There are a number of government programs that provide loans and wage subsidies for student based businesses. These loans are generally interest free and rebates are offered on some loans if a timely repayment is met. Wage subsidy programs will pay up to half of an employee???s wages. We will assist you in filling out the necessary documentation so that you gain the maximum benefit from the programs available. University First Class Painters will also provide financing for the goods and services that it provides to its franchise managers. These goods and services are paid through business operations or through government business loans as funds become available.

We provide training in all areas of your operation so that you are fully equipped to make your business a success and deliver a quality service to your customers. Training is provided through the following techniques:

• In class seminars
• An online training resource
• Audio visual aids
• Field training
• Training manuals (with tests and assignments)
• Consultation (available throughout all phases of your operation)
• Group consultation  

What Topics Will Be Covered In Training?
Small Business Management:

• Customer service
• Sales and marketing   
• Accounting
• Planning and budgeting
• Personnel management
• Production management
• Stress and conflict management
• Time management

Painting Procedures and Products:

• Painting systems
• Product specification
• Paint failure assessment
• Estimating
• Safety and environmental standards
• Painting techniques

Your average day will consist of:

Time	Medium Outlet	Time	Large Outlet
7 - 8 AM	Crew Setup	7 - 10 AM	Crew Setup
8 - 5 PM	Painting	10 - 6 PM	Painting & Crew Checks
5 - 7 PM	Estimates/Marketing	6 - 9 PM	Estimates / Marketing
7 - 8 PM	Administrative Work	9 - 10 PM	Administrative Work

• Paper work consists of payroll preparation and miscellaneous accounting.
• Estimates consist of calculation, presentations and contract signing.
• Marketing is extremely important to your success and it will occupy more of your time in the early part of the season (April and May).
• Note: Weekends are not considered time off. Although there may be less painting work to do, this time will be filled with marketing efforts. 
  

Our franchise system is designed specifically for students. This means that there is no up front fees and the entrance expenses are kept to a minimum. The following is a list of what is needed to set up an operation:

1. Vehicle:

Your vehicle should be in good operating condition. The ideal vehicles are hatchbacks, small trucks, small station wagons, etc. Fuel efficiency and reliability are essential as uneconomical vehicles will cut deeply into your profits. If you do not already possess a vehicle then the purchase of one should be well researched. Vehicle purchase is often made through student business loans that are available through some Provincial and Federal government agencies.

2. Painting Equipment and Ladders:

There are two ways to purchase painting gear. The first is through our official supplier: Dulux Paints. The advantage of purchasing through Dulux is that you will receive new tools at discounted prices. The second way to acquire equipment is to purchase it from past managers; this means that the gear is second hand but it is a lot cheaper than purchasing new tools.

Ladders can be purchased from a supplier or past manager and resold at the end of operations. The cost for painting equipment and ladders ranges between $700.00 and $1000.00.

3. Insurance:

Liability insurance is a necessary protection for any business. University First Class Painters will set up the appropriate insurance policy for all franchisees and pass along the finacial benefit of a group policy. The costs of this coverage varies per outlet but ranges from $400.00 - $600.00.

4. Forms:

All estimate calculation sheets, customer proposal forms and miscellaneous accounting forms are provided by University First Class Painters. Franchise Managers will receive a supply of these forms during the Training Phase and additional forms will be supplied for a nominal fee.

5. Clothing:

All University First Class Painters managers and painters are expected to present themselves in professional attire. Manager golf shirts and Painter T-shirts are provided by University First Class Painters for a nominal fee.

6. Marketing Materials:

Marketing materials are essential to a business' success. We provide each manager with professional materials to ensure that they are presenting themselves and University First Class Painters in a professional manner that will gain the customers confidence and ultimately obtain contracts. Franchise Managers will be given a supply of flyers and personal letters free of charge. Additional flyers and letters as well as client manuals, lawn signs and business cards are provided by University First Class Painters for a nominal fee.

7. Initial Operating Expense:

Prior to your first jobs being completed and paid for, a franchisee must have a certain amount of resources available. You must have enough funds available to handle your personal finances plus operating expenses such as gas, supplies and materials not available through your main supplier and other miscellaneous items. A gas card and a small amount of cash is usually adequate.

Along with your financial gains, you will gain experience in entrepreneurial skills:

• Customer servicing
• Financial management
• Personnel management
• Organizational techniques
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem solving
• Sales techniques
• Time management

In the increasingly tough job market a graduate needs every advantage possible. The experience you receive with University First Class Painters will distinguish you from your fellow graduates.

There is a future with University First Class Painters. We are a rapidly expanding organization and positions for General Managers, Assistant General Managers and On-campus Recruiters are made available to qualified Franchise Managers.

It’s not just Business / Commerce students that make successful managers. We have had students of every academic discipline including Arts, Science and Engineering. While the abilities and talents of our managers differ from one to the other there is a strong desire for success that remains a common trait in all of our lucrative franchisees.

Additionally, you should be:

• Ambitious
• Goal Oriented
• Hardworking
• Assertive
• Organized
• Committed
• Communicative
• Determined

Good business ability is also necessary but being a business student is not a requirement. All students find it an excellent way to achieve an experience in business while continuing with their degree in another field. Business students, on the other hand, use the experience as a practical application of their in-class learning.

	Large Outlet	Average Outlet	Small Outlet
Revenue	$150 000.00	$100 000.00	$50 000.00
Variable Expenses	$82 500.00	$60 000.00	$25 000.00
Other Expenses
Vehicle	$8 000.00	$6 000.00	$4 500.00
Equipment	$3 000.00	$2 000.00	$1 500.00
Administrative	$4 000.00	$3 500.00	$3 000.00
Advertising	$4 000.00	$3 000.00	$2 000.00
Total Expenses	$101 500.00	$74 500.00	$36 000.00
Profit	$48 500.00	$25 500.00	$14 000.00
Equipment Resale	$1 000.00	$750.00	$500.00
Vehicle Resale	$3 000.00	$2 500.00	$1 750.00
Net Profit	$52 500.00	$28 750.00	$16 250.00

Note:

• Variable expenses include labour, supplies, materials and royalty fees. Variable expenses are usually less (smaller percentage of revenue) in smaller outlets because a manager will decrease labour expenses by participating in the work process.
• Vehicle expenses includes vehicle purchase, gas, insurance, and registration.
• Administrative expenses include franchisor-supplied service fees (communication fees, administrative fees, liability insurance, forms, clothing and other items) and manager-supplied expenses such as gas, cellular and home office supplies.

Your time requirements consist of the following phases:

Application Phase (September to January)

• Fill out an application and attach a resume
• Attend Interviews
• If successful, you will receive an offer for an outlet
• Upon acceptance of offer you will sign a franchise agreement and receive the Managers Training Package

Training Phase (January to April)

• Complete training assignments
• Attend in-class training sessions (three weekends--usually in February)
• Attend field training sessions
• Perform preoperational marketing
• Note: This phase will take the same amount of time as adding a full-time credit to your current course load

Operational Phase (April to September)
You're job will entail the following responsibilities:

• Marketing
• Estimating
• Job set-up
• Quality control
• Account collection
• Maintaining accounting records
• Painting*

*the amount of time you spend painting depends on the size of your outlet: the smaller the outlet, the more painting hours are required from you.

Closedown Phase (September to October)

• Finish any incomplete contracts
• Collect outstanding accounts
• Complete necessary closedown paperwork
• Sell equipment and vehicle

University First Class Painters provides a marketing program that includes the following:

• Flyer materials
• Homeshow support
• Display support
• Professional forms and paraphernalia
• Telemarketing services
• Proven marketing strategies and techniques
• Guarantee service