In a world of skyrocketing prices, rising interest rates and stagnant income, Kumon remains one of the most affordable and low-cost ways to enter the franchising world as a small business owner.
The company has been named No. 1 on Entrepreneur’s Top Low-Cost Franchises ranking for franchises that cost less than $100,000 for four years in a row. That’s no easy feat, given the current economic climate.
Entrepreneur’s low-cost ranking is based on startup costs as well as inclusion in the magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500®, which reflects outstanding performance in areas such as costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength and financial strength and stability. 2023 is the 22nd consecutive year that Kumon has been ranked No. 1 in the education category and the third consecutive year that Kumon has ranked sixth overall on the Franchise 500 listing.
“We work hard to keep our fees affordable,” Vice President for Center Network Development John Collins says. “In a world with ever-rising costs, we know every dollar counts. Starting your own business is never easy, and we want our owners to be in the best financial shape when they open their center. That way, they can focus on what is most important – educating children.”
If you want to own your own franchise but are put off by the cost of upfront franchise fees, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find at Kumon.
That was the case with Freda Jones-Stewart, who opened a new Kumon Center in Georgia. She had researched other education companies and while some of the costs didn’t make sense, her decision about Kumon also went beyond just price.
“I think, looking at the franchisee industry as a whole, yes, it’s cheaper to get involved with Kumon,” she says. “I’ve been to the franchise shows and have seen Kumon’s competitors. I was just always drawn to Kumon’s methodology. I also know I’m not a salesperson. I can’t sell something I don’t believe in.”
The learning styles of Kumon’s competitors didn’t seem to fit what she believed in, which was also a drawback. She also was drawn to Kumon because she was impressed by how it had helped her own children.
Jones-Stewart opened her Kumon Center earlier this year and expects her center, along with her passion for teaching children, will have a significant impact in her community.
Investment starts at less than $65,000, but as the instructor you aren’t shouldering all of that alone. Instructors opening new centers in the U.S. are eligible to receive up to $37,100 in incentives to help cover the costs for your new Center, like tables, chairs, paint, carpet and signage. The $1,000 cost of your training kit can also be applied to the $2,000 franchise fee, which is one of the lowest in the industry. If you’re a veteran, you may also be eligible for an additional $10,000 incentive.
“We want our Instructors to have their energy and focus on educating children and running a successful business that helps the community,” Collins says. “There are going to be unavoidable upfront costs when starting any business. But we want to minimize their worry about having to keep up with large fees and put the focus back on making their Center the best it can be.”
In business for over 60 years, Kumon is consistently ranked #1 in the education category by Entrepreneur magazine and this year, Kumon was ranked #6 in the Top Ten of the entire Franchise 500® list. Investment starts at less than $65,000 and Kumon offers up to $34,000 in incentives—veterans may qualify for an extra $10,000 bonus. Opening a Kumon Franchise is ideal for individuals with a passion for education and for helping kids. See if Kumon Franchise is right for you.
For kids from pre-K to high school, Kumon is a math and reading academic enrichment program that goes well beyond traditional tutoring, unlocking the potential of children to achieve more. Through daily practice, the individualized approach helps children develop strong math, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Students develop confidence, increase focus, and improve study habits. Kumon Instructors guide kids through their individual curriculums, helping them set and achieve goals.
