CLUB Z!, vs Kumon
CLUB Z!, vs Kumon: CLUB Z!, costs $41K–$57K to open; Kumon costs $73K–$165K. CLUB Z!, has 328 units, Kumon has 1,689. SBA loan history: CLUB Z!, = 27 loans (11.1% default); Kumon = 115 loans (7.0% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
CLUB Z!, vs Kumon: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
CLUB Z!, requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($41K vs $73K for Kumon), a 44% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $27K for CLUB Z!, versus $2K for Kumon, Kumon has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 6% for CLUB Z!, and 6% for Kumon, equal royalty drag.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Kumon operates 1,689 units to CLUB Z!,'s 328, roughly 5× the system size. Kumon has been operating 68 years (founded 1958) versus 31 for CLUB Z!, (founded 1995), a 37-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Kumon has the deeper SBA lending track record with 115 historical 7(a) approvals versus 27 for CLUB Z!,.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 11.1% for CLUB Z!, and 7.0% for Kumon, Kumon has the cleaner historical loss profile by 4.1 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 47 (Fair) for CLUB Z!, and 76 (Strong) for Kumon, giving Kumon the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 47/100 | 76/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Stable |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 27 | 115 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 11.1% | 7.0% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $41K – $57K | $73K – $165K |
Franchise Fee | $27K | $2K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | 6% |
Ad Fund | 2% | 2% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $150K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 328 | 1,689 |
Franchised Units | 328 | 1,671 |
Company-Owned | – | 18 |
Term Length | 7 yrs | 5 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1995 | 1958 |
Franchising Since | 1998 | 1983 |
Years Franchising | 28 yrs | 43 yrs |
Headquarters | N/A | SAN CLEMENTE, CA |
Category | Exam Preparation | Exam Preparation |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better, CLUB Z!, or Kumon?
Lower upfront capital required
CLUB Z!,
CLUB Z!,: $41K starting · Kumon: $73K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Kumon
CLUB Z!,: 27 SBA loans · Kumon: 115 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Kumon
CLUB Z!,: 11.1% · Kumon: 7.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Kumon
CLUB Z!,: 328 units · Kumon: 1,689 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Tie
CLUB Z!,: 6% · Kumon: 6%
More lender financing options
Kumon
CLUB Z!,: 18 unique lenders · Kumon: 63 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
CLUB Z!, vs Kumon: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing CLUB Z!, and Kumon is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $41K to $165K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, CLUB Z!, with 27 SBA loans and Kumon with 115. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
CLUB Z!, vs Kumon, Frequently Asked Questions
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