What is the Brightstar Care franchisee's obligation regarding the use of software for the Agency's operation?

According to Brightstar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must use all required software and systems to operate their agency. Failure to do so constitutes grounds for termination of the franchise agreement. Brightstar Care has developed and maintains an integrated management system providing various technology solutions, including client relationship management, staff relationship management, billing management, web management, franchise management and all modifications that may be made from time to time, called the "Athena Business System".

The agreement emphasizes the importance of adhering to Brightstar Care's standards and specifications for the operation of its Agency and to the operations of the Brightstar System. This obligation extends to using the required software and systems, suggesting that these tools are integral to maintaining the consistency and quality of services across all Brightstar Care franchises.

For a prospective franchisee, this requirement means they must be prepared to invest in learning and utilizing the Athena Business System. This could involve training for themselves and their staff, as well as ongoing adherence to any updates or changes to the software. The franchisee should clarify with Brightstar Care what specific software and systems are mandated, the costs associated with them, and the level of support provided for implementation and troubleshooting. Understanding these aspects will be crucial for budgeting and operational planning.