Concept Description
Welcome to Challenge Island, the ultimate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) educational experience that transforms learning into an unforgettable adventure! If you are seeking an opportunity to invest in a proven, successful franchise model with a rewarding mission, Challenge Island might just be the perfect fit for you.
As a Challenge Island franchisee, you’ll become part of a growing network of passionate and dedicated educators and entrepreneurs who are committed to empowering children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. Our franchisees benefit from extensive training and ongoing support, allowing them to hit the ground running and quickly build a profitable business while making a positive impact on their communities.
When you invest in a Challenge Island franchise, you’ll gain access to our innovative and engaging STEAM curriculum, which is designed to captivate children’s imaginations and inspire a love of learning. Our one-of-a-kind programs are based on the latest research in child development and learning theory, and are taught by highly trained instructors who bring energy and enthusiasm to every class.
At Challenge Island, we believe that learning should be fun, exciting, and hands-on. With our unique blend of art, science, technology, engineering, and math, we create an unforgettable educational experience that keeps children engaged and eager to learn. Our franchisees are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, and take pride in the role they play in helping young learners unlock their full potential.
Over 100 Franchise Units in 27 States and 4 Countries
World’s #1 STEM/STEAM Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500
The past 3 years straight on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Fastest Growing Lists – 2018, 2019, 2020
Nearly 1 Million Children Served in Over 3500 Schools and Community Locations
Created By Award-Winning Educator, Author, Internationally-Syndicated Parenting/Education Journalist, and Challenge Island CEO, Sharon Duke Estroff M.A.T.
Founded in Atlanta in 2002 and Began Franchising in 2013
Well-Established Mobile Model Within Both Consumer and Franchise Markets
Nationwide Partnerships with the Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Unicef and many other Non-Profits as well as numerous Family Focused For-Profits
Testimonials
“I’ve had a number of jobs in corporate America, but I never felt passionate about anything until I found Challenge Island. Parents, teachers, administrators and, of course, students love the program and I have been pleasantly surprised by how fast my Challenge Island business has taken off.” Shronda Boatwright, Essex and Passaic Counties, NJ “Challenge Island is what teachers would love to do every day, but don’t have time to do! Amy Broocke. Richmond, VA “With the other franchises I considered, it felt like a business transaction; with Challenge Island, it felt like a family.” Leah Rise, St. Pete, FL
Publicity
Challenge Island is in the news all the time! Here are a few fun examples: Challenge Island Takes Teaching Beyond the Textbook Island Offers Refuge from High Tech Age Teacher Grows STEAM Franchise Program Across Country San Diego Kids Travel to Challenge Island to Avoid Summer Brain Drain Eclipse Becomes a Child Learning Tool on Challenge Island
Unit Option
Single, Multiple, Area Representative/Master Developer
Background
FDD Franchised Units: 190
Corporate Owned Units: 7
Projected New Units: 5
Year Established: 2002
First Year Franchised: 2013
Type of Business: Franchise
Hours of Operation: 24 / 7 / 365
Number of Employees: Small (1-5)
History:
Seventeen years ago, before Challenge Island was the world top ranked STEM/STEAM franchise with 100 locations, Challenge Island Founder and CEO, Sharon Duke Estroff, was at the height of her Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde phase. By day, she was an award-winning second grade teacher with a classroom full of happy, thriving students. By night, she was a stressed-out mom with stretched-thin patience who could barely muster the energy to help her own kids with their homework.
It was a combination of Mrs. Hyde’s seemingly permanent presence at home and Sharon’s once colorful classroom being wrapped tightly in bureaucratic red tape that convinced her it was time for a career change. And along for the ride was Challenge Island, a popular in-class activity she’d created for her students and was hoping to transform into a full-time enrichment business.
Sharon was able to take everything she loved about her job (the creative lesson planning and exciting hands-on learning), and leave behind everything she didn’t (year-round standardized testing prep, kids marching in pin straight lines through silent, stifling hallways). Her second graders’ favorite activity was a hometown enrichment hit and before long, she had created a highly profitable home-based business that I could run around her family’s busy schedule.
Today, Sharon is the CEO of Challenge Island Global, one of the fastest growing educational franchises in the world with more than 100 locations in the United States and Internationally. Challenge Island is currently operating in 28 states and 4 countries and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And as for Mrs. Hyde, we are happy to report that her nightly gigs at the Estroff house have been reduced to brief cameo status.
Availability
Territories: United States, International, Canada: Registered
Financials
Liquidity: $50,000
*Investment Range: $58,465 - $74,050
Minimum Net Worth: $100,000 or less
Franchise Fee: $49,900
Royalty: 7%
Royalty Description: 7% of Gross Sales for the previous month, or the Minimum Royalty Fee.
Advertising: Local: $500 per calendar quarter
National Advertising: 2% of Gross Sales or the Minimum Marketing Fee if more.
Ramp-Up: 7 to 9 months
Passive Ownership: Semi- passive after 1 year
Passive Ownership means the owner is working 15 hours or less per week in the business.
Available Discounts
- Veterans
Discount Description: We participate in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran Program, which generally provides discounts on initial franchise fees to veterans of U.S. Armed Forces who otherwise meet the Program’s requirements. First time purchasers of franchises who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to pay a reduced franchise fee of $34,900 for their first Challenge Island franchise (representing a $5,000 discount off our standard $39,900 franchise fee). To qualify for the discount, the veteran must own at least a 50% interest in the franchise. “Veteran” means a recipient of an honorable discharge as evidenced by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Training, Support and Assistance
Co-Operative Advertising: N/A
Site Selection Assistance: Available
Lease Negotiation Assistance: N/A
Length of Training: 4 days
Training Description:
At least two (2) weeks before the opening of a Challenge Island Business, you must attend, and we will provide four (4) days of training for you and your initial staff (not to exceed four (4) individuals) at no cost. One (1) day of customized and individualized virtual training Franchisor. The training encompasses sales, marketing and business management, as well as the systems and procedures for operating the business and must be completed to our satisfaction by you and your staff (if any). The training will take place at a location we specify in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area
Operational and Marketing Tools:
Comprehensive Proprietarial Franchise Management Tool Software
Local Franchise Mini Sites
Local Business Facebook Pages and Professionally Created Content
A Plethora of Beautiful Branded Marketing Materials
G-Suite by Google Business Tools Integrated into the Challenge Island Domain
All Owner’s Guides, Resources, Plans and Marketing Materials are Available via Cloud
Financing Assistance: N/A
