Franchise Program FAQs

Q. How do I qualify to be a GEM franchisee?

A. The GEM Franchising Process takes between 4 to 8 weeks to complete. The first stage is the Application Stage which includes completion of the GEM Franchise Application, several phone conversations with the GEM Franchise Team, psychometric evaluations, references and credit checks. The second stage is the Joint Evaluation Stage which includes Discovery Day at GEM Head office in Ottawa, Disclosure by GEM Franchise Team on the terms and conditions of the agreement (to be reviewed by your franchise lawyer), and an opportunity to speak with existing franchisees. At this point, if mutually agreed, you will be granted the rights to operate a GEM Franchise in the approved location. Now you’re in business! Please see GEM Franchising Process for more details.

Q. I am not a nurse, nor do I have a medical background. Can I be awarded a GEM franchise?

A. Yes. It is not necessary to be a health care practitioner to successfully operate the business. However, franchisees that do not have a health care background must have a Care Manager who is a Registered Nurse on staff.

Q. Do I need a business background?

A. Obviously any business background is an asset; however, no experience as a business owner-operator is necessary. The strengths of franchising are that it gives you a brand name, an operating system, and ongoing support. The strengths we are looking for in candidates are determination, a focus on sales and people management skills.

Q. Does GEM Franchising (Canada) Ltd. provide financing?

A. No. When we award a franchise to a qualified applicant, our qualification system assists you with the creation of a business plan that contains cash flows and other documents required by the banks.

Q. Can I operate the business out of my home?

A. We require all franchises to obtain an office space. However, office space may secured in a “Shared Office Facility” or what is sometimes referred to as an “Incubation Office” for the first 12 months while the practice is being established.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. GEM Health Care Services was founded in 1994. In March 2009 the company celebrated our 15 year anniversary. GEM Health Services is a privately held, wholly owned Canadian company. GEM Health Care Services awarded its first franchise in 2009.

Q. Who are your clients?

A. GEM Health Care Services provides services to all age groups. Some of our clients are newborns, new moms and double income families (for house cleaning and child care). There is virtually a limitless market for us in assisting and caring for families, seniors, Alzheimer’s patients, AIDS patients, head injury patients and persons with disabilities, to name a few. Additionally, we work in conjunction with many government agencies and facilities. Please see our brochures for a complete description of our services.

Q. How long is training?

A. GEM Health Care Services has developed a formal franchise training program to help you be the most successful you can be! This training includes:

- Initial training at head office
- Remote software and finance training modules
- Continued periodic field visits
- Ongoing operation meetings
- Focused sales training program
- Ongoing support ensuring quality service and franchise growth.

Q. What software support do you use?

A. GEM Health Care Services uses our proprietary scheduling software program and QuickBooks.

Q. Will I have an “Exclusive Territory”?

A. GEM Health Care Services does not use “Territories”. We do not believe in limiting a franchisee’s ability to do business to a small geographic territory. Franchises are granted based on population.

Q. What locations are available?

A. GEM Franchising (Canada) Ltd. is accepting applications for franchises for locations across Canada, with a focus on Southern Ontario.

Q. Do I require a lawyer?

A. Yes. We recommend that your contact the Canadian Franchise Association for the name of a lawyer specializing in franchise law.

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