The Whole Child Learning Co.

Founded: 1996 Franchising since: 1999
Noticing a lack of quality computer education programs for children, husband and wife Matt and Lindsay Barron founded Gigglebytes in San Marcos, Texas, in 1996. Combining Lindsay's teaching experience with Matt's sales and marketing experience, they sold their computer education service to preschools, day-care centers and after-school programs.

In 1997, they changed the company's name to The Whole Child Learning Co. to reflect its expanded curriculum, including martial arts and physical movement classes. The company began franchising in 1999.

510 S. Main St. Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

Phone: (540)443-9252

Franchisor has 4 employee(s); 2 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	36	0	0	4
2008	33	0	0	4
2007	27	0	0	0
2006	23	0	0	1
2005	--	--	--	--

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Asia, Australia/new zealand, Canada, Central america, Eastern europe, Middle east, Mexico, South america, Western europe

Exclusive territories available.

Total investment: $32.6K-38.8K Franchise fee: $29.5K

Ongoing royalty fee: 7% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	Yes	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $25K
Cash liquidity requirement: $14.5K
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 3 days
• At franchisee's location: 3 days

Ongoing Support

• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Field operations/evaluations

Franchise 500® rank:
#487 (2009); #412 (2008);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#99 (2008);