Step One: Initial Contact
Please visit www.doodlebugs.com to learn about Doodle Bugs! Children's Centers and our company history. Your initial research will help you make a determination about your readiness to proceed with the franchise process. To do so, complete the online contact form by clicking here or contact us directly at 866.668.5111 to arrange a discussion with Russ Gugino, our Director of Franchise Development.

Step Two: Franchise Application
Next, you will receive a Franchise Information Packet by mail. This packet details the franchise process and includes a confidential Franchise Application. Please complete the application and submit it to Doodle Bugs! for consideration.

Step Three: Initial Approval
If your confidential Franchise Application is approved, we will contact you personally to schedule your Doodle Discovery Day visit.

Step Four: Doodle Discovery Day
You will visit a Doodle Bugs! Children's Center in Buffalo, NY and meet with our company founders and franchise team. Discovery Day begins with an in-depth tour of a Doodle Bugs! center, which will allow you to see the 'doodle difference' in action. We will then review our franchise system, the process of opening a Doodle Bugs! center, and learn more about the support that you will recieve as a franchisee. At this time you will receive our official Franchise Disclosure Document.

Step Five: Sign Preliminary Agreement
If you are awarded a Doodle Bugs! franchise, Russ Gugino will travel to you for the signing of the Preliminary Agreement and to discuss site selection and pre-opening obligations. You will receive our Site Selection Manual to begin the process of finding the location for your future Doodle Bugs! Children's Center.

Step Six: Site Selection
With the assistance of Shawn O'Donnell, Director of Real Estate & Development, you will utilize the Site Selection Manual to seek and secure a Doodle Bugs! location within your designated area. The manual provides Doodle Bugs! systems and strategies to guide you in identifying prospective sites. The manual also contains our site selection criteria and site evaluation analysis.

Step Seven: Sign Franchise Agreement
Upon selection and approval of your site, you are ready to sign your Franchise Agreement and begin the center development phase. At this time, you will receive a copy of our Construction Manual, which details the process and procedures involved with municipal approval and construction of your new Doodle Bugs! Children's Center. A Doodle Bugs! team member will support you throughout the step-by-step process of developing your new center.

Step Eight: Center Development Period
During the development phase, you will attend two comprehensive training sessions. The first training session concentrates on pre-opening obligations: business startup, marketing, equipment ordering and hiring. The second training session is designed for you and your Center Director to concentrate on operations: curriculum, health /safety, licensing compliance, marketing and human resources.

Step Nine: Grand Opening
Your Grand Opening event is the culmination of your initial marketing campaign. A well planned and well executed Grand Opening will jump-start your enrollment and generate a positive 'buzz' about Doodle Bugs! in the community. Members of our Doodle Bugs! franchise team will visit your site to participate in the Grand Opening event and to celebrate your anticipated success.

Step Ten: Congratulations!
Get ready to hear, "Look – it's a Doodle Bug!" in your hometown.