Can a Belocal franchise owner who operates a BL Business operate a second business and facilitate the publishing for a Test Publication business?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A franchise owner who operates a BL Business may be qualified to operate a second business and facilitate the publishing for a Test Publication business but is not required to do so. We do not require the owner of Test Publication business to also operate a BL Business. BL Businesses and Test Publication businesses are each a "Franchised Business" as that term is used in this disclosure document. From November 2017 until October 2024, franchisees who facilitated publication for Test Publications did so under the REAL PRODUCERS® franchise disclosure document. Now franchisees who facilitate publication for Test Publications do so under the BeLocal® franchise disclosure document. As of
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee who operates a BL Business may be qualified to operate a second business and facilitate publishing for a Test Publication, but is not required to do so. Belocal also does not require the owner of a Test Publication to operate a BL Business. Both the BL Business and Test Publication businesses are considered a "Franchised Business" under the terms of the disclosure document.
This means that a Belocal franchisee has the option to expand their business by operating both a BL Business and a Test Publication, but it is not mandatory. This provides flexibility for franchisees who may want to diversify their revenue streams or focus on a specific type of publication. However, it is important to note that Test Publications may be discontinued at any time by Belocal without penalty or compensation to the franchisee, unless otherwise indicated in a state addendum to the franchise agreement. Also, Test Publication commissions are not included in the Item 19 financial performance representations.
From November 2017 until October 2024, franchisees facilitated publication for Test Publications under the REAL PRODUCERS® franchise disclosure document. Now franchisees who facilitate publication for Test Publications do so under the BeLocal® franchise disclosure document. As of June 30, 2025, there were 13 Test Publications in operation, and these franchises have been offered since November 20, 2017. This indicates that Belocal has experience with Test Publications and has been offering them for several years. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the risks and benefits of operating a Test Publication before making a decision.