Whether you’ve been working in childcare for many years and are looking to take the next step, or you’re an entrepreneur looking to support your community, opening a daycare franchise may be the right decision. Starting a daycare franchise is a rewarding opportunity to get involved in the community and positively impact children’s lives.
Like any business, daycare franchises require shrewd management and financial planning. Before buying into this kind of opportunity, take your time to do the necessary research—it will save you from financial and legal messes in the long run. Here are five things you should keep in mind when researching daycare franchises.
1.) Cost
Consider how much you’re able to put towards the initial investment of buying a daycare franchise. Will you need to take out a loan? What kind of down payment will you need? The regular costs involved are legal and accounting fees, royalty payments, and startup costs, including rental or purchase, supplies, and licensing fees. One advantage of working with MKU is that our team of lenders will work with you to secure financing. Our lenders work with banks that have invested in MKU clients and understand our model, where private bankers may not approve your loan.
2.) Competitors
Who are the competitors in your area? Is your location oversaturated with childcare centers and daycare franchises? You could find a way to stand out by offering something different, like a specific learning philosophy, high-quality instructors, smaller classroom size, or competitive pricing. MKU offers the proven Montessori-Reggio education model, emphasizing lifelong skills and nurturing character development.
3.) Recommendations
Research how the daycare franchisor is regarded by the community. How are they making an impact on the families in the area? Consider both strengths and weaknesses, and read plenty of reviews.
4.) Growth
How long has the daycare franchise been around? Does it seem like they’re growing? You don’t want to invest your time, energy, and money in a company that is bound to fail. Choose a successful and trustworthy brand. MKU is the premier international family of early childhood pre-schools, with a curriculum that has stood the test of time.
5.) Flexibility
What are the required rules for operating at your daycare franchise? This could be the hours of operation, staff wages, software systems, or teacher training. Make sure you’re aligned with the values of the franchise before signing a contract.
Join the MKU Family
Starting your own business can be daunting. MKU has decades of experience in navigating each step. We offer the utmost support, from finding the perfect location and procuring funds to negotiating your lease and marketing childcare services. Let us guide you through the process of starting your daycare franchise.
