Jessica Hamby founded Itty Bitty Bakers in 2018. Since then, she has grown it into a thriving business in multiple cities across Alabama. Now, she is offering prospective entrepreneurs the opportunity to own their own business in new territories where Itty Bitty Bakers hasn’t existed before. This opportunity comes through the purchase of a territory ownership license.

 

Prospective entrepreneurs can purchase a license to bring Itty Bitty Bakers to their community, retaining 100% of the profit as sole owner. With the license purchase comes the assurance that Jessica will not sell a license to anyone within a 60 miles radius of the territory.

 

The territory license includes the following assets: 

 

-The Getting Started Curriculum Calendar for Ages 3-6 with recipes Jessica recommends teaching each month during the first year in business. This includes a PDF of the recipe and original photos of the recipe for advertising the class. It also includes ideas for downtime during class while food bakes (ex: a recommended storytime book, and either a craft idea or nutrition education talking points to complement each recipe.) The Getting Started Curriculum Calendar is designed for Ages 3-6, but can be modified for Ages 6-10, if preferred.

-Access to the password protected Teacher Hub database. This database houses all original content related to teaching Itty Bitty Bakers dessert classes, dinner classes, summer camps, and in-house field trips. It includes over seventeen how-to teach videos, a recipe collection, a camp curriculum collection, educational handouts, promotional social media content, and more.

-Templates Jessica has created for operational forms such as the release of liability waiver, food allergy alert form, booking form, waitlist form, customer feedback form, youth helper application form, and sample pre- and post-class emails to parents.

-The opportunity to use the Itty Bitty Bakers brand name as part of the territory’s business name and logo.

 

The territory license includes the following support:

 

-Two 1-hour training calls with Jessica to help set up the business in the new territory. This includes advice on scheduling and registration, pricing, class helpers, marketing/advertising, and recommendations for legal & accounting policies.

-One 1-hour coaching call with Jessica during months 1, 2, 6 and 12 of territory ownership. This includes, advice on best practices, customer retention, social media use, Google listing, and troubleshooting any problems or roadblock, if needed.

-The opportunity to shadow a class in person in Birmingham, AL.

-An invitation to join the Itty Bitty Bakers private teacher group on Facebook which can be used for networking with other teachers and territory owners.

-One introduction post on social media and one email newsletter announcement by Jessica promoting the new territory. One “spotlight” post on social media during month 6 of territory ownership. 

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Pricing:​

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The territory ownership license is $5,200 paid at the time of contract signing. See above for what is included. Jessica will cover the attorney costs related to the contract validation.

After completion of the first year and for each subsequent year in business, a monthly fee of $50 must be paid. This is for ongoing access to the Teacher Hub, which gets updated regularly with new content. This also includes an annual owner's support call and annual social media shout out. 

 

FAQs:

 

1. Will I need an LLC and business license?

Yes, an LLC is required. A business license is recommended, but not required. Check with local regulatory agencies for confirmation of needed documents to operate your business. 

2. Will I need to set up my own website?

You will need some way for parents to book and pay for classes. This registration process can be done through a website such as Carrd, Calendly, SquareSpace, Wix, WordPress, Sawyer, QuickBooks, or Facebook Events.

3. Will I need insurance?

It is recommended, but not required. Check with your personal insurance agent or Jessica can provide information on the insurance agency she uses for Birmingham-based Itty Bitty Bakers.

4. How much do I charge for my classes?

When starting out, it is best to offer classes at a lower price to build a customer base and build brand recognition within the community. Over time, prices can gradually be increased, as needed. Pricing also depends on the socioeconomic profile of the territory. In general, a good starting price for a dessert class lasting 2 hours would be $40. After 7 years in business, the Birmingham-based pricing is currently set at:

Dessert Class - $45/2hrs

Take & Bake Dinner & Dessert Class - $60/2hrs

Parents Night Out Class - $55/3hrs

5. Do you have any examples of other territory owners?

Yes, Kayla Johnson in Huntsville, Alabama is a great example of a successful territory owner. Her business is called Itty Bitty Bakers Huntsville and her website is www.bakehsv.com

6. Can I add teachers in my territory?

Yes, if the demand for your services exceeds your time capabilities, it is recommended to add another teacher. Teachers who join your business will operate as independent contractors. Jessica can provide a sample Independent Contractor Agreement for you to use. As territory owner, you can decide what percent of the teacher’s earnings you will retain. In Birmingham, independent contactors retain 65% and Itty Bitty Bakers retains 35% of each booking.

7. Do I have to teach recipes that are on the Teacher Hub?

No, as a separate business entity, you can teach whatever you like. However, Teacher Hub recipes have been taught before and added there because they were successful. 

8. Do I need a background check?

Parents like to know that their child is under the care of someone with a background check. However, this can be added to your business if/when you add another teacher. Jessica can provide recommendations for companies that do certified background checks. 

9. Will you provide aprons?

No, as a separate business entity you will need to purchase your own aprons, preferably with your logo on them. Jessica can provide a list of places that sell kids aprons. 

10. Will I need to sign an NDA?

Yes, after viewing this proprietary information and intellectual property, Jessica will need you to sign an NDA stating you won’t use the information to create a similar business.