A Franchise that Weathers the Storm

Despite recent economic uncertainty, Stagecoach performing Arts has continued to go from strength to strength and interest in its programme has remained high. times are tough worldwide, but franchises offering extracurricular activities for children beyond traditional school curriculums have endured because parents prioritise their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth even in financially challenging times.

andy Knights, ceO, recognises the potential for success among aspiring entrepreneurs who invest in franchises that provide educational opportunities for young people and meet the growing demand for creative extracurricular activities internationally. here, he discusses the many benefits that investing in a children’s education franchise can offer and hears from stagecoach franchisees who have witnessed the results first hand. due to national lockdowns during the pandemic, learning and development for many children was hindered, prompting parents to seek out more opportunities for their children to ensure they receive the best possible start in life and achieve their full potential. This growing demand has become evident to both our existing and potential franchisees, who are seeking to take advantage of this lucrative opportunity.

“ Extracurricular franchises offer children the chance to expand their personal and professional growth by teaching subjects that traditional schools may not cover.”

In the face of the challenging economic outlook for 2023, Cathy Birkett, franchisee and Principal of stagecoach Urmston, decided to open her school earlier this year. her decision has proven successful, as she has witnessed a tremendous demand for creative extracurricular programs among local children in her community.

“After my first day of term, I was already sitting at 27 Main stage (ages six to 18) students – a number that completely exceeded my expectations,” explains Cathy. “after my first week, I opened three early stages (ages four to six) schools to respond to the amount of interest we were receiving from parents who could see the benefits of the exceptional programme that stagecoach provides for its students.”

Franchising is a practical approach to starting a business if you feel you need more business expertise to succeed on your own, as it offers the benefits of owning a business without being alone in the process. One of the critical factors in thriving with a franchised brand is finding a business that suits your interests and provides practical assistance from the franchisor. Franchises typically have an established business model that has been proven to work. This can minimise the risks associated with starting a new business from scratch, especially during an economic downturn. Franchisors have typically invested significant resources into developing and refining their business model, and franchisees can benefit from this experience. a responsible franchisor will provide a comprehensive training program to ensure consistent, high-quality operations at every franchise site. as long as you are a motivated individual with a passion for children’s development, regardless of experience, you can succeed in a children’s education franchise.

For Kirsti Wenaus, franchisee and Principal of stagecoach Halifax, it is the backing of a trusted brand and the support of a proven business model that assures Kirsti can weather any economic storm when running her business.

“Yes, the economic climate may be uncertain, but as a franchisee, I have the support of a proven business model, a trusted brand, and a network of experienced professionals,” says Kristi. “With hard work and dedication, I’ve seen great results and I’m confident that my business will continue to thrive in any economic environment.”

“As a franchisee of stagecoach, I have noticed that even in times of economic uncertainty, parents continue to place a high priority on their children’s education and development. regardless of the financial climate, investing in their child’s future remains a top concern for them. By being associated with a trusted brand in the education industry, I can provide families with high-quality services that can give their children an edge in life. This has given me the confidence to weather any economic turbulence, as I know that the services i offer are in demand and provide great value to my customers.”

Franchisors typically provide franchisees with a range of support services, including training, marketing, and ongoing support. This can help franchisees navigate economic uncertainty and potentially weather any economic downturns. For example, franchisors may help franchisees adapt to changing economic conditions by providing them with new marketing strategies or operational efficiencies. at stagecoach, franchisees undertake a comprehensive training course before receiving ongoing training and regular check-ins with key members of our head Office support Team. a thorough due diligence research looking at all facets of the business model can reveal whether a franchise offers this continuous training and support. i nformation from the franchisor, existing and former franchisees, and independent sources should all be included in this. An honest franchisor will demonstrate the investment readiness of their franchise through complete transparency in their business proposition.

Kirsti Wenaus, franchisee and Principal of Stagecoach Halifax

With hard work and dedication, I’ve seen great results and I’m confident that my business will continue to thrive in any economic environment.

Although children’s education franchises have proven to be highly profitable, what makes them most rewarding is the opportunity to make a real difference to children’s lives. extracurricular franchises offer children the chance to expand their personal and professional growth by teaching subjects that traditional schools may not cover. For stagecoach franchisees, witnessing the joy on their students’ faces each week makes being a Principal the most worthwhile.

Investing in the children’s education sector has become increasingly attractive to many investors due to the industry’s potential for long term growth and the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives. as more parents recognise the importance of providing quality education and explore the benefits that education in performing arts can provide, investing in a well-established children’s education franchise can be a promising avenue for business ownership in 2023. With an established business model and a strong reputation, such franchises can offer a recipe for success in the competitive market of children’s education. Provided that the franchise has a proven track record, a supportive franchisor and strong brand recognition, it is always essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any franchise to ensure it is the right fit for your skills, interests, and financial goals.

Andy Knights is CEO of global children’s performing arts franchise Stagecoach Performing Arts – a role he has held since 2014. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the franchising industry. For more information about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach, visit www. stagecoachfranchise.com