KUMON FRANCHISE EXPANDS IN NORTHEAST

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Jessica Dees

Boston, Philadelphia, New York — Fast-Growing Markets for Entrepreneurs in Education

Teaneck, N.J. – Kumon, the world’s largest after-school enrichment program, identifies Boston, Philadelphia and New York City as top priority markets and launches aggressive expansion plans to meet the growing demand for supplemental education services in these cities. In the past five years, Kumon student enrollment increased by 39 percent in Boston, 34 percent in New York City and 32 percent in Philadelphia. Kumon offers attractive business incentives to new franchisees in these priority markets.

\"We are seeking franchise candidates who have an entrepreneurial drive and the desire to work in the rewarding field of education,\" said Joseph Nativo, chief financial officer, Kumon North America. \"We offer franchisees business incentives up to $27,500 and quality-of-life flexibility. Our $2,000 franchise and materials fee is the lowest in the industry.\"

The tutoring business is growing at a rate of more than five percent a year according to the Education Industry Association, making it a viable business for entrepreneurs seeking personal, professional and financial satisfaction. Since opening the first U.S. Kumon Center in Larchmont, N.Y., in 1974, Kumon is a highly desirable career opportunity for entrepreneurs. New openings of Kumon Centers increased by 80 percent this year and Kumon plans to sign an additional 50 franchise agreements by the end of the year, expanding its current 1,334-franchise community.

\"Despite the economic slowdown, parents continue to invest in education and their children’s academic success is their top priority,\" said Savio Rebelo, senior vice president, Kumon North America. \"These cities have a high number of potential customers with an increased interest in supplemental education services and we have choice openings to fill to meet the demand.\"

Supplemental education continues to be the fastest-growing franchise industry, and Entrepreneur magazine’s annual Top 500 ranking of franchises ranked Kumon as the No. 1 franchise in the United States for the ninth consecutive year. The ranking is considered the best and most comprehensive franchise ranking based on objective, quantifiable measures of franchise success.