Franchising For Kids

Entrepreneur.com:

With the under-18 crowd making up over a quarter of the U.S. population, catering to kids can really pay off. But it’s a crowded market, so standing out can be tough. New franchisors are finding unique ways to target the children’s market - and attracting parents by teaching kids important skills and values.

Perfect Score
Jason Webb and Jeremy Sorzano met as soccer teammates in college and later played together professionally for the Charlotte Eagles. It was during this time that they formed the idea for Soccer Shots. Both men wanted to share their love of soccer, and they saw a niche that wasn’t being filled: classes for kids ages 3 to 8.

Garage Band
When Ann Gray Graf was young, the only acting opportunity for children was in musicals - and she couldn’t sing. As an adult, she drew upon her experiences as a comedian and actress to start The Actor’s Garage in Manhasset, New York, in 2004. to start more classes in the Northeast; Her classes teach TV and film acting to kids in a noncompetitive environment. Word spread quickly, leading Graf she began franchising in 2006 and also added stand-up and improv classes to her offerings. Students perform for an agent during their last class, and some have even landed roles in films, but the classes aren’t just for aspiring actors. Kids learn confidence, interviewing skills and teamwork. ‘As adults, that’s what our lives are all about,’ says Graf, 49, ‘and nobody really teaches us those things.’