BrightStar Care Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
BrightStar Care delivers skilled medical and personal care to families who need it most — right in their homes. This is healthcare with heart, building teams of caregivers who become lifelines for families navigating aging, illness, or recovery.
Investment at a Glance
Military Fit Score
30-minute call. No pressure. No cost.
What Is BrightStar Care?
$5,000 discount off the franchise fee.
As a BrightStar Care owner, you're building and managing a team of skilled healthcare professionals who provide in-home medical and personal care. Your role is executive leadership — hiring key staff including a Director of Nursing, developing relationships with healthcare facilities and discharge planners, and ensuring your agency maintains the highest standards of care. Your revenue comes from both private pay clients and medical partnerships. Families hire your team for everything from basic companion care to skilled nursing services. Meanwhile, you'll build relationships with hospitals and rehabilitation centers who need reliable, professional after-care for their patients. The business model is built on recurring revenue, as most clients need ongoing care.
Quick Facts
Founded
2002
Franchising Since
2015
Total Locations
373+
Headquarters
Illinois
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
BrightStar Care Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a BrightStar Care franchise starts at $132,499. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Leased Space for Agency | $4,000 | $9,600 |
| Utility Deposits | $300 | $500 |
| Furnishings | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Computer Infrastructure Package | $4,000 | $9,500 |
| Signage | $400 | $5,000 |
| Marketing Materials | $500 | $500 |
| Office Supplies, PPE, and medical supplies | $600 | $730 |
| Printing, reproduction & postage | $300 | $900 |
| Business Licenses and Other Required License | $200 | $8,633 |
| State Licensure Assistance | $0 | $6,500 |
| Local Marketing Spend | $3,000 | $5,250 |
| Recruitment Spend | $3,495 | $6,385 |
| State Electronic Visit Verification | $0 | $2,000 |
| Director of Nursing | $0 | $6,192 |
| Insurance (excluding workers comp) | $1,740 | $5,000 |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | $445 | $3,300 |
| Employee Travel and Living Expenses Associated with Training | $4,990 | $10,200 |
| Learning Management Software | $700 | $5,200 |
| Legal Fees | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Joint Commission Accreditation | $0 | $6,192 |
| Additional Operating Funds – 3 months | $53,829 | $83,956 |
The initial franchise fee is $50,000 (with a $5,000 discount for military), but that's just the start. You'll need between $132,499 and $235,038 total to get fully operational, including three months of working capital. This covers everything from office setup and computer systems to your initial marketing push and recruiting budget. Ongoing fees include a royalty of 5.25% for regular business (6.25% for national accounts), plus 2.5% for marketing. There's also a technology fee of $250 monthly or 0.83% of billings, whichever is greater. During our consultation, we'll map out exactly what you'll need in liquid capital to make this work in your market.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a 5.25% to 6.25% of Gross Sales royalty on gross sales plus a 2.5% of the prior month’s Net Billings or $500 per month, whichever is greater marketing contribution. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do BrightStar Care Franchise Owners Make?
BrightStar Care includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
BrightStar Care doesn't disclose earnings data in their FDD. During your research phase, you'll get to speak directly with current franchise owners to understand the real revenue potential and typical ramp-up period.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that BrightStar Care does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Want the Full Financial Picture?
We've analyzed BrightStar Care's FDD and can walk you through what the numbers actually mean for someone with your background and budget.
See If This Franchise Fits Your GoalsFree 30-min consultation. We earn nothing unless you find the right fit.
Why Veterans Succeed with BrightStar Care
Running a BrightStar Care franchise demands the same dedication to excellence that defined your military service. You're not just running a business — you're leading a team that families trust with their loved ones' care. That mission-driven purpose resonates with anyone who's served. The operational demands align perfectly: building and managing teams, maintaining strict quality standards, and coordinating complex schedules. But it's the human element that makes this business special. Every day, your work directly improves lives in your community, giving you that same sense of purpose that drew you to service in the first place.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
Leadership experience is crucial here — you'll be building and managing teams of healthcare professionals. Those who've coordinated complex operations or managed medical services will find familiar ground. If you've handled personnel management, scheduling, or medical logistics, you already understand many of the core operational demands.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
BrightStar Care participates in the VetFran program and offers a $5,000 discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
$5,000 discount off the franchise fee.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is BrightStar Care the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Find Your Franchise FitTalk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About BrightStar Care
How much does a BrightStar Care franchise cost?
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Does BrightStar Care offer a veteran or military discount?
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Is BrightStar Care a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a BrightStar Care franchise semi-absentee?
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What do BrightStar Care franchise owners make?
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Is BrightStar Care a good franchise for veterans?
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What is BrightStar Care's FDD and where can I read it?
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Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether BrightStar Care — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
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