smART Explorers vs Lightbridge Academy Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of smART Explorers vs Lightbridge Academy including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
smART Explorers Franchise
Lightbridge Academy Franchise
Investment $27,500$549,228 - $5,054,735
Franchise Fee $19,500$40,000
Royalty Fee 7%7%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 20061997
Year Franchised 20072011
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
smART Explorers Franchise
Lightbridge Academy Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
smART Explorers Franchise
Lightbridge Academy Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
Equipment No/No-/Yes
Inventory No/No-/Yes
Receivables No/No-/Yes
Payroll No/No-/Yes

Training & Support

 
smART Explorers Franchise
Lightbridge Academy Franchise
Training -On-The-Job Training: 28 hours Classroom Training: 128 hours Additional Training: Ongoing
Support -Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations * Franchise can be run from home

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

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 32


Expansion Plans

 
smART Explorers Franchise
Lightbridge Academy Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About smART Explorers

NO LONGER FRANCHISING

About Lightbridge Academy

If you're looking to make a difference in the world, in your town and in our future, Lightbridge Academy provides a way to do it, while owning a great business. Tap into this growing, $40 billion industry with a company that will be with you from the moment you become a franchisee - from real estate selection through opening your center and beyond.
Lightbridge Academy franchises offers programs for children from six weeks to six years old, including after-school enrichment and summer programs.
Each school is a licensed childcare, with staff trained in early childhood education or childhood development.

Veteran Incentives   10% off franchise fee
"Entrepreneur
#234 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#143 in Franchise 500 for 2021.