The Entrepreneur's Source

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The Entrepreneur's Source

The Entrepreneur's Source Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

The Entrepreneur's Source offers business coaching and career transition services, guiding individuals in exploring franchise ownership and self-employment.

Founded in 1984, The Entrepreneur's Source (TES) is a leading career coaching franchise that assists individuals in exploring self-sufficiency through business ownership. Headquartered in Southbury, Connecticut, TES has been dedicated to helping clients achieve their career goals for over four decades.

TES began franchising in 1997, expanding its reach to provide personalized coaching services across the United States. The franchise offers guidance to those considering a career change, focusing on entrepreneurial options that align with their goals, needs, and expectations.

TES's unique approach emphasizes education, awareness, and discovery, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their professional futures.

What sets The Entrepreneur's Source apart is its commitment to a client-centric coaching methodology. Unlike traditional career counseling services, TES provides a structured yet personalized process that helps individuals identify and pursue viable business opportunities, particularly in franchising.

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 $75,000
Training Fee $25,000 – $25,000
Travel And Living Expenses $2,000 – $3,500
Insurance Premiums – Annual $700 – $1,500
Equipment $150 – $2,500
Initial Marketing $1,000 – $2,000
MST Fees and Brand Building Investments $3,000 – $3,000
Conference Fee $0 – $450
Conference Travel and Living Expenses $0 – $3,000
Additional Funds – 6 Months $7,500 – $10,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $114,000 – $126,000
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $75,000
Training Fee $25,000 – $25,000
Travel And Living Expenses $2,000 – $3,500
Insurance Premiums – Annual $700 – $1,500
Equipment $150 – $2,500
Initial Marketing $1,000 – $2,000
MST Fees and Brand Building Investments $3,000 – $3,000
Conference Fee $0 – $450
Conference Travel and Living Expenses $0 – $3,000
Additional Funds – 6 Months $7,500 – $10,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $114,000 – $126,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Entrepreneur Source (TES) Franchise provides a comprehensive training program for franchisees and their approved operators to ensure the successful operation of the franchise. The training includes:

  1. Onboarding Training Module: This virtual module is the first step, required before attending any in-person training.
  2. Phase 1 Training: An on-site event held in Southbury, Connecticut, focusing on the fundamentals of the franchise system. It must be completed before the franchise is considered operational. This phase includes classroom instruction and hands-on franchise operation training.
  3. 12-Week Training Program: Conducted virtually between Phase 1 and Phase 2, it involves learning and education calls to deepen the understanding of the franchise system.
  4. Phase 2 Training: A virtual program held approximately 11–14 weeks after Phase 1, focusing on advanced operational techniques and system updates.
  5. Ongoing Training: Additional or refresher training programs are required occasionally, either virtually or at TES's headquarters, covering new equipment, systems, or procedures.

Territory Protection

The Entrepreneur Source (TES) Franchise does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees operate under a non-exclusive license, which allows both the franchisor and other franchisees to seek customers within the same geographic areas.

Additionally, TES reserves the right to use multiple channels of distribution, such as direct marketing and company-owned outlets, potentially creating competition for franchisees.

While TES imposes certain limitations to mitigate territorial conflicts, such as policies on direct and direct-mail marketing, it does not guarantee exclusivity within any given area.

Franchisees may work from home or other locations, and their ability to relocate is subject to the franchisor’s approval based on various factors. These policies highlight the competitive nature of the franchise's operational model.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Entrepreneur's Source

key competitors in the

Coaching

sector.

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

186

New
+
39%
39%

$75,000

$114,000

$126,000

n.a.

$118,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie is a professional training franchise specializing in leadership, communication, sales, and personal development programs for individuals and businesses.

Franchisees

?

142
+
-6%
-6%
Investment

?

$93,000 - $246,000

Exit Factor

Exit Factor offers consulting and training services for business owners looking to prepare their companies for sale, helping them maximize value and ensure a successful exit strategy.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$59,000 - $82,000

Corporate Connections

Corporate Connections offers executive networking and peer advisory services, helping business leaders connect, collaborate, and grow through structured meetings and events.

Franchisees

?

2
+
100%
100%
Investment

?

$39,000 - $82,000

The Paterson Center

The Paterson Center provides coaching and consulting services for individuals and organizations, helping them achieve personal and professional growth through strategic planning and support.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$21,000 - $114,000

The Entrepreneur's Source

The Entrepreneur's Source offers business coaching and career transition services, guiding individuals in exploring franchise ownership and self-employment.

Franchisees

?

186
+
39%
39%
Investment

?

$114,000 - $126,000

The C12 Group

The C12 Group offers peer advisory groups and executive coaching for Christian business leaders, providing support and guidance to help them grow their businesses and lead with integrity.

Franchisees

?

65
+
7%
7%
Investment

?

$37,000 - $67,000