Common Questions
Investing in an educational center franchise is a big decision. Find below some of the most common questions we hear.
Franchise Basics
A: The total investment to open a Steamoji Academy typically ranges from $193,000 to $494,0955, depending on location, size, and lease terms. This includes the franchise fee, buildout, equipment, working capital, and initial marketing.
A: The initial franchise fee is $40,000. This covers your exclusive territory rights, training for two people, access to our curriculum platform, operational and marketing playbooks, and ongoing system-wide enhancements.
A: Most franchisees open within 4 to 6 months from signing, depending on site selection, permitting, and buildout speed.
A: While Steamoji does not offer in-house financing, we work with third-party lenders who specialize in small business and franchise loans. We can help guide you through the process.
A: Franchisees pay a 8% royalty fee on gross revenue and a 2% brand fund contribution for national marketing. These fees support ongoing innovation, system development, and brand awareness campaigns.
A: Steamoji is actively expanding across North America. We offer protected territories based on population density and market demand. Please contact us for the latest availability.
A: Yes! We welcome multi-unit operators. We offer incentives and structured development schedules for franchisees who want to open 2 or more academies within a defined timeline.
Training & Support
A: Franchisees receive comprehensive initial training, including:
- Business operations and staffing
- Curriculum delivery and learning systems
- Sales and local marketing strategies
- Training is conducted both in-person and online, and includes on-site support during your launch.
A: Absolutely. Our support team is available year-round for coaching, operations help, marketing guidance, and tech troubleshooting. You’ll also receive access to updated curriculum and regular system updates.
A: Yes. We help design and execute your local launch marketing campaign, provide templates and tools for local outreach, and run national brand campaigns that drive awareness. We also offer training in lead conversion and retention.
A: Yes, we encourage collaboration through:
- Quarterly franchisee calls
- Annual Steamoji Franchise Conference
- Peer learning groups
Our network thrives on shared ideas and support.
.
Operations & Staffing
A: Our typical ratio is 4:1, ensuring personalized instruction while maintaining operational efficiency. Ratios may vary slightly depending on age group and activity.
A: No prior experience in education or STEM is required. We train you on everything you need to operate successfully. A passion for children’s development and a commitment to excellence are what matter most.
A: We provide onboarding and training resources for instructors via our online learning portal. We also offer job descriptions, interview templates, and hiring support to help you build your team.
A: Most academies operate after school (3:00–7:00 pm weekdays) and weekends, with expanded hours for camps during school breaks. Hours are flexible based on local demand.
Curriculum & Programs
A: Steamoji is designed for children ages 5 to 14, aligning with their developmental readiness and interest in applied learning.
A: Yes, our flexible model includes:
- After-school programs
- Weekend classes
- Seasonal camps (Winter, Spring, Summer)
This flexibility allows for consistent engagement and year-round revenue.
A: Our in-house curriculum team constantly evolves our platform based on trends in AI, robotics, coding, and maker education. We align our content with future-ready skills and education standards.
A: Yes. While our core curriculum is standardized, franchisees can adapt scheduling, events, and promotional offers to meet local preferences—with guidance from our support team.
Competitive Differentiation
A: Steamoji is the maker academy for kids that equips children with the hands-on STEM skills and a maker mindsets to solve real-world problems.
Steamoji mentors kids to develop a Maker Mindset through a fun, inspiring journey by mastering hands-on STEM skills while learning to solve future problems with creativity, adaptability, and resilience.
We instill a maker mindset.
A: We take a multi-disciplinary approach and go beyond “one-off” classes or camps. Our ‘Journey to Master Maker’ curriculum builds confidence through hands-on creation, fostering critical thinking and persistence. Kids aren’t just learning hard skills — they are becoming creative makers.
A: We track engagement, program completion, skills progress, and retention. We also survey parents on satisfaction, perceived growth in confidence, and real-world skill development.
Technology & EquiPment
A: Each academy includes tools like:
- 3D printers
- Laser cutters
- Electronics and robotics kits
- Laptops and tablets
We provide a full equipment list and help you source everything needed.
A: Yes, we have negotiated preferred pricing with vetted vendors, helping franchisees save on equipment and consumables.
Financial Performance
A: Financial performance varies by location and operator. Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) includes performance data from existing locations. We’ll review this with you during the discovery process.
A: Yes. Many franchisees reach strong enrollment numbers within their first year. We can connect you with existing owners during validation so you can hear about their journey directly.
A: Key drivers include:
- Enrollment volume and retention
- Operational efficiency
- Facilitator management
- Community engagement and marketing
Strong execution in these areas consistently leads to healthy unit economics.