What costs am I responsible for in connection with my participation in Belocal's initial franchise training?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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You must attend and satisfactorily complete, as we determine, our initial franchise training program within the first 60 days after signing the Franchise Agreement. You cannot begin operating your Franchised Business until you have satisfactorily completed such franchise training. We provide the initial franchise training program at no additional charge. You have the option to receive the training virtually or in-person at our designated training location. You are responsible for any costs you incur in connection with your participation in the training.
Our training is provided by qualified members of our staff, none of whom have less than 5 years of experience in the publishing industry. We may also draw upon the experience of other franchisees or training professionals. In no case would these other franchisees or training professionals have less than 12 months of experience in the publishing industry or as our franchisees or employees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while the initial franchise training program itself is provided at no additional charge, the franchisee is responsible for all costs they incur in connection with their participation in the training. This includes the cost of travel, lodging, meals, and wages for both the franchisee and any personnel, such as a manager, who must also complete the training if the franchisee will not be involved in the day-to-day operations. Belocal offers the option to receive the training virtually or in-person at their designated training location.
Belocal's initial training generally requires 19 hours, in addition to 8 hours of virtual field training after the completion of the classroom segment of initial training. The training program is subject to change without notice to reflect updates in the materials, methods, and manuals as well as changes in personnel. The subjects taught and the time periods allocated for each subject may vary based on the experience of the trainees.
Franchisees may also be required to periodically attend additional training programs and seminars, which may be conducted at various locations designated by Belocal, conducted virtually, or conducted by third parties. Belocal and third parties have the right to charge a reasonable fee for these additional training programs and seminars, based on their costs and/or the fees charged by such third parties. The duration of additional training programs will vary based upon the subject matter and content of the programs, and franchisees must pay all expenses incurred in any training program or seminar, including the cost of travel, lodging, meals, and wages.