Searching for Education franchise information? Do you have an interest in opening an education-based business? If so, an education franchise may provide a great business opportunity due to the established name recognition and business model that has been tested over time. This guide will help you learn the steps needed to open your own franchise in the education industry.

Education is a critical component for success. While the standard education system of public and private schools and higher education opportunities may be sufficient for some children and and adults, some may need additional assistance or opportunities to further their educational foundation and ambitions. Numerous education franchises offer learning opportunities for those who require or desire educational assistance outside the normal classroom setting. Some popular education chains that are built on a franchise model include Huntington Learning Centers | Kumon Math & Reading Centers franchise, Sylvan Learning Center franchise and A.D. Banker & Company training center franchises.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/categories/educ.html Some other popular franchise choices focus on a specific area of education such as Computer Explorers, Mad Science and Mathnasium.http://www.franchisedirect.com/childrensfranchises/tutoringfranchises/127

While you can open your own, stand-alone business that is not affiliated with a chain or franchise, buying into a franchise offers significant business advantages. Franchises offer a proven business model that you can replicate and often provide financing assistance for qualified franchisees to help get you started. In addition to start up assistance, franchises offer ongoing support from advertising to advice. Additionally, you start your business on a stronger foundation based on the name recognition of a strong franchise brand. This name recognition provides a source of credibility that can draw in more customers.http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneursstartupsmagazine/2009/october/203504.html

Several education-based franchise opportunities are offered by well-known education brands. Most of the franchises center around training or tutoring services, especially ones targeted at children like Kumon and Sylvan Learning Centers.

You should research these opportunities both from company provided literature and through 3rd party sources to help provide a well-rounded view of the franchise opportunity. Company supplied information is often found on the company’s website or by requesting information through an online form or by contacting the company directly. Third-party research options include ‘’Entrepreneur’’ magazine rankings and listings, consumer reviews, Better Business Bureau information and corporate financial filings. You can also consult the Mahalo page, How to Find Franchise Information for common franchise information sources.

It is a good idea to talk to other franchise owners to get a good sense of the ups and downs of the particular education franchises you are interested in opening. You can often obtain a list of owners from the franchise or by looking online for existing locations.

In addition to researching specific education franchise opportunities, you should conduct market research on the area where you want to start your new franchise. Even the best of franchises can fail if there is not enough demand for education businesses or the market is already over saturated. Consider contacting the business development office for the town or region where you want to start a new business for helpful statistics and resources.

While every education franchise has different requirements, general franchise requirements often include a start-up franchise fee, education requirements, available capital requirements, training, ongoing franchise royalty fees, facility, equipment and company prepared supplies. Often, you will need to prove your financial stability through a review that includes a credit check and financial assessment.

Often, you must have an education related degree and teaching experience to open an education based franchise. If you have worked in a school setting, it can also give you connections to help find qualified teachers to work as part-time tutors in your new franchise.

To gain the financial backing necessary to open your education franchise, you can look to multiple sources. The franchisor may offer some financial assistance, you can use your personal savings, you can look for a business partner with monetary assets or you can try to get a loan through a bank. Banks may be reluctant to provide sufficient funding for your new franchise, so many potential franchisees turn to the Small Business Administration to gain loan guarantees or grants to help gain the financing necessary to open their new business. You will need to create a business plan before shopping for loans. This plan should include your initial start up expenses, working capital requirements and your overall marketing objectives for the business.

After you have been approved to open your new franchise, you should attend any required training. This training should help you learn the franchise system, materials, equipment and management needed to successfully run your new business.

During the training process, you will generally be in contact with an assigned franchise coordinator that will provide valuable assistance in opening your new location. This assistance may come in the form of finding an appropriate facility and location, accounting assistance and initial marketing support. Be sure to utilize every option given by the franchisor during start up as they have experience in establishing successful businesses.

Once you secure your location, you will need to outfit the location per the specifications required by your education franchise company. Often, you will need several size desks to accommodate different age ranges of students, computers, audio equipment and you should try to be handicapped accessible to accommodate a wide range of student needs.

You will need to recruit qualified professionals to provide your educational services. You can contact local teacher’s unions, place ads in the paper and spread the word through associates. Consider establishing a website early, before you open as a recruiting tool for tutors and potential clients.

When you are ready to go, hold an open house and a grand opening celebration. Invite principals, teachers and parents to tour your facilities and get to know your services. Often, some of your best business will come from referrals from teachers or principals trying to help parents find solutions for struggling students. Overall, be prepared and provide valuable services when you open an education franchise to ensure lasting success.