The Little Gym vs The Mad Science Group Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Little Gym vs The Mad Science Group including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Little Gym Franchise
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Investment $174,900 - $456,500$74,050 - $110,459
Franchise Fee $39,500 - $59,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 8%8%
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19761985
Year Franchised 19921995
Term Of Agreement 10 years25 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years25 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Little Gym Franchise
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 55 hours Classroom Training: 100 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertising
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 7

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Little Gym

    After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children's intellectual and social development as well.
    Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development.
    Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Standard Territory is $223,400 to $456,500. This includes $139,500 to $175,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Medium Market Territory is $174,900 to $392,000. This includes $114,500 to $141,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    If you elect to begin operation of a Multi-Unit Area Development, the additional costs for the estimated initial investment is $133,875 to $148,750 which must be paid to the franchisor.
    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
    #179 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About The Mad Science Group

    As children, brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien loved to create crazy science experiments. As adults, they realized that kids like fun, cool science. So in 1985 they started Mad Science by hosting 'edu-taining' birthday parties featuring scienctific demonstrations.

    Franchising began in 1995, with initial franchises in Florida and Toronto, and now has franchises worldwide offering educational demonstrations to preschools, in-class and afterschool programs, community centers and scout programs. The company also provides entertainment for birthday parties, special events, camps and more.