How to Start a STEM Education Franchise in India?

In this day and age, technology drives nearly everything, from space exploration and robotics to even our everyday lives. Therefore, preparing the young generations to acquire competitive knowledge and skills is essential for their future success and well-being. STEM education plays a crucial role in this objective. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and STEM education stands at their intersection. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this is a perfect time and opportunity to invest in a future-driven business. A STEM education franchise in India is an appealing and scalable business opportunity that also contributes to the development of the country. Let’s delve into how to start a STEM Education Franchise in India!

What is STEM Education?    

NEP 2020 emphasises STEM Education, which is an interdisciplinary approach that has become the main driver of advanced technology. This educational method teaches students about how the real world works by providing them with exposure to experiential learning and practical exercises. Students gain valuable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity from these kinds of tasks. The STEM for kids franchise is a great option if you want to start a business in the education industry!

Is STEM Curriculum Important in India? 

India is becoming a hub for innovation that encourages a holistic approach and hands-on learning. A STEM curriculum is indispensable when it comes to preparing our youth for the competitive 21st century. It facilitates the development of crucial abilities like technology proficiency, coding & programming, and innovative thinking. Investing in education through a STEM franchise can have a significant impact. It also offers opportunities for growth in a market with high demand.     

Best STEM Integrated Curriculum

Some of the greatest STEM-integrated curricula are being adopted by schools. Bachpan’s SPROUT curriculum, for instance, is a significant step in this direction. It emphasises students’ growth and experiential learning, providing value-based tools for students’ holistic development. Now, gone are the days of traditional ways of teaching through textbooks. 

How to Start a STEM Education Franchise?

No prior experience in business? Don’t worry, we are here to guide you on how to start a STEM education franchise in India. 

Research the Market and Demand

Opening a STEM Education Franchise begins with realising your target market — preschoolers, high schoolers, or college students? Gather data from various sources like Statista, NITI Aayog, and Edtech Industry reports. Determine which industries need STEM education.  Sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering have a growing demand for a STEM education system. Determine the kinds of STEM courses that schools are most interested in offering. Meet with IB, CBSE, and ICSE schools that are actively implementing NEP.

Choose the Right Franchise Brand

Look into the reputation and presence of the brand. Start by determining the number of centres they have and whether they also operate internationally. Verify if they offer the necessary assistance and approval for localisation. Like Bachpan, many actual franchisors offer assistance throughout the school’s setup. Check franchisees’ reviews of the brand to gain valuable insights into their experiences.

Investment and Financial Planning

While buying a franchise, make sure that you have some investment and financial planning. It would help prevent unnecessary costs. Estimate the costs associated with school infrastructure, staffing, training, and materials. Strategic investment planning helps earn higher profits on investments and minimises unnecessary costs. A good financial plan prepares for unexpected costs and cash flow forecasting.

Legal and Licensing Requirements

Opening a school franchise isn’t just about providing quality education — it’s also about following the rules! Start by signing a strong Franchise Agreement. This agreement forms the basis of your partnership with the parent brand. It also gives you the right to use their name, curriculum, and support system. Next, make your business entity legal and get those important approvals, like NOCs from the education department and local municipal offices.

Setting Up the STEM Learning Centre

Now comes the time to set up the STEM learning centre for students! With the franchisor’s guidance and support, a fun and creative environment can be created where young learners can experience the real world through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Design the surroundings with eye-catching displays, age-appropriate furniture, and materials. Ensure there is proper ventilation, lighting, and electricity. Such facilities encourage parents to enroll their kids, and kids also feel like they’re in a fun and comfortable zone.

Hiring and Training Staff

Reputable franchisors assist with hiring and training employees. They offer assistance in identifying and interviewing suitable individuals. They help train educators on how to use the STEM kit, digital resources, and projects to keep the students engaged. To help teachers better understand their pupils, franchisors also offer sessions on child psychology and age-appropriate teaching techniques, if necessary.  

Marketing and Student Enrollment Strategies

Do you want your franchise to grow and gain recognition in the competitive industry? That’s when the role of marketing and student enrollment strategies comes into play. The franchisors provide you with ready-to-use marketing materials, which is a major benefit of owning a franchise. It involves digital marketing techniques, banners, and ad templates to create buzz.

Benefits of Starting a STEM Education Franchise

We are all aware that the demand for smart education is increasing due to a fast-paced and competitive environment. Different types of STEM franchises have become popular, like the STEM Robotics Franchise, Science Space Franchise, and Coding & Programming Franchise. Investing in a STEM Education Franchise creates an opportunity for you to enter a booming and socially valuable sector. Here are some more benefits of starting a STEM education franchise. 

1. Support and Training from the Franchisor

The role of franchisors does not end after setting up their franchisees. Yes, that’s right! Instead, they offer assistance all along the way. Starting with the centre’s setup, they help with operations, marketing plans, training equipment, infrastructure design, and academic preparation. Regular monitoring and sessions help franchisees to operate with confidence and consistency.

2. Proven Business Model

When you become business partners with a brand that has previously been developed, tested, and implemented, you don’t have to worry about “figuring things out.” Instead, you get already created manuals, marketing strategies, training tools, and everything required. It instills a sense of confidence and credibility when you join hands with a proven business model. 

3. Instant Visibility & Promotion

What would you choose? A new product or a known product that is famous for its credibility and quality? Most probably a known product, right? Similarly, choosing an established brand for business helps you gain instant visibility and promotion. You won’t have to worry about how you’ll be seen and recognized. Parents are more likely to consider sending their children to your school if they are already aware of the brand’s reputation.

4. No Prior Experience Needed

You have good news! You don’t need any prior experience to start a STEM education franchise in India, regardless of whether you are a homemaker, a retired person, or an employee looking to switch careers. Franchisors are there to guide you in every way to make your business successful.

5. Low Investment with High ROI

Although the investment amount may differ, typically a minimum of Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs is required. With a low initial investment, you can expect a significant return on investment due to the high demand for the STEM for Kids franchise. Not only that, you can also access ready-made materials like marketing strategies, training tools, business models, and ongoing support. Because of these factors, this becomes an appealing opportunity!

6. Flexibility and Scalability

Flexibility and scalability are two key advantages when starting a STEM education franchise. You can modify the educational process to fit age groups, local needs, and resource availability with a flexible and adaptive curriculum. The franchisors provide structured support and resources to help replicate success in new markets.  

Why go with STEM Education Franchise Instead of Open Own school?

Opening a STEM Education Franchise is a better option than starting one’s school from scratch, especially for new entrepreneurs. A franchise requires lower investment and offers immediate visibility, along with providing a tried and tested structure. Whereas opening one’s school requires a higher investment, and no brand recognition will make it difficult to attract enrollments.

Conclusion

The adoption of NEP 2020 and the growth of technology-driven professions have made STEM education an essential component of modern education. Given the rising need for expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding, it’s perfect to start a STEM education franchise in India, which has the potential to prepare a more competent and future-ready workforce. At Bachpan, we provide continuous support to our franchisees through which they can navigate the challenges of starting up their business. To learn more about how to open your preschool, visit us at: www.bachpanglobal.com/blog/how-to-open-your-play-school-start-your-preschool-now/