BrightStar Care Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
BrightStar Care provides in-home healthcare services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship, to individuals of all ages.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
373
+
7%
7%
Franchise fee
?
$50,000
Investment
?
$132,000 - $235,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$355,000
+
3.9%
3.9%
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BrightStar Careis a premier home healthcare franchise that was founded in 2002 by Shelly Sun in Gurnee, Illinois. The company was established to provide comprehensive in-home care services, addressing the full continuum of care needs from companion and personal care to skilled medical care.
BrightStar Care began franchising in 2005 after successfully validating its business model with multiple company-owned locations. Today, the company is headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois.
The franchise differentiates itself from competitors by employing a Registered Nurse to oversee every case, ensuring a higher standard of care that allows clients to stay in the comfort of their own homes for longer periods.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a BrightStar Care franchise is
$132,000 - $235,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
$25,000 – $50,000+
Leased Space for Agency
$4,000 – $9,600
Utility Deposits
$300 – $500
Furnishings
$2,000 – $4,000
Computer Infrastructure Package
$4,000 – $9,500
Signage
$400 – $5,000
Marketing Materials (brochures, business cards, etc.)
$500 plus shipping and handling
Office Supplies, PPE, and medical supplies
$600 – $730
Printing, reproduction & postage
$300 – $900
Business Licenses and Other Required License
$200 – $8,633
State Licensure Assistance
$0 – $6,500
Local Marketing Spend
$3,000 – $5,250
Recruitment Spend
$3,495 – $6,385
State Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
$0 – $2,000
Director of Nursing
$0 – $6,192
Insurance (excluding workers comp)
$1,740 – $5,000
Workers’ Comp Insurance
$445 – $3,300
Employee Travel and Living Expenses Associated with Training
$4,990 – $10,200
Learning Management Software
$700 – $5,200
Legal Fees
$2,000 – $5,500
Joint Commission Accreditation
$0 – $6,192
Additional Operating Funds – 3 months
$53,829 – $83,956
Total
$132,499 – $235,038
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$25,000 – $50,000+
Leased Space for Agency
$4,000 – $9,600
Utility Deposits
$300 – $500
Furnishings
$2,000 – $4,000
Computer Infrastructure Package
$4,000 – $9,500
Signage
$400 – $5,000
Marketing Materials (brochures, business cards, etc.)
$500 plus shipping and handling
Office Supplies, PPE, and medical supplies
$600 – $730
Printing, reproduction & postage
$300 – $900
Business Licenses and Other Required License
$200 – $8,633
State Licensure Assistance
$0 – $6,500
Local Marketing Spend
$3,000 – $5,250
Recruitment Spend
$3,495 – $6,385
State Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
$0 – $2,000
Director of Nursing
$0 – $6,192
Insurance (excluding workers comp)
$1,740 – $5,000
Workers’ Comp Insurance
$445 – $3,300
Employee Travel and Living Expenses Associated with Training
$4,990 – $10,200
Learning Management Software
$700 – $5,200
Legal Fees
$2,000 – $5,500
Joint Commission Accreditation
$0 – $6,192
Additional Operating Funds – 3 months
$53,829 – $83,956
Total
$132,499 – $235,038
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is BrightStar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
BrightStar Care had 408 total units in 2025, of which 373 were franchised-owned and 35 company-owned.
BrightStar Care provides comprehensive training to its franchisees to ensure they are well-prepared to operate their businesses successfully. The training program includes several key components:
Initial Training Program: Franchisees participate in a rigorous initial training program that typically lasts for two weeks. This training covers various aspects of the business, including operational procedures, marketing strategies, financial management, and the proprietary technology platform used by BrightStar Care. The training also includes hands-on learning at an existing BrightStar Care location.
Ongoing Support and Education: Beyond the initial training, BrightStar Care offers continuous support and education. This includes regular webinars, regional meetings, and annual conferences that allow franchisees to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and new developments within the franchise system.
Clinical and Care Management Training: Since BrightStar Care focuses on delivering a high standard of healthcare, franchisees and their staff receive specialized training in clinical and care management practices. This training ensures that the care provided meets the rigorous standards set by The Joint Commission, with a Registered Nurse overseeing each case.
Territory Protection
BrightStar Care offers territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each franchisee has exclusive rights to operate within a defined geographic area. This territorial exclusivity is designed to prevent overlap between franchises, allowing each franchisee to fully capitalize on the market potential within their assigned area.
The protected territory is based on factors such as population density and market demand, ensuring that franchisees have ample opportunity to grow their business without direct competition from other BrightStar Care franchises in the vicinity.
This protection is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fair franchise network, allowing franchisees to focus on delivering high-quality care without concerns about encroachment from nearby franchises.
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