Join Sylvan, the leader in the growing supplemental education market with almost 30 years of experience and nearly 1,200 centers located throughout North America. We offer personalized instruction available in-center, online and at home. Sylvan franchise highlights: #1 Franchisor Overall, as rated by Success Magazine, 2000 Brand awareness is more than 2X stronger than any competitor More than 3X the advertising spending of any other learning center brand Now is an exciting time to join Sylvana??both new territories and existing centers are available. This financially and personally rewarding opportunity allows you to benefit from the proven success of Sylvana??s well-established franchise system. Sylvan supplies its franchisees with the tools to compete effectively in the market, including extensive training, new product development, communication channels, information systems and a heavy investment in advertising. Is this opportunity for you? The profile of successful franchisees includes the following traits: Enjoy working with children Have the support of their families Entrepreneurial and have business and sales skills A leader in the community Ability to balance being a boss and being a member of a network Passionate and appreciative of the many benefits of franchising and proud of their success TYPE OF BUSINESS: Personalized instructional services available in-center, online and at home for students in grades K-12, throughout North America. NETWORK: Over 900 franchised centers with 150 company-owned units; in business since 1979; franchising since 1980. FRANCHISE FEES: $42,000 - $48,000 CASH INVESTMENT: Start-up costs: $160,000 - 200,000 Total investment $210,000 - 260,000. TRAINING/SUPPORT: Comprehensive franchisee and staff training at corporate headquarters and locally, including initial training, regional meetings, annual conference and web-based training. QUALIFICATIONS: Successful background in sales, marketing, management, and/or education. Strong desire to build successful business that serves vital need in community. Knowledge of local market. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q:What support does Sylvan supply its franchisees? A:We work closely with you to establish your Center quickly, easily and in the right location. From start-up to training and throughout your relationship with Sylvan, our team of regionally located Operations Managers is available to answer questions and help solve problems. They're uniquely qualified to provide the type of seasoned guidance that will make you confident in your Center's daily operations.Comprehensive training programs prepare you to administer educational programs, manage business operations and grow your business. Q:How will Sylvan help me market my Center? A:Our highly visible national advertising is just one of the ways we help deliver the Sylvan name into virtually every household in North America. A:Professionally researched and produced ad slicks, brochures, television and radio commercials, and direct mail campaigns will strengthen your local marketing efforts as well. What's more, Sylvan continues to receive excellent publicity in widely read publications such as Success, Fortune and Money and with television appearances on Nightline, The Today Show and CNN. Q:What makes Sylvan so special? A:With so much potential in existing and in future markets for our proven approach to education supplementation, the financial dividends, while not guaranteed, are attracting the most savvy investors. These payoffs make owning a Sylvan franchise a valuable investment.Equally important are the non-financial incentives to enter into the education industry. We help children and adults realize their full potential. This satisfaction, this contribution to changing children's lives, is the greatest return on investment our franchisees could have imagined. Our franchisees realize these returns every day. Q:Do I need to be an educator to own a Sylvan Learning Center? A:No. Many of our owners have backgrounds in business, sales, marketing, finance, and management, as well as education. Our License Agreement, however, does call for a certified educator to oversee in-Center instruction. If you do not have a background in education, you'll hire individuals who will complement your strengths and skills. Q:What is included in the Sylvan Learning Center franchise fee? A:The franchise fee provides a license to operate your Sylvan Learning Center in a protected geographic territory. It also allows you to use and leverage Sylvan's proven systems, name, brand awareness, logo, trademark and educational materials to grow your business. Q:How are the protected geographic territories defined? A: territory is generally defined as a geographic area encompassing a 15-25 minute or more drive time for parents. Territories may be carved along geographic boundaries or using a radius approach. A: territory contains between 8,000 and 30,000 school-aged children. Q:Does Sylvan offer financing options? A:Yes. While the franchise fee may not be financed, our initial set-up package, which includes our basic programs, marketing and assessment materials, does have a leasing option and can be paid over time. Sylvan also maintains relationships with private lenders and national SBA lenders and we are happy to direct you to these and other lending services. Q:Is there an ongoing royalty fee paid to Sylvan Learning Systems? A:Yes. The royalty paid on a territory is 8% of gross revenues payable monthly.