A Plus Students
ABOUT A+STUDENTS
A⁺Students is a multi-award winning leading
Franchise
in the
Education
sector offering
Abacus & Mental Arithmetic training and application thereof in Mathematics. Operating from independent dedicated
Branded
outlets A⁺Students
is the only institution which integrates the Ancient art of
Abacus and Mental Arithmetic with School Mathematics and combined with the range of A⁺Play Maths products and games offers
Internationally Recognized and proven results to its clients.
The A⁺Students Franchise Opportunities
include profitable business models ranging from single Franchise units to area licences as well as International Master Territory licences offering a high return on investment within a stable and Worldwide Growing Sector. The structured courses with various levels cater for students from 36 months and continue well into teenage years ensuring lasting knowledge and training imparted on the student but also longevity for the business.
Courses offered by A⁺Students Branches
are inclusive of:
- Mini Genius for 3 - 5 year olds,
- Kids Genius for 5 - 8 year olds,
- Young Genius for students 9+ and
- Junior Genius for Grade 4 - 12 students at selected branches.
A⁺Students
is powerful brain development! A⁺Students
improves concentration and boosts self-confidence, improves intelligence and creates a love for Maths.
- Only A⁺Students offers Abacus (Soroban) Education combined with school mathematics.
- Only A⁺Students offers Abacus (Soroban) Education combined with A⁺Play Maths.
- Only A⁺Students offers Abacus (Soroban) Education combined with pure mathematics for students interested in participating in the Mental Maths World Cup annually held in Germany.
- Only A⁺Students offers the Junior Genius where the art of abacus and mental arithmetic is applied to Grade 4 - 12 Mathematics Curriculum. Combined with our A⁺Play Maths a rage of educational toys.
Individual branches can be contacted for further information.
Founder Marlene Mouton is a mathematics and science teacher who, while witnessing how many matric students were struggling with various concepts, was inspired by a program which showed Japanese children as young as five doing amazing sums by mentally adding, subtracting dividing and multiplying large numbers in seconds. Recognising the potential for this service/product in the local market Marlene brought the basic system to South Africa then set about developing the model to suit local needs.
Previously known as C Maths South Africa, the concept was launched in 2006 and rebranded to A⁺Students in 2013. Since its inception the franchise has grown to 130 franchises with 640 teaching venues across the country and the drive to expand the brand throughout South Africa’s major cities and small towns continue. To date over 40 000 students have enrolled for the courses.
The franchise will soon be opening in Australia has also been registered in the United Kingdom, and master licences are available worldwide.
Marlene Mouton
MEET THE TEAM
Marlene Mouton — Founder & Chairperson
Marlene studied Bsc.ED and is a qualified and experienced high school mathematics and science teacher and founder of the A⁺Students concept. Marlene redeveloped the courses to suit the needs of the local environment and aligned the programme with the national curriculum. In addition to authoring all the course material and books, she also developed a range of Play Maths products unique to A⁺Students. Marlene also serves as the Chairperson of PAMA SA (Pan Pacific Abacus & Mental Arithmetic Association), a non-profit affiliated company which oversees the international standards of exams and participation in international competitions.
Andy Raouna — CEO
Andy has over 25 years’ business experience, with over 15 specifically in the franchising industry having served as the National Operations Manager for Multiserv and the Group Marketing and Franchise Development Manager for Hot Dog Café/London Pie Co. His qualifications include diplomas in Business Management and IMM Marketing Management as well as an UNISA accredited Advanced Franchise Management certificate.
OUR CULTURE & VALUES
We are a professional yet family-orientated organisation. We espouse honesty and high moral ethics and standards; we deliver excellence and success whilst celebrating achievements and results.
OUR FRANCHISE OFFERING
When purchasing an A⁺Students franchise you secure the rights to offer the A⁺Students programme in a specific area. Franchisees are required to open a branch in a strip mall, office block or other suitable venues and reach out to their market from this central point. Franchisees may also in addition operate from schools, creches, preschools or church halls, and may further expand their business by employing additional teachers and opening additional permanent teaching venues or purchasing additional areas.
As the market leaders in our area, joining the A+ Network is an ideal opportunity for those with entrepreneurial spirit looking to exit the corporate world or formal teaching environment or even a stay at home mom looking for business opportunity. A⁺Students is a profitable and sellable business opportunity with a long-term future that delivers a strong return on investment. The combined A+ Network turnover is estimated to be approaching R100-million per annum and franchisees benefit from the extensive support provided by the franchisor.
OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
A⁺Students is a Japanese method of education that teaches young children to solve complex arithmetic problems by playing with educational toys like to Soroban and the A+ Play Maths range of educational toys. Our approach is ‘learning through play’ and our lessons are interactive, physical and fun. While the programme aims to foster a love for Maths, it also helps children to develop their left and right brain capabilities and heightens their skill level in various learning areas, like comprehension, concentration, creativity, problem-solving and the ability to listen and pay attention. Our programmes are aligned with the STEM educational approach which places an emphasis on fostering skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Children enrolled with A+Students benefit from the following:
- Increased IQ
- A boost in self-confidence
- Greater mental and memory capacity
- Improved concentration and listening skills
- Fosters a love for maths
- Enhances problem solving ability and creativity
- Advances gross and fine motor skills
- Cultivates time sense
- Develops speedwriting skills
- Improves photographic memory
- Promotes intuitive thinking
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
At A⁺Students we believe that learning starts with play. Children as young as two and a half years learn how to solve complex arithmetic problems by playing with the soroban (abacus) and our A+Play Maths range of educational toys. Our ‘learn through play’ approach means lessons are interactive, physical and fun. Classes start with Brain Gym, which promotes left and right brain integration, boosts energy and is excellent for midline crossing, followed by flash cards and speed writing. Students use a big soroban to familiarize themselves with the concept and practice finger exercises on the soroban to refine their motor skills. This approach moves learning from the abstract to the concrete and helps the learners to grasp the notions of adding and subtracting, after which they will be able to step-up the numbers they are dealing with.
Classes include Mini Genius for ages 3+, Kids Genius and Play Maths for ages 5+ and Junior Genius for Grade 4-10. The maximum class size is seven learners and classes are 45, 60 or 90 minutes long.
MARKET TRENDS & TARGET MARKET
Across the globe extra-curricular education is a growing industry and this trend translates into the local market as well. A⁺Students target market includes all parents with children from 2½ years old. A⁺Students is the only institution which integrates the ancient art of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic with School Mathematics combined with our A+ Play Maths range of products and games making us Unique in the Educational Sector.
BECOME A FRANCHISEE
A⁺Students is an ideal prospect for opportunity seekers looking to exit the formal teaching or corporate sectors and will also suit passionate candidates who love children and want to provide and better educational future. While prior teaching experience is not a prerequisite, it will be advantageous. Franchisees must have basic financial acumen and the skills to motivate a team, manage sales personnel and see to the administrative duties of the business. Franchisees must be willing to market the business to schools in the surrounding areas.
ESTABLISHMENT COSTS
Establishment cost:
From R75 000 (Dependent on site/venue)
Joining fee:
R195 000 ex vat (Includes all admin costs pertaining to the franchise, agreement costs, full training including the teachers kit, the rights to an area and up to R65 000 worth of signage and branding for the outlet.)
Working capital:
R50 000
Total set-up cost:
From R300 000
Total set-up cost = Establishment cost + Joining fee + Working capital
Own cash contribution requirement:
50%
LOCATION REQUIREMENTS
Typical locations for a branch include strip malls, shopping- and lifestyle centres or other suitable venues where the franchisee is in control of their work environment. The venues are located in highly visible, convenient and safe areas.
STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
At the outset the franchise will be a one-man operation but each outlet will typically employ one to two teachers and possibly a front office/admin assistant.
TRAINING
The initial training takes place over a 14-day period at the Johannesburg head office and must be completed before you launch your franchise. Ongoing advanced training is offered throughout the year to upgrade the skill level of all teachers, the partial cost of which is covered though the franchise fee and royalties.
FRANCHISOR SUPPORT
Franchisees receive comprehensive support including initial and mandatory ongoing training to ensure teachers and franchisees develop and reach the highest possible level of competence. The A+ Head Office also provides full design and marketing services, operational support, and evaluations including teacher moderations. All teaching materials and retail products are available from the Head Office and appointed suppliers.
AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
There are currently opportunities available nationwide, as well as internationally.
TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Agreement term
5 Years
Management services / royalty fee
R2500 or 25% of turnover per month whichever is greater
Marketing fee
None
Registered name
A Plus Students (Pty) Ltd
Registration number
2014/074214/07
Head office address
Building B Willovale Office Park, 15 Van Hoof Street, Ruimsig, Johannesburg
Postal address
PO Box 2456, Ruimsig, 1732
Phone
Email
Website
Shareholding
A⁺Students is wholly owned by the parent company A Plus Holdings (Pty) Ltd of which Marlene Mouton is the sole shareholder.
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS & ACCOLADES
A⁺Students is a full member of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA). A⁺Students is also a member of the Pan Pacific Abacus & Mental Arithmetic Association (PAMA) and the International Soroban Diffusion Association (ISDF), as well as being a supplier to Momentum’s Multiply rewards programme.
A⁺Students hosted the 2017 Annual National PAMA Global Competition with 17 countries attending. Through their association with the Pan Pacific Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Association (PAMA) also participate on an international level and an A⁺Students achieved 2nd place at the Mental Maths World Cup in Germany in 2018.
A⁺Students is a multi-award winning Franchise whose results are showcases by its students who are regularly awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold, Champion and Champion of Champion trophies around the globe. A⁺Students also recently received the MEA Business Excellence Award for the Best Maths Education Company in Africa 2019 and the award for Innovation in Mental Arithmetic Training 2019.
FAQ's
FUNDING APPLICATION
The consideration of an application for funding by an individual to a financial institution, whether it is a commercial bank or a development funding institution, always pivots around two principles:
- The profile of the applicant candidate with reference to financial position and the way in which an individual conducted his or her personal financial affairs. In certain cases, prior experience in the industry in which the franchise brand operates will be required, e.g. the restaurant and hospitality industries. The funder will also assess the current lifestyle of the applicant in order to determine if the size and profitability of the new business suits the applicant and if expectations could be met.
- The parameters of the actual opportunity available, whether it’s a new or existing business. The business case for the repayment of a loan is always dependent on the numbers, which is a function of location, projected sales, overheads, etc.
It is therefore not possible for a funding application to be processed unless all the details of the applicant, as well as the details of a business’ plan, demonstrating that the business will be able to repay its debt, are available. The initial step will always remain an application to the franchise brand in order to introduce a candidate, after which specific opportunities would be communicated to be followed by an application for funding.
A⁺Students will certainly be able to refer successful applicants to suitable funders once an application has been approved by the franchisor, but every funder will also have its own application and approval process.
What could be stated is that once a prospective franchisee has completed the online 6-step application process below, the same application will be submitted to the funder, i.e. no additional forms will be required.
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Should you wish to proceed with the application process, you will be required to register online and navigate your way through a 6-step application process. Only after completing the application process will the franchisor provide you with a detailed Disclosure Document as required by the Consumer Protection Act.
The 6-step application process is designed with three objectives:
- To allow the prospective candidate an opportunity to disclose and communicate all the personal information required by the franchisor and the funder to take a view on how well-suited you are for assuming the role of franchisee.
- As intimidating or time consuming as the application process may seem, it exposes you to a fraction of the level of resilience required to ultimately own and manage your own franchised business.
- Successful franchisees comply with the rules and procedures of the business system. Completing the five steps of the application process can be deemed your introduction to adhering to the A+Students business system.
While the application process is not intended to discourage prospective franchisees or to create barriers to entry, the process by its very nature will serve as an early deterring mechanism for candidates who should not be pursuing business ownership. The truth is that the challenges a franchisee will face in their own business is significantly more complicated and daunting than the application process. If you are intimidated by the 6-step process running a business will likely be more challenging than you are anticipating, essentially putting yourself, the franchisor, the funder, the landlord and your future staff at risk.
From a cost perspective the charges relating to the entrepreneurial assessment, application review and credit profile verifications are insignificant when measured against the cost of buying a franchise, and it could be the best money you ever spent should the outcome confirm that you should not venture into business or that you would not be able to attract funding.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Upon completion of STEP 1 to 3, you will receive a notification from A+Students to proceed with STEP 4
STEP 4
Complete full application plus document uploads
STEP 5
Request credit check and application review R1 725.00 VAT incl
STEP 6
Franchisor introduction
meeting
REGISTER
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