Sweetwater Technologies Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Sweetwater Technologies offers water treatment and filtration solutions, helping customers ensure clean and safe water for residential and commercial use.

SweetWater Technologies, established in 2024, is a pioneering franchise in the agricultural sector, specializing in drone-based crop application and agronomic solutions. Headquartered in Wyanet, Illinois, the company was founded by Chad Gripp, a sixth-generation farmer with over two decades of experience in custom farming and application services.

The franchise model was launched in February 2024, offering entrepreneurial-minded agricultural professionals a turnkey opportunity to diversify and enhance their farm enterprises.

SweetWater Technologies provides a comprehensive suite of services, including precision drone application, performance crop inputs, and agronomic consulting. Their proprietary DRONEZONE product line is specifically formulated for ultra-low-volume drone applications, ensuring efficient and effective crop treatment.

What sets SweetWater Technologies apart is its commitment to empowering the next generation of farmers through technological innovation and community engagement.

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 $70,000
Rent Deposit $0 - $5,000
Rent (3 months) $0 - $15,000
Vehicle, Equipment, Signage $5,000 - $50,000
Office Set-Up, Technology, Hardware and Software $5,000 - $6,000
Business Licenses & Permits $575 - $700
Professional Fees $1,500 - $5,000
Insurance $2,050 - $8,200
Training Expenses $1,000 - $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising $1,500 - $10,000
Additional Funds $2,000 - $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $88,625 - $189,900
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $70,000
Rent Deposit $0 - $5,000
Rent (3 months) $0 - $15,000
Vehicle, Equipment, Signage $5,000 - $50,000
Office Set-Up, Technology, Hardware and Software $5,000 - $6,000
Business Licenses & Permits $575 - $700
Professional Fees $1,500 - $5,000
Insurance $2,050 - $8,200
Training Expenses $1,000 - $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising $1,500 - $10,000
Additional Funds $2,000 - $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $88,625 - $189,900

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Sweetwater Technologies

key competitors in the

Other Business Services

sector.

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

0

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$70,000

$89,000

$190,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Access the most comprehensive franchise database

For franchisees

Find the best franchises to invest into

For franchisors

Compare your brand to competitors

Upgrade to Pro to get access to:
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

?

Priority support

?

See our plans

A comprehensive and transparent look at franchising finances. The inclusion of profit margins and disclosure documents offers insights you can’t find elsewhere. Essential for anyone considering a franchise investment.

Darren M.

Franchisee

Been waiting for years for this. All the most important franchises and their latest Franchise Documents to download. The team also updates the franchises very quickly.

Emily V.

Franchisee

Number of units

Training

Sweetwater Technologies delivers a structured and detailed training regimen to prepare franchisees for effective business operations. The training encompasses both virtual and in-person components and is tailored to various operational and safety needs.

  1. Initial Training Program: This spans approximately five days and covers sales, marketing, operations, software, recordkeeping, and safety. It is split into a virtual component conducted within one week of signing the agreement and an in-person operational training scheduled shortly after.
  2. Virtual Training Program: This includes 6 hours of classroom instruction in areas like business introduction, sales, product knowledge, and safety—all delivered online.
  3. Operator Training Program: Conducted in Wyanet, Illinois or another designated site, this includes focused classroom training on business and sales procedures to prepare for field operations.
  4. Pilot Training Program: Required for employees who will operate drones, this component ensures compliance with safety and licensing standards before any drone usage in service delivery.
  5. On-the-Job Training: Delivered as needed during the initial training phase, it uses manuals and other instructional materials to support hands-on learning.

Territory Protection

Sweetwater Technologies grants franchisees a protected territory defined by U.S. ZIP code boundaries, typically encompassing at least a 10-mile radius in rural areas. While the franchisor will not place another franchise warehouse within this territory during the agreement term, franchisees do not receive absolute exclusivity.

The franchisor retains rights to perform and sell services through affiliates or third parties outside the franchisee’s location, provided they do not use the franchise’s trademarks.

Franchisees are restricted from conducting business outside their territory unless operating in designated “Open Areas,” which are locations not currently assigned to other franchises or reserved by the franchisor.

Competitors

Silbar Security

Silbar Security is a security services franchise specializing in mobile patrol, event security, and armed/unarmed guard services for businesses and individuals.

Franchisees

?

7
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$92,000 - $216,000

With A Twist Bartending & Event Service

With A Twist Bartending & Event Service provides professional bartending and event services, ensuring seamless and memorable celebrations.

Franchisees

?

12
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$62,000 - $136,000

Combo Brands

Combo Brands enables entrepreneurs to operate multiple brands within one franchise system, optimizing efficiency and market reach.

Franchisees

?

13
+
44%
44%
Investment

?

$49,000 - $353,000

Status Solutions Network

Status Solutions Network offers advanced situational awareness technology to improve safety and security for businesses, healthcare, education, and residential environments.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$47,000 - $68,000

MI-BOX

MI-BOX offers portable moving and storage solutions with mobile containers. Customers can pack at their convenience, and MI-BOX handles delivery and secure storage for residential and commercial needs.

Franchisees

?

7
+
600%
600%
Investment

?

$371,000 - $1,282,000

Snaphouss

Snaphouss offers a unique real estate marketing service with professional photography, 3D virtual tours, and aerial drone footage, enhancing property presentations for real estate professionals.

Franchisees

?

11
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$31,000 - $131,000