What is the relationship between the Focus Cfo Franchise Agreement and the CFO Licensing Agreement?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 1.4.
If Franchisee expresses an intent to provide CFO Services, Franchisee may either: (i) perform CFO Services on a limited basis as a CFO, as set forth in Attachment B Section 1.E.i., under a separate CFO Licensing Agreement with Focus CFO while maintaining its status as an Area President under this Agreement; or (ii) terminate this Agreement and its right to operate as an Area President and apply with Focus CFO to acquire a non-exclusive license to operate as a CFO under a Focus CFO Licensing Agreement.
Under this Section 1.4(ii), Focus CFO will not refund any difference, if applicable, between the Franchise Fee paid by Franchisee under this Agreement and any payment required to obtain a non-exclusive license.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement and the CFO Licensing Agreement represent two distinct roles within the Focus Cfo system. The Franchise Agreement is held by an entity whose equity owner operates as an Area President, primarily focused on generating new clients through Focus Cfo's client development system. Generally, the Area President does not directly perform CFO services for clients. Instead, these services are delivered by CFOs who hold a separate, non-exclusive license with Focus Cfo. These licensees are authorized to use Focus Cfo's marks to provide CFO services to clients who have signed a Professional Services Agreement with Focus Cfo.
However, the Franchise Agreement allows for some flexibility. A franchisee who wishes to provide CFO services has two options: they can either perform CFO services on a limited basis under a separate CFO Licensing Agreement while still maintaining their role as an Area President, or they can terminate their Franchise Agreement and apply to become a licensed CFO under a Focus Cfo Licensing Agreement. If a franchisee chooses to terminate their Franchise Agreement to become a licensee, Focus Cfo will not refund any difference between the franchise fee already paid and any payment required for the non-exclusive license.
In essence, the Franchise Agreement focuses on business development and marketing, while the CFO Licensing Agreement centers on the direct provision of CFO services. A franchisee can transition between these roles, but there are specific procedures and financial implications to consider. This dual structure allows individuals to focus on their strengths, whether it's sales and marketing or direct client service, while still operating within the Focus Cfo system.