How does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing determine if an individual qualifies for the Diversity Discount?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e United States or Canadian government offices, but the decision remains ours.
Diversity Discount
We reduce the Franchise Fee by $5,000 for all minority owned and women-owned businesses. To qualify for the Diversity Discount, the Franchised Business must be at least partially owned by a woman or minority who meets our requirements to license a Franchised Business. This discount is for the first franchise only (first franchise of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING or any of our affiliates). In determining whether an individual qualifies for the discount, we may be guided by the definitions used by applicable United States government offices, but the decision remains ours. As of the date of this disclosure document, we have adopted the definition of "minorities" to include the groups with the following ethnic origins: African, Asian Pacific, Asian Subcontinent, Hispanic, Native Alaskan, Native American and Native Ha
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 15–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a $5,000 Diversity Discount is available to minority-owned and women-owned businesses. To qualify, the franchised business must be at least partially owned by a woman or minority who meets Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's requirements to license a franchised business. The discount applies only to the first franchise.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may use definitions from United States government offices as guidance, but the final decision rests with them. As of the FDD's date, "minorities" include those with ethnic origins from African, Asian Pacific, Asian Subcontinent, Hispanic, Native Alaskan, Native American, and Native Hawaiian groups, as well as members of other groups designated by the Small Business Administration.
This means that prospective Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees who are women or members of specific minority groups could receive a significant reduction in the initial franchise fee. However, the ultimate determination of eligibility lies with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, even if the applicant meets the general guidelines. It is important to note that this discount is only applicable to the first franchise purchased.