Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$77,400 - $106,500
Franchise Fee
$51,760
Total US Locations
154
Business Summary
WSI operates a digital marketing business that provides full-service digital marketing systems to businesses. WSI specializes in leading digital marketing strategies and advice on tactics, offering services such as web design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, online advertising, content marketing, and consulting through a network of approved suppliers. WSI helps its business clients achieve their unique business goals with straightforward, effective digital marketing solutions.
Corporate History
The WSI digital marketing business was founded in 1995 in Toronto, Canada, by Dan and Paul Monaghan and Mark Dobson, as one of the world's first digital marketing agencies. National Internet Corporation (NIC) was incorporated in 1996 in Delaware. WSI began offering franchises in the U.S. under the Worldsites mark in 1999, followed by MyWorldsites from 2001 to 2003. The current WSI Business franchise model was introduced in September 2001. The company has since expanded globally, offering a wide range of digital marketing services.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$77,400 - $106,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$51,760
Franchise Fee (High)
$79,700
Equipment Costs (High)
$4,000
Working Capital
$2,250
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The FDD for WSI indicates that National Internet Corporation experienced net losses for both the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. Specifically, WSI reported a net loss of $6,527 in 2023 and an increased net loss of $62,554 in 2024. Despite these losses, the company's cash balance increased from $163,317 in 2023 to $262,800 in 2024. WSI also has unrecognized tax loss carry-forwards, with a portion expiring between 2032 and 2036. The independent auditor issued an unqualified opinion on WSI's financial statements and did not raise any substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
WSI does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, WSI does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
154
Franchised Units
154
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
1999
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
WSI has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
WSI has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, WSI franchisees must provide written notice at least 12 months before their agreement ends. They must upgrade their business materials to meet current brand standards, be in good standing with WSI by maintaining a satisfactory NPS score, and have met all financial obligations to WSI and its affiliates, as well as all vendors. Franchisees must also pay a renewal fee of $5,000, sign WSI's then-current franchise agreement (which may have different terms), sign a general release of claims, and meet WSI's current qualification and training requirements.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
WSI provides extensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, franchisees receive online marketing resources, an initial training program, access to confidential operating manuals, an intranet known as 'Virtual Office', the 'Workvivo' communication platform, a HubSpot-powered CRM system, an email address, and a WSI-branded website. After opening, WSI offers ongoing support including sales, business operations, and marketing coaching from its home office team and network suppliers. Franchisees also get dedicated support via email, phone, and chat, a resource library of marketing materials, and continuous educational opportunities such as webinars and online courses. WSI keeps franchisees updated on industry developments, provides general advisory assistance, and may offer discretionary management consulting services for special projects. They also provide revisions to the operating manuals, access to a proprietary technology tool set, and the potential to participate in national accounts programs or purchase technologies to service other franchisees.
Initial Training Hours
90
Training Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (in-person) and online
Ongoing Support
After opening, WSI franchisees participate in a six-month Quick Start Program (QSP) which includes weekly group calls and bi-weekly personal coaching sessions to build business competencies and drive sales. WSI provides continuous support through sales, business operations, and marketing coaching, along with dedicated access via email, phone, virtual teleconferencing, and chat. Franchisees receive a resource library of marketing materials, access to ongoing educational opportunities such as webinars, e-learning courses, and forums, and updated industry information. They also access the Franchisee Virtual Office and other mandated systems. WSI may require additional training, including a 12-month third-party sales training course. Franchisees are required to attend WSI conventions and mandatory regional meetings, with registration fees covered by the Education Fee.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
WSI seeks qualified candidates, including young entrepreneurs aged 21-31 who may be financially disadvantaged or from a minority class, demonstrate academic excellence and good business acumen, and have strong references, including from a WSI consultant. For all franchisees, the ideal candidate (or their Operating Principal) should meet educational, managerial, and business standards, possess good moral character, business reputation, and credit rating, demonstrate aptitude and ability to operate a digital marketing business (potentially evidenced by prior related business experience), and have adequate financial resources and capital. If the franchisee is an entity, the Operating Principal must hold at least a 51% ownership interest, supervise the business, complete training, and have authority over business decisions.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staffing Notes
WSI requires its franchisees to maintain a sufficient number of competent and conscientious staff to serve customers and meet service standards. If the franchisee's Operating Principal is not supervising the business full-time, WSI requires the franchisee to hire a full-time manager who meets WSI's qualifications. This manager cannot concurrently work for a competing WSI franchisee. WSI may also specify certain job positions and service criteria in its Manuals and reserves the right to require additional staff if customer service or performance standards are not met.