Is attendance and completion of the initial training program mandatory for City Publications franchisees?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
6.B.1)
F. Initial Training
We will provide an initial training program which you must attend and complete to our satisfaction. Initial Training is conducted online at this time. You must successfully complete the training program no later than three months after you sign your franchise agreement. Both in connection with the training program and in the operation of your franchised business, we require that you respond to all communications from us within 24 hours of your receipt of the communication from us. There is no additional fee for initial training, however if we go back to the in-person training, you must pay for travel expenses and lodging. The following is a general description of the initial training program:
TRAINING PROGRAM
| Obligation | Section In Agreement | Disclosure Document Item | |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. | Insurance | Section 16 | ITEMS 6, 7 and 8 |
| o. | Advertising | Section 11 | ITEMS 6 and 11 |
| p. | Indemnification | Section 22 | ITEM 6 |
| q. |
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 19–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, attendance and completion of the initial training program is mandatory. The FDD states that City Publications will provide an initial training program that franchisees "must attend and complete to our satisfaction." Franchisees must successfully complete the training program no later than three months after signing the franchise agreement. Currently, initial training is conducted online.
In addition to the initial training, City Publications also requires that franchisees be available at designated times for official training and training updates, specifying that "all the training, mentoring and coaching modules are mandatory." Franchisees must also respond to all communications from City Publications within 24 hours of receipt, both during training and in the operation of the franchised business.
City Publications may also periodically require previously trained franchisees to attend refresher training programs or seminars, but attendance will not be required at more than 2 such programs or exceed 2 days in any calendar year. While attendance at these refresher programs is at the franchisee's sole expense, these are not required more than twice a year.