Corporate Connections Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$4,600,592 - $4,840,592
Franchise Fee
$4,500,000
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Business Summary
CorporateConnections operates a master franchised business that recruits, sells, and provides ongoing support to individual CorporateConnections businesses within a designated territory. These individual CorporateConnections businesses offer business leadership training, structured peer performance teams, and referral networking services to groups of senior-level business professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. The subfranchised CorporateConnections businesses train their members on how to grow their own businesses through qualified referrals using the CorporateConnections system and format.
Corporate History
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC was established as a Delaware limited liability company in 2017. The CorporateConnections business model, which offers business leadership training, structured peer performance teams, and referral networking services for senior-level business professionals, was initially developed by its affiliates, BNI Global, LLC and BNI Worldwide Development, Ltd., starting in 2002 in Toronto, Canada. The concept was then refined through testing in various locations globally. CorporateConnections opened its first company-owned chapter in 2006. CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC began offering unit franchises in 2018 and master franchises in June 2024. As of the FDD issuance date, CorporateConnections operates one unit franchise in the United States and has master franchise agreements in 28 countries internationally.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$4,600,592 - $4,840,592
Franchise Fee (Low)
$4,500,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$4,500,000
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$13,000
Working Capital
$17,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC shows a growing cash balance, ending 2023 with $253,512, up from $78,512 in 2022, and reported net incomes of $11,054 in 2023 and $10,722 in 2022. However, the company has a substantial accumulated deficit in member's equity, showing negative balances of $(167,231) in 2023 and $(178,286) in 2022. This indicates that total liabilities exceed total assets. A significant portion of its liabilities consists of amounts payable to related parties, totaling $392,744 in 2023 and $214,960 in 2022. The financial statements note that if CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC operated as a stand-alone entity, it might have incurred additional expenses beyond those allocated for administrative support from its affiliated companies. The auditors issued an unqualified opinion, but noted management's responsibility to evaluate potential going concern issues.
Financing Details
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC does not guarantee any notes, leases, or obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
0
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2018
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
4
Litigation Summary
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC has no pending litigation. Its CEO, Graham Weihmiller, was a defendant in two lawsuits between 2014 and 2016 related to a previous company, Griswold International, LLC, a home care franchise. These lawsuits alleged misrepresentation and breach of contract, both of which were settled in 2016, with the prior company paying an aggregate settlement of $675,000. Graham Weihmiller was not personally liable for any payment in these settlements. CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC was also involved in two arbitration cases through its affiliate, BNI Worldwide Development Limited. The first case, filed in 2016, involved claims of non-renewal of master franchise agreements, which settled with payments made by BNI. The second case, filed in 2017, concerned renewal rights and trademark issues related to master franchise agreements, which also settled in 2017, involving transfers of trademark rights and the acquisition of master franchise rights for China.
Bankruptcy History
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC master franchisees must send a written request to CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC between six months and one year before their agreement expires. Renewal is subject to several conditions including: the master franchisee and its owners must sign a general release of claims; pay a renewal fee equal to 50% of the Master Franchise Fee; agree upon a new development schedule with CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC (or accept the one designated by CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC); sign CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC's then-current master franchise agreement; ensure the master franchise is in full compliance with all current standards for new master franchises; complete any required training; execute all necessary documents; resolve any internal ownership disputes; pass a criminal history and financial background check; and participate in a Territory Business Plan Meeting to present their growth strategy.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC provides comprehensive support to its master franchisees. Before opening, CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC offers an Initial Training Program for the master franchisee and their Key Person, which includes Executive Director onboarding, Chapter Support Training, and Chapter Launch Training. The master franchisee also receives training at the annual Franchise Leadership Summit, and CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC approves the master franchisee's plan for defining franchisable regions and designating suppliers. On an ongoing basis, CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC provides marketing assistance, confidential criteria for selecting subfranchisees, and advisory support for the operation and promotion of CorporateConnections businesses. They may host annual Global Leadership and Franchise Leadership Summits, and offer additional training, seminars, advice, and assistance as needed. While CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC may suggest pricing for services, master franchisees are not required to follow these suggestions.
Initial Training Hours
24
Training Location
Charlotte, North Carolina, or video conferencing
Ongoing Support
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC provides a range of ongoing support to its master franchisees. This includes marketing assistance, guidance on selecting and approving subfranchisees, and advisory support for business operations and promotion. CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC may host annual Global Leadership and Franchise Leadership Summits, and offer additional training, seminars, advice, and general assistance as needed. Master franchisees pay a Global Marketing and Technology Fee which funds system-wide advertising, marketing, and technological advancements, including the Operating Management System, accounting software, and IT support services. CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC also maintains and updates operations manuals. Master franchisees must comply with CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC's internet and privacy policies, and may be required to use specific customer relationship management (CRM) systems, meeting management tools, and payment technology integrated into the system.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
CorporateConnections Franchising seeks master franchisees to recruit, sell, and support CorporateConnections businesses in a designated territory. CorporateConnections requires master franchisees to undergo financial and criminal background checks. The designated Key Person, who can be an owner or a full-time supervisor, must reside in the territory and dedicate their full-time attention and effort to supporting and operating the CorporateConnections Master Franchise. This individual must meet CorporateConnections' standards and have the authority to make decisions for the master franchisee. Candidates should also demonstrate educational, managerial, and business standards, possess good moral character, a strong business reputation, and a solid credit rating. Prior related business experience demonstrating aptitude and ability to operate the business is also considered.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
exclusive
Staff Count
1
Territory Size Requirements
CorporateConnections Franchising grants master franchisees the right to operate within a designated "Territory," which can encompass an entire country or a portion of one. The specific boundaries of the master franchisee's territory are not defined by standard metrics in the FDD. Instead, the master franchisee must submit a proposed Country Map of franchisable regions to CorporateConnections for review and written approval. This map details factors such as population, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) count, market penetration index, geographical barriers, and social context for defining regions. For subfranchise regions within the master territory, their size is determined by mutual agreement between CorporateConnections and the master franchisee on a rational basis, often considering factors like population and the number of employees.
Staffing Notes
CorporateConnections Franchising, LLC requires master franchisees who are also BNI® franchisees to employ at least one full-time Key Person to manage the CorporateConnections Master Franchise. If the master franchisee is not a BNI® franchisee, one of the owners may serve as the Key Person. This Key Person must dedicate full-time effort to supporting and operating the master franchise. Additionally, master franchisees must employ a "Master Trainer" who has completed the required training programs and is responsible for training subfranchisees within the territory. All Key Persons, Master Trainers, and managers/supervisors must sign non-compete, non-disclosure, and non-solicitation agreements.