Is Focus Cfo required to purchase a package of IT services from an approved IT vendor?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
13-0">Required Purchases and Suppliers
All franchisees must purchase a package of IT services from our approved IT vendor, which is currently C-Forward. The package of IT services includes: an Office 365 license, which includes access to Focus CFO e-mail, Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams video conferencing platform and Microsoft OneDrive file hosting and backup service. The IT package also includes a security monitoring service of the Franchisee's computer and IT support services.
All franchisees must purchase Sandler Sales Training provided by The Ruby Group.
Currently, we have no other required supplies, designated suppliers or approved suppliers for goods, services or real estate relating to your franchised business. The required purchase of IT services and training represents about 1-3% of all purchases to be made in establishing the franchised business and while operating it. We reserve the right to require that any equipment,
products, services and/or supplies used in connection with the operation of the franchised business be purchased exclusively from us or our affiliates or suppliers or distributors we designate.
No designated supplier will make payments to Focus CFO from franchisee purchases.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 14–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all franchisees must purchase a package of IT services from their approved IT vendor, currently C-Forward. This IT package includes an Office 365 license with access to Focus CFO email, Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneDrive. It also includes security monitoring and IT support services for the franchisee's computer.
The cost of the IT services is approximately $30 per pay, which is deducted from the franchisee's compensation each pay period. Focus CFO covers this fee until the franchisee begins earning compensation. Franchisees can also elect to include Microsoft Copilot in their subscription for an additional $15 per pay. Focus CFO reserves the right to modify the required IT services, approved vendors, and the IT Services Fee with 30 days prior notice.
Focus CFO will not permit franchisees to contract with an alternative IT service supplier. The estimated initial cost for a business computer, related hardware/software, and the required IT package ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. The annual costs for maintaining and updating the computer system and software are estimated to be $1,500 to $3,000.
C-Forward will install an agent on the franchisee's computer to monitor for malware and viruses, with the right to access non-password protected files for IT support and security monitoring, typically requesting permission beforehand. Focus CFO does not have independent access to information on the franchisee's computer. This IT service purchase represents about 1-3% of the total cost of establishing and operating the franchise.