Unlocking children’s potential

SmartyKids is a rapidly growing international franchise dedicated to reshaping afterschool education. With more than 350 centres operating across Europe, the brand’s mission is to unlock children's potential through engaging, skill-based learning. At the heart of its curriculum is mental arithmetic based on the Japanese abacus Soroban, supported by game-based logic training and early math development. These elements are designed not only to improve academic performance but also to enhance focus, memory, creativity, and confidence. What truly sets SmartyKids apart is its innovative educational philosophy. By combining time-tested traditional methods with modern gamification and expertly developed materials, the franchise delivers effective and enjoyable learning experiences. Every centre is built around vibrancy, interactivity, and clear results. This is not just about education—it is about helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal development. The curriculum is supported by a passionate franchise community and continually evolves to meet changing needs in the educational landscape.

SmartyKids has already established itself in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, and Croatia, with ongoing expansion into Hungary and the Czech Republic. These markets have shown high levels of parental interest and strong demand for modern, meaningful afterschool education. The brand’s growth strategy is focused on partnering with motivated individuals who want to make a real difference in their communities.

A proven model for growth

Becoming a SmartyKids franchisee is a straightforward, four-step process. It begins with receiving a tailored offer and evaluating the business potential of a given location. Once a candidate is ready to move forward, they sign the franchise agreement and begin the onboarding process. This includes access to a comprehensive training platform, teaching systems, marketing resources, and business strategy guidance. Next, the new partner prepares the physical location. With support from the in-house design team, the space is branded and furnished according to SmartyKids' standards. Finally, the centre opens its doors to students and begins delivering high-impact educational experiences. The initial investment required to open a SmartyKids unit ranges from €3,500 to €10,000, depending on the region and setup. This amount covers the franchise fee, branding design, venue rental, teaching materials, and essential equipment such as tables, chairs, and a teacher’s laptop. The investment also accounts for initial staff recruitment. This low-entry financial model, combined with a high return potential, makes SmartyKids an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs across a wide variety of markets.  Franchisees benefit from ongoing support through a flexible royalty model. The fee structure, which can be fixed or percentage-based depending on market conditions, includes curriculum updates, continuous training, business development assistance, and access to the SmartyKids digital platform.

Training is provided entirely online, ensuring efficiency and accessibility. New partners are introduced to educational methods, business operations, customer service, and marketing strategies. After the opening, they receive regular mentoring, peer support, and updates to the curriculum and digital tools. New courses are launched on a regular basis, ensuring franchisees remain competitive and aligned with educational trends. Most franchisees reach break even within 6 to 12 months and begin generating profit shortly thereafter. Primary revenue streams include monthly tuition fees, sales of educational materials, and income from workshops or special events. For those interested in expansion, there are also opportunities for multi-unit ownership and regional development.

Built for impact and long-term success

Daily operations in a SmartyKids centre are largely managerial. Franchisees oversee staff recruitment and performance, manage customer relationships, run local marketing campaigns, and ensure overall quality. Some also choose to teach classes, especially in the early phases of operation. The business model is adaptable, making it ideal for both hands-on educators and business-driven investors. The ideal franchisee is someone who is passionate about education, community-oriented, and organised. While many franchisees have backgrounds in teaching or parenting, no prior educational experience is necessary. What matters most is the desire to empower children and contribute to their growth. Quality and consistency are critical to the SmartyKids brand. This is achieved through the use of standardised teaching materials, digital educational tools, certified online training for educators, and comprehensive operational support. Franchisees regularly participate in best-practice sharing at annual partner meetings. Student performance is monitored through national SmartyKids Olympiads, which serve as benchmarking tools and motivation for learners. A central marketing hub provides easy access to promotional resources and campaign materials. Marketing support is a key strength of the franchise. Each new partner receives professionally designed digital and print materials, social media templates, and launch campaign support. In-house designers help create custom branding for every new centre. National-level marketing efforts are complemented by localised initiatives, ensuring a strong and consistent presence from day one.  Location selection is also an important part of the franchise setup. SmartyKids centres work best in residential areas, near schools, or in family-friendly zones with high visibility and foot traffic. Spaces must be accessible, safe, and suitable for small group learning in a warm, welcoming environment. Looking ahead, SmartyKids plans to continue its expansion in key European markets such as Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The brand is committed to building a strong network of franchise partners who share its passion for meaningful education and local impact. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping the future of the industry. Gamified learning is becoming increasingly mainstream. Parents are actively seeking alternatives to traditional learning, especially those that develop critical skills like logic, focus, and emotional intelligence. Early math and cognitive training are more in demand than ever before. SmartyKids is at the forefront of these trends, consistently innovating and launching new content to keep students engaged and inspired.

Ultimately, investing in SmartyKids means more than opening a business—it means joining a mission. It is an opportunity to build a profitable venture while creating lasting change in children’s lives. With full support, strong branding, and a constantly evolving educational offering, SmartyKids is the smart choice for anyone ready to shape the future of learning.