www.marketplace.usatoday.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

A newer franchise concept is IKOR^® USA.  It provides integrated health management services, helping families manage short-term health crises and long-term care issues.  It does not provide care services, but offers a wide range of care management services including advocacy, guardianship, care planning, financial management, and even routine bill payment services for the elderly and disabled.  While an IKOR^® franchise can be a home-based business initially, client and staff requirements result in moving to office space after one year.  IKOR^® Founder Patricia Maisano is a registered nurse by training, and saw the need for this type of franchise while working in disability management.

IKOR^® is targeting initial franchise growth in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.  One hundred franchises will be operating by the end of 2010.  The estimated total initial investment for a single IKOR^® franchise ranges from %53,790 to $84,630, including a $35,000 franchise fee.  Ideal franchisee candidates include nurses, physicians, lawyers, and accountants.