What is the Opening Support Program for Bft franchisees designed to do?

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Opening Support Program is designed to help franchisees generate prospective studio clientele and members and promote the studio before its soft opening. Franchisees are required to develop a plan in coordination with the franchisor's designated opening support program. This plan and all pre-sales phase activities require the franchisor's prior approval. The franchisee is responsible for all fees and costs associated with the Opening Support Program and other pre-sales activities.

This program is a crucial step for new Bft franchisees as it sets the stage for a successful launch. By focusing on generating interest and attracting members before the studio officially opens, franchisees can build momentum and establish a customer base from day one. The requirement for franchisor approval ensures that all marketing and promotional activities align with the brand's standards and strategies.

However, franchisees need to be aware of the financial implications, as they are responsible for covering all costs related to the Opening Support Program. This includes marketing expenses, promotional materials, and any other fees associated with pre-sales activities. Careful budgeting and planning are essential to ensure that these costs are managed effectively and do not strain the franchisee's financial resources. This is a fairly standard practice in the franchise industry, where franchisees typically bear the costs of local marketing and promotion, while franchisors provide guidance and support to ensure brand consistency and effectiveness.