What expenses is a Brightstar Care franchisee responsible for relating to required training programs?

According to Brightstar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for all personnel and travel expenses related to required training programs. This includes costs associated with transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and related salary expenses for themselves and their staff attending training. These expenses apply to various training programs, including the initial New Owner Training, training for replacement branch managers/operations managers, Directors of Nursing (DONs), and salespersons.

Brightstar Care may also develop a mandatory advanced training program for key personnel, for which the franchisee must cover all travel and related salary expenses. Additionally, if a franchisee needs to train any replacement managers, salespersons, or DONs, they must pay Brightstar Care's then-current training fee, along with all travel and salary expenses for the replacement manager to attend training. Franchisees must also pay for travel expenses (transportation, hotel, meals, etc.) and related salary expenses to attend annual franchise meetings.

Furthermore, Brightstar Care offers additional optional on-site training at a cost of $500-$600 per day per trainer, plus travel and room and board expenses for each trainer. There are also additional training programs for regional or group training programs available for an additional fee of $100 - $200 per day per attendee, plus travel and room and board expenses for each attendee for basic training and $300 - $400 per day per attendee, plus travel and room and board for each attendee for advanced training. These costs can accumulate quickly, especially if multiple staff members require training or if the franchisee opts for additional training programs.

In summary, a Brightstar Care franchisee should budget not only for the direct fees associated with certain training programs but also for the indirect costs of travel, accommodation, salaries, and personnel during training. These expenses are a recurring part of operating the franchise and ensuring staff are adequately trained to meet Brightstar Care's standards.