Is the C-Forward IT service package required for all Focus Cfo franchisees?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
l, Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams video conferencing platform and Microsoft OneDrive file hosting and backup service.
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- Security monitoring service of your business computer(s) for viruses and malware.
Currently, our approved IT vendor, C-Forward provides a recurring subscription package of IT services, which is required for all Franchisees. The C-Forward package includes the IT software, services, and support, above, as well as IT support services related to your email and O365 licensed products, both as issued to you through Focus CFO, on up to five (5) computers or devices per Franchisee. These IT support services are available between the hours of 7:30am EST and 5:30pm EST. After hours emergency support is also available at an additional cost to the Franchisee. In addition to the IT support services above, C-Forward may be able to provide support services for your business-related hardware; however, these services will need to be scoped out ahead of time and provided at an additional cost per hour at the Franchisee's expense.
The current cost of the IT Services to the Franchisee is $30 per pay and will be deducted from the Franchisee's compensation each pay period. For Franchisees who have not yet started to earn compensation, Focus CFO will work with you to cover the cost until you do.
Franchisees can elect to have Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence platform, included in their subscription. The cost of electing this option is
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, the C-Forward IT service package is a required subscription for all franchisees. This package, provided by Focus CFO's approved IT vendor, includes essential IT software, services, and support. Specifically, it covers an Office 365 license (including Focus CFO email, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneDrive), security monitoring for viruses and malware, and IT support services for email and O365 licensed products issued through Focus CFO. The support extends to up to five computers or devices per franchisee and is available between 7:30 am EST and 5:30 pm EST, with after-hours emergency support available at an additional cost.
The cost for these IT services is $30 per pay period, which is deducted directly from the franchisee's compensation. For new franchisees who have not yet started earning compensation, Focus CFO will cover the cost until they do. Additionally, franchisees have the option to include Microsoft Copilot in their subscription for an extra $15 per pay period, also deducted from their compensation or covered by Focus CFO until the franchisee starts earning.
In addition to the C-Forward package, Focus CFO franchisees are required to maintain certain IT software, services, and support on any business computer used to access or send email through their Focus CFO-issued email or to conduct business as an Area President. This ensures that all franchisees meet the minimum IT requirements set by Focus CFO's IT provider. Franchisees should factor these recurring IT costs into their financial projections, understanding that these are mandatory expenses for operating a Focus CFO franchise.