SweetWater Technologies Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$88,625 - $189,900
Franchise Fee
$70,000
Min Cash Required
$2,000
Total US Locations
1
Business Summary
SweetWater Technologies is a full-service drone application and business development company that offers turn-key, owner-operator partnerships to American farmers and agricultural professionals within precision agriculture and other related products and services. The business utilizes a proprietary System for its operations.
Corporate History
Sweetwater Technologies Franchise, LLC was formed on January 19, 2024, in Illinois and began offering franchises for its SweetWater Technologies Business on February 7, 2024, which is the FDD issuance date. The franchisor does not have any parent companies or predecessors. An affiliate, Sweetwater Technologies, LLC, formed in July 2023, operates a SWEETWATER TECHNOLOGIES business and another affiliate, Gripp Custom Farming Corp., formed in August 2014, provides products, leases equipment, and owns the intellectual property licensed to franchisees. The affiliate's business offering services started in 2022.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$88,625 - $189,900
Franchise Fee (Low)
$70,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$70,000
Minimum Cash Required
$2,000
Royalty %
33%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$5,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$50,000
Working Capital
$8,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
Sweetwater Technologies is a startup franchisor that has not yet generated revenue-producing activities and is subject to the typical risks and uncertainties faced by companies in the development stage prior to executing franchise agreements. The company expects to incur operating losses until franchise agreements are executed, and its ability to meet future obligations is dependent upon continued capital contributions.
Financing Details
Sweetwater Technologies does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
1
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
1
Avg Square Footage
1,600
Franchising Since
2024
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Sweetwater Technologies has no litigation history to report, as no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its FDD.
Bankruptcy History
Sweetwater Technologies has no bankruptcy history to report, as no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its FDD.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Sweetwater Technologies franchisees must not be in default of their agreement, provide timely notice of their intent to renew, and sign the then-current form of franchise agreement and related documents. They must also sign a general release, pay a successor franchise fee of $2,500, remodel or upgrade their SweetWater Technologies Business to comply with current brand standards, and complete any required training. Franchisees should be aware that the new agreement may have materially different terms and conditions.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Sweetwater Technologies provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, the company assists with approving the warehouse location, provides access to its Manuals with operating specifications, and outlines the required goods, services, and approved suppliers. Franchisees also receive an initial training program and instructions for an opening marketing campaign. After opening, Sweetwater Technologies continues to provide access to its Manuals and handles all customer billings and accounts receivable, providing monthly reports and distributing the collected balance. Ongoing guidance is provided on System Standards, marketing and sales strategies, coordination of franchisee activities, development of employee training programs, and information on industry trends. The company may also offer periodic additional or refresher training programs and on-site assistance in the franchisee's territory.
Initial Training Hours
42
Training Location
Hybrid, with virtual training and in-person operational training in Wyanet, Illinois or another designated location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Sweetwater Technologies franchisees receive continued access to the operational Manual. The franchisor handles all customer billings and accounts receivable, providing monthly reports and distributing the collected balance. Ongoing guidance is provided on System Standards, marketing and sales of products and services, coordination across all franchised businesses, employee training programs, and the development of local advertising. The franchisor also furnishes information on industry trends and may offer periodic additional or refresher training programs, as well as on-site assistance in the franchisee's territory.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Sweetwater Technologies is seeking qualified and capable candidates who want to operate a full-service drone application and business development company in precision agriculture. Ideal candidates or their designated principal must be actively involved in the day-to-day management, personally responsible for the business's development and success, and committed to its full-time operation. They are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA and comply with applicable state pesticide licensing 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
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Sweetwater Technologies defines its franchise territories using U.S. ZIP Code boundaries, with each territory containing a minimum of approximately a 10-mile radius in a rural area.
Staffing Notes
Sweetwater Technologies requires that the franchisee or a designated, approved manager be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business. This manager, along with any on-premises supervisors, must successfully complete the initial training program. Before employees can operate drones, they must complete Sweetwater Technologies' pilot training program and provide associated license records. Subordinate managers are not required to have an equity interest in the business. Franchisees are responsible for covering training expenses for any replacement managers.