BELOCAL Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

BELOCAL offers location-based marketing and advertising solutions, helping businesses connect with local consumers through targeted campaigns and promotions.

BeLocal is a franchise specializing in local guides for new residents, helping them discover the best local businesses, attractions, and insider tips in their new communities. Founded in 2018 as a product of The N2 Company, BeLocal quickly grew to fill a unique niche in the market, providing valuable information to new movers. 

The headquarters of BeLocal is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. BeLocal began franchising shortly after its inception and has since expanded significantly. The magazines are expertly crafted in-house, ensuring high quality in both design and content, which makes them a staple on the coffee tables of many households.

What sets BeLocal apart from other publications is its commitment to quality and community integration. Each issue of BeLocal magazine includes insights and recommendations from long-time residents, making it a trusted source of local knowledge.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $735
Office Furniture & Equipment $0 - $2,650
Computer Hardware & Software $0 - $2,650
Office Supplies and Stationery $90 - $125
Insurance Coverage (1 year) $400 - $650
Initial Training Expenses $0
Professional Fees $0 - $2,100
Licenses and Permits $0 - $500
Entity Formation $100 - $500
Additional Funds (for first 3 months of operation) $600 - $1,000
TOTAL $1,925 - $10,910
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $735
Office Furniture & Equipment $0 - $2,650
Computer Hardware & Software $0 - $2,650
Office Supplies and Stationery $90 - $125
Insurance Coverage (1 year) $400 - $650
Initial Training Expenses $0
Professional Fees $0 - $2,100
Licenses and Permits $0 - $500
Entity Formation $100 - $500
Additional Funds (for first 3 months of operation) $600 - $1,000
TOTAL $1,925 - $10,910

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The BeLocal franchise offers comprehensive training programs to ensure that franchisees are well-prepared to successfully launch and manage their publications. This training covers various aspects crucial for running a BeLocal franchise effectively, from initial setup to ongoing support.

Initial Training

Comprehensive Onboarding: New franchisees undergo an extensive initial training program that covers all the foundational aspects of running a BeLocal publication. This includes understanding the BeLocal brand, the mission and values of The N2 Company, and the specific role and responsibilities of a BeLocal Area Director.

Sales and Marketing Training: A significant portion of the training focuses on sales techniques and marketing strategies. Franchisees learn how to identify potential clients, build relationships with local businesses, and effectively market their publications. This training is essential for franchisees to generate revenue and establish a strong presence in their communities.

Operational Training: Franchisees are trained on the operational aspects of the business, including how to manage the production process of the magazine, distribution logistics, and customer relationship management. This ensures that franchisees can efficiently handle the day-to-day operations and maintain the high quality of the BeLocal publication.

Territory Protection

The BeLocal franchise offers territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each Area Director has a designated, exclusive region to operate in without competition from other BeLocal franchisees. This protected territory allows franchisees to focus on building strong relationships with local businesses and residents, promoting a sense of community and loyalty within their designated area​.

Territory protection is a crucial aspect of the BeLocal franchise model, as it enables franchisees to maximize their market potential and revenue opportunities within their exclusive region.

By having a defined territory, franchisees can effectively plan their marketing strategies and sales efforts, knowing they have the sole rights to represent the BeLocal brand in their community.

Competitors

Below are some of

BELOCAL

key competitors in the

Marketing

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

133

New
+
-4%
-4%

$735

$2,000

$11,000

n.a.

$66,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Money Mailer

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Franchisees

?

33
+
-31%
-31%
Investment

?

$65,000 - $79,000

Stroll

Stroll is a neighborhood magazine franchise that connects local businesses with affluent communities through customized, high-quality publications.

Franchisees

?

546
+
6%
6%
Investment

?

$2,000 - $13,000

Proforma

Proforma provides marketing and branding solutions, offering a wide range of promotional products, printing services, and digital marketing support.

Franchisees

?

542
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$7,000 - $28,000

Coffee News

Coffee News is a weekly publication distributed in local restaurants and coffee shops, offering lighthearted news, trivia, and advertisements, providing an engaging read for diners.

Franchisees

?

191
+
-35%
-35%
Investment

?

$11,000 - $12,000

WSI

WSI offers digital marketing solutions, helping businesses optimize their online presence through SEO, social media, and digital advertising strategies.

Franchisees

?

148
+
-17%
-17%
Investment

?

$77,000 - $107,000

The Scout Guide

The Scout Guide is a local business guide franchise, showcasing and promoting curated local businesses and services in beautifully designed publications.

Franchisees

?

94
+
29%
29%
Investment

?

$130,000 - $288,000