Skyhawks Sports Academy Inc., a 30-year-old Spokane-based youth sports camp provider, has launched an affiliate venture, Skyhawks Franchise Group Inc., to operate as a nationwide franchiser of fitness programs for kids ages 4 to 14.


The latter company began offering franchises in June, and now is registered in 39 states, says Chris Stiles, Skyhawks executive vice president. Its seeking to register in the other 11 states, and has its eye on Canada as well, Stiles says.


Stiles says the company will retain the programs it already owns and operates in 23 states, using its franchise arm to expand into new markets. Skyhawks Sports Academy Inc. employs a total of about 35 people full time in its various locations nationwide, and hires about 2,000 part- time employees each summer for its skills camps in up to 12 different sports and activities, from tee-ball to cheerleading.


Skyhawks Franchise Group expects to reach its first franchise agreements within the next two months, Stiles says. He says expanding into the franchise business is a natural progression for the company.


We have a system to bring Skyhawks to a community, to market and run those programs, so to convert that to a franchise wasnt a big leap, Stiles says. We have the systems to do that and we thought that franchising would be a good way to grow.


An initial investment of between $73,000 and $108,000 covers a franchisees fees plus training and business manuals, all the equipment needed to run camps, and a software system to help manage every aspect of the business, he says. The fees depend on the size of the potential market, as determined by the number of elementary schools in the franchise area. Additionally, the company will collect monthly fees and royalties from its franchisees.


Stiles claims Skyhawks is one of the largest programs of its kind, providing sports day camps and after-school programs to nearly 100,000 kids each year across the country. He declines to disclose the companys annual revenues.


The business is not building based, Stiles says. School districts and organizations such as Spokane Youth Soccer Association contract with the company to provide the camps to their members, and Skyhawks provides coaches and curriculum for the activity.


The company is offering ownership opportunities to some of its long-time employees as a way to reward them for outstanding work, Stiles says. He says if any individuals want to franchise in a city where Skyhawks operates already, the company will evaluate the market and consider that option.


We like the concept of a local owner, Stiles says.


Stiles attributes the longevity and popularity of the Skyhawks program to the extensive training coaches receive and the companys emphasis on providing a safe, accessible, and consistent program.