Kidcreate logo

Kidcreate Franchise

Audited Financials
Child & Youth ServicesEst. 2007Eden Prairie, MN
www.kidcreatestudio.com

Risk Score

Pending analysis

Investment Range

$63,045 - $1,438,370

Franchise Fee

$40,500

Total US Locations

25

Business Summary

Kidcreate Studio offers franchises for businesses that provide art lessons and education for children aged 18 months through 12 years. These services are delivered through classes, camps, and themed parties, and the businesses also sell retail art-related items. Franchisees have the option to enhance their offerings with specialized curriculum modules such as Craft Academy, Kidscientific (STEM-based science), Little Hands Discovery (sensory play), and Extreme Art. Kidcreate Studio businesses can operate in two formats: a mobile 'on-the-go' model, or a 'Two in One Studio Business' that combines mobile services with a physical studio location.

Corporate History

Kidcreate Studio Franchising, LLC was formed in Texas on December 10, 2015, and began offering franchises for Kidcreate Two in One Studio Businesses in May 2016. In August 2020, it expanded to offer Kidcreate Mobile Studio Businesses, previously known as 'Kidcreate On the Go Businesses.' The underlying Kidcreate Studio business concept was established by its parent company, Lara Schinke-Olson, Inc. (LSO), which has been operating a Kidcreate Two in One Studio Business since 2007. LSO owns the trademarks and licenses them to the franchisor.

Financial Overview

Investment Range

$63,045 - $1,438,370

Franchise Fee (Low)

$40,500

Franchise Fee (High)

$110,000

Royalty %

8%

Marketing %

1%

Equipment Costs (High)

$305,000

Working Capital

$12,000

Audited Financials

Yes

Offers Financing

No

Audit Opinion

Going concern qualification

Financial Health Notes

Kidcreate Studio Franchising, LLC's financial health raises concerns regarding its ability to provide services and support to franchisees. As noted in the FDD's Special Risks section, the franchisor's financial condition, as shown in its audited financial statements, calls into question its financial capacity to fulfill its obligations.

Financing Details

Kidcreate Studio Franchising, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This means that franchisees are responsible for securing all necessary funding for their business operations and initial investment through third-party lenders. Kidcreate Studio Franchising, LLC also does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations for its franchisees.

Performance Metrics

Total US Locations

25

Franchised Units

24

Corporate Units

1

Avg Square Footage

1,250

Franchising Since

2016

Agreement Terms

Initial Term

10 years

Renewal Term

10 years

Renewal Conditions

To renew their franchise, Kidcreate Studio franchisees must meet several conditions. These include providing written notice, being in full compliance with the current franchise agreement and all system standards at both the time of notice and the start of the renewal term. Franchisees must also update or replace operating assets if required, pay a successor franchise fee equal to 10% of the then-current initial franchise fee and any initial module fees, and retain or secure rights to an approved studio location with renewed lease agreements. Additionally, franchisees must sign the franchisor's then-current franchise agreement and ancillary documents for the successor term, which may have different terms and conditions. They also need to complete any additional training programs at their own expense.

Training & Support Program

Franchisor Assistance

Kidcreate Studio Franchising, LLC provides significant assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Kidcreate Studio helps with site selection, evaluation, lease review, and construction project management for studio businesses, including schematic design review and approval of construction plans. It advises on pre-opening procedures, assists with initial inventory ordering, and provides implementation services for database management and class registration software. Franchisees receive one copy of the confidential Franchise Operations Manual and a list of approved suppliers. For the first Kidcreate Business, up to two individuals (the franchisee or operating owner and a designated manager) receive a no-cost Initial Training Program (88-90 hours) which includes self-study, classroom, and on-the-job training. For studio businesses, up to three days of on-site training are provided before and during the grand opening. Kidcreate Studio also provides templates for promotional materials and grand opening marketing consultation. Ongoing support includes advice on business operations, customer service standards, staffing, class types, supply chain management, and marketing. Kidcreate Studio maintains and administers system websites for advertising and promotion, reviews requests for new products/suppliers, and approves marketing materials. Additional training is available if needed or requested, for a fee. Kidcreate Studio also manages a Brand Fund for system-wide marketing and may require participation in local advertising cooperatives. It provides a Computer System for managing daily workflow, customer scheduling, and data collection, and offers optional curriculum modules.

Initial Training Hours

90

Training Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota and/or virtually

Ongoing Support

Kidcreate Studio provides continuous guidance to its franchisees based on reports and inspections, covering operational procedures, customer service, employee qualifications, class types, hours, supply management, brand usage, marketing, and administrative practices. This guidance is shared through the Franchise Operations Manual, bulletins, electronic media, phone calls, and meetings. The franchisor also updates System Standards, licenses confidential information, and maintains system-wide websites. Kidcreate Studio reviews requests for new products, suppliers, and marketing materials. Optional assistance may include periodic on-site visits to studios, administration of a Brand Fund for marketing, and hosting national or regional conferences. Franchisees also get access to the Computer System for daily workflow, customer scheduling, and data management.

Franchise Requirements

Industry Experience Required

No

Management Experience Required

No

Sales Experience Required

No

Technical Skills Required

No

Operational Details

Location Type

Hybrid

Owner Participation

Hands-On

Territory Type

Protected

Territory Size Requirements

Kidcreate Studio franchisees receive a territory that generally contains approximately 50,000 children aged 0 to 14. The boundaries of this territory can be defined using contiguous zip codes, street boundaries, or county boundaries, and may also be depicted on a map attached to the franchise agreement.

Staffing Notes

Kidcreate Studio franchisees are responsible for hiring, supervising, and managing their own employees or independent contractors for the Kidcreate Business. This includes all employment decisions such as hiring, firing, training, setting pay, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. The franchisor explicitly states it does not have the power to hire or fire franchisee employees, and all staff are solely the franchisee's employees, not the franchisor's. Franchisees must inform their employees of this independent employment relationship and use their legal name on all employee-related documents. The franchisor's authority to certify employees for certain functions does not imply control over employment decisions.