Work with passion, flexibility, and autonomy

The Scout Guide is a 100% woman-founded national franchise in over 100 cities that offers an elevated advertising experience to local businesses through our printed city guides and on our digital channels. As an owner of The Scout Guide, you are a tastemaker and community builder, showcasing the people and faces behind local businesses. Owning The Scout Guide franchise allows you to work flexibly and creatively, all with the support of our national brand.

WHY THE SCOUT GUIDE?

Make your own schedule

A Flexible Career

Shape the look, feel, and voice of your city’s guide, with the flexibility to build a business that fits your life. From curating local businesses to leading photo shoots, planning events, and producing a beautifully designed publication, your work is rooted in creativity and storytelling.

We're here for you

A Connected Community

Join a nationwide network of editors who share your passion for small business and local living. You’ll collaborate, learn, and grow alongside a supportive group of entrepreneurs, all backed by the resources and expertise of The Scout Guide HQ.

Become a Tastemaker

An Opportunity to Lead

As an owner, you become the local tastemaker in your city, building relationships, strengthening local commerce, and bringing visibility to the businesses that shape your community. It’s a meaningful way to build a career rooted in purpose, creativity, and local impact.

Meet Nelina Loiselle,

owner/editor of The Scout Guide Hunt Country.

Nelina explains how being an owner of TGS enables her to live with purpose, love what she does, and embrace local pride.

The Scout Guide - Fran Dev - Nelina from The Scout Guide on Vimeo

We're Scouting These Cities

Use our map below to see where we are actively scouting new market owners. Is your city not on our radar? Let’s chat to change that!

Cities Scouting

Montgomery, AL
Pasadena, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Colorado Springs, CO
Greenwich, CT
New Haven, CT
Gainesville, FL
Daytona Beach, FL
Tallahassee, FL
Athens, GA
Savannah, GA
Portland, ME
Boston, MA
Nantucket, MA
Traverse City, MI
Northern Michigan
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Las Vegas, NV
Albuquerque, NM
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Wilmington, NC
Cleveland, OH
Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Philadelphia, PA
Columbia, TN
Fairfax, VA
Fredericksburg, VA
Lynchburg, VA
Seattle, WA
Charleston, WV
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Princeton, NJ
Cobb County, GA
Columbus, GA
Wichita, KS
Kansas City
Tucson, AZ
Bergen County, NJ
The Hamptons
Asheville & Western North Carolina
Boise
Gulf Coast
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Hamilton County, IN
Jacksonville Beaches, FL

READY TO CLAIM YOUR CITY? Explore franchising with us.

FLEXIBILITY

"With two kids under two, the primary reason I became a TSG owner was for more flexibility. Little did I know it would allow me to feel personally fulfilled and tied to my community. I can still make carpool lines, stay home when my kids are sick, and be present in their lives while running a successful business. Thanks, TSG!"

- Shannon Bland, owner of The Scout Guide Austin

SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT

"I love how connected being a TSG Editor makes me to my community. I love meeting inspiring business owners, sharing their stories, and seeing the impact my work has on their lives and our city. And looking ahead, I know this career will be such a gift when we start having kids, because I’ll be able to be fully present for them while still running my business."

- Carlyn McCrory, owner of The Scout Guide Dallas

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

"Seven years in, with my business growing in popularity and exposure, I really love meeting people who follow TSG Huntsville from our audience. It makes my day when I meet someone at an event or in a store, who says, 'Hey you're Scout! I love what you're doing for Huntsville!' Wow, how gratifying to feel that local love coming back around."

- Dawn Pumpelly, owner of The Scout Guide Huntsville and The Scout Guide Greenville

FAQs

What are we looking for in an owner?

Live local
Commit full-time
Sales and marketing experience
$50K to invest

How much does it cost to start The Scout Guide?

The franchise fee is $50,000. This is the upfront fee required to use The Scout Guide brand and access our business systems.

What are the startup costs and what do they cover?

Currently, the initial investment range to buy a franchise is between $64,000 and $75,000. This includes the franchise fee, an annual technology fee, any third-party advisory fees, insurance, business licenses and permits, and equipment. This does not include any operating capital needed to sustain the business until it starts generating revenue.

How quickly can I get started?

Right now! To get started, fill out our form and someone from our team will be in touch with you to discuss the application process.

Who is your ideal owner?

We are looking for individuals who have sales, marketing, and customer service experience. They are problem solvers, digitally savvy, and creative. They are relationship builders who love connecting and collaborating with people. They are passionate about The Scout Guide's mission to support local businesses-and about their communities.

How do I know if my town or city is viable?

Generally, our markets have populations over 250,000, a thriving small-business community, and a strong local economy. You can see where we currently have active markets here but we highly encourage you to reach out to see if yours is available!

Do I need to hire employees to start and operate the business?

The Scout Guide is a business you can do on your own, especially depending on your skill set. You will need to contract a local photographer(s), and many of our franchisees also contract a bookkeeper or accountant. After year one, many of franchisees hire part-time support in content creation and social media.

Meet Our Founders

When we started The Scout Guide in 2010, big-box stores and online behemoths were on the rise, suffocating the small businesses that are the fabric of our unique cities. Our solution was to shine the spotlight on these extraordinary entrepreneurs through a captivating print guide. The concept took hold, and we now have a network of women-owned franchises from coast to coast, helmed by extraordinary individuals who are building their own businesses while supporting those in their cities and towns. Partnering with this passionate group of franchisees to further The Scout Guide's mission-and supporting them as they take control of their professional destiny-is exhilarating and the honor of a lifetime.

- Christy Ford and Susie Matheson, co-founders