Helen Paver, director of Ladybug Academy, takes the Franchise Business Q&A.
How long has the business been trading?
With a vision to enhance children’s understanding of themselves, others, and the world, Dr. Angela Andonopoulos founded Ladybug Academy in 2012. Since then, our team has diligently conducted research and market testing to ensure our programs evolve in sync with educators’ and parents’ needs. Our commitment to creating memorable learning experiences remains unwavering as we continue to refine and develop our offerings.
What does it cost to buy a franchise?
There is a low initial investment with immediate earning potential. For a low initial fee of just $15,500 + GST (with options to buy in further) licensees will receive all the tools and equipment required to jump into the classroom and start earning within weeks of joining.
What are the core areas of your company’s business?
Ladybug Academy is the innovative leader in delivering fun and engaging educational programs for preschool and primary-aged children, promoting health, well-being, diversity, and sustainability. We prioritise fun-filled sessions where children learn without even realising it while developing a social consciousness towards creating a better world.
Who is a typical customer?
We currently deliver both one-off incursions and extended weekly sessions to preschools, childcare, primary schools, community centres, and out-of-hours-school-care, servicing Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and Melbourne. Our programs can also be delivered direct to the public and adapted for birthday parties or after school activity clubs.
What makes your brand stand out from the competition?
Our mission is to cultivate in children a sense of social responsibility, empowering them to actively contribute to creating a better world. Ladybug Academy license operators share the same core values.
They are passionate, well informed, customer-focused, have moral integrity, and are team players.
Why is this a good business for a franchisee to buy into?
Licensees can set their own working hours allowing them the flexibility to balance those other important aspects of life, including hobbies and holidays. With minimal paperwork, office duties or staff to manage, licensees’ time will be spent having fun and educating the children.
All the programs are market tested in childcare centres. With more than 10 years experience we know our programs work and know thousands of children and staff will agree!
The programs are ready to go, complete with lesson plans and equipment so licensees can start earning money from the first day.
Ladybug Academy has been operating in Sydney and Newcastle for over 10 years. We have a great reputation and are known to hundreds of childcare centres. We already have exposure across most Sydney suburbs and with a well known trusted brand behind you it is much easier to get the booking.
Licensees can leverage the brand name, utilise the Ladybug Academy website and get help sourcing equipment. And if a licensee has a last-minute change of plan, as part of a trusted network of trained Ladybug Academy license holders it’s easy to find a replacement to step in.
Which franchisee support element is the most well-received and why?
Ladybug Academy provides ongoing expert support, with telephone, email and chat options available as licensees grow their business.
How many hours a week does a franchisee typically work?
Licensees have the freedom and control to choose when they work and for how long! There are no targets to meet and no minimum required working hours.
Current operators usually work between two and five days a week, with approximately two to four hours work each day. This does vary throughout the year depending on school holidays and other lifestyle considerations.
What drives your growth strategy?
Our growth strategy at Ladybug Academy is centered around two key principles. First, we prioritise steady organic growth over time, which we achieve through building and maintaining excellent customer relations, receiving positive reviews, and benefiting from strong word-of-mouth referrals.
Second, we emphasise location-based expansion by welcoming new license holders into our team across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. These strategies not only ensure sustainable growth but also help us maintain the high quality of our services.
What are your expansion plans for the next five years?
Our goal is to establish licenses within all major cities across the eastern seaboard. We will continue to broaden the scope of our program offering while increasing brand awareness and building a strong following.
Share one exciting innovation or development on the horizon
Product development and testing takes time and often the release of new programs is a lengthy process. However, we are very excited to announce that we are currently refining a new insect experience to offer our customers. This will be released in 2024!