franchisees.

The brand's female franchisees will share their experiences and career paths. This is the element most directly relevant to running a business within the network: hearing from people who have taken that route offers an opportunity to ask about day-to-day management, career choices and the relationship with the brand.

These questions should be seen as pointers for those following the initiative, rather than confirmed programme topics. Prospective female entrepreneurs may find it useful to explore what motivated each participant, how she assessed the opportunity and which lessons she considers important in her journey.

Bringing a brand founder and franchisees together therefore provides a meeting point for different business experiences. It does not make those paths equivalent, but it offers a framework for discussing the decision to become an entrepreneur.

Purpose and support as starting points

The concept chosen for the session emphasises leadership and support. When assessing a franchise opportunity, these ideas can serve as starting points for specific questions, rather than being treated as guarantees of success.

Anyone considering starting a business should seek clarity on what support is available, how responsibilities are divided and what is expected of the person running the outlet. These practical questions help turn initial interest into a more informed assessment.

It is also worth distinguishing the value of a personal account from the terms that apply to each application or proposed business. A franchisee's experience may be illuminating, but it is no substitute for reading the documentation or assessing the financial and contractual aspects of a specific opportunity.

From inspiration to an informed decision

Portugal's first Women in Franchising event puts female entrepreneurs at the centre of a McDonald's initiative dedicated to starting a business. Rita Rugeroni and the brand's female franchisees form the core of the announced event, which is built around sharing experiences.

For anyone exploring this possibility, the practical next step is to prepare questions before hearing the participants' accounts and to distinguish inspiration from the information needed to invest. Learning about other people's paths can broaden perspectives; making a decision then requires written confirmation of the support, obligations and business terms.