What is the deadline for completing the initial training program after signing the City Publications franchise agreement?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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:
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, franchisees must successfully complete the initial training program no later than three months after signing the franchise agreement. This initial training is currently conducted online.
The initial training program is mandatory for all franchisees. Franchisees must be available at the designated times allotted for their official training and training updates.
The FDD also states that the typical length of time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening the Franchised Business is 3 months, and franchisees must be operational within 6 months after signing. Completion of the initial training program is one factor that may affect the beginning of operations.
Prospective franchisees should factor this three-month training completion deadline into their business launch plan. They should also confirm the specific format and schedule of the online training to ensure they can meet the attendance requirements.