Are you dreaming of owning your own business but worried about the initial investment? Fear not, for there is a world of exclusivity opportunity waiting for you – and many can start for $10,000 or less. These budget-friendly franchises allow aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their fantasy into reality without breaking the bank.
With a smaller initial cost, entrepreneurs can test the waters of business ownership without putting all their savings on the line. Additionally, many low-cost franchises come with built-in support systems, including training, marketing assistance, and ongoing guidance from the franchisor. This support can be invaluable to first-time business owners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
So if you've held back your entrepreneurial ambitions due to financial worries, consider exploring the world on the cheap Franchises. With the right opportunity and a can-do attitude, you can be on your way to having a successful business and achieving your goals.
1. Walking
- Established: 2004
- Franchising since: 2016
- Initial investment: $2,000-$12,000
- Number of units: 517
- Change in units: -17% over 3 years
- Leadership: Duane Hixon, Co-Founder and CEO
- Parent company: N2 Franchising Inc.
Stroll offers a premier opportunity for franchisees to join a trusted brand that has been the leading publisher of affluent neighborhood magazines since 2004. As a franchisee, you will connect with millions of luxury homeowners, providing content with high quality and community focused. These tailored magazines foster strong local engagement and loyalty, reflecting the unique character of each neighborhood. With Stroll, you'll have the support and marketing strategies needed to build a successful franchise while making a meaningful impact in prestigious communities.
2. Dream vacations
- Established: 1991
- Franchising since: 1992
- Initial investment: $3,000-$22,000
- Number of units: 2078
- Change in units: +39.6% over 3 years
- Leadership: Brad and Jeff Tolkin, Co-CEOs/Chairmen
- Parent company: World Travel Holdings
Dream Vacations, founded in 1991 and franchised since 1992, is a business travel agency that provides vacation, cruise and travel services using a proprietary system. They offer deals for individuals and groups, including couples, business associates and families, often including hotel deals, travel insurance and grand tours. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dream Vacations is known for high customer reviews and repeat business. Franchisees can take advantage of customizable websites, access to resources and networking opportunities such as offshore conventions.
3. Jazzercise
- Established: 1969
- Franchising since: 1982
- Initial investment: $2,000-$41,000
- Number of units: 7141
- Change in units: -10% for 3 years
- Leadership: Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder and Executive Chairman
- Parent company: Jazzercise Inc.
Founded in 1969, Jazzercise offers a dynamic fitness program that combines dance and music. With adaptable classes and a focus on community outreach, it's known for its calorie-burning workouts and commitment to fighting childhood obesity. Franchise experts can offer different classes and benefit from discounts on clothing and support from local managers. Ideal for dance and fitness enthusiasts, Jazzercise offers a modern workout experience while maintaining a sense of fun and community engagement.
4. Cruise planners
- Established: 1994
- Franchising since: 1999
- Initial investment: 2000-20000 dollars
- Number of units: 2962
- Change in units: +11.4% over 3 years
- Leadership: Michelle Fee, CEO
- Parent company: CP Franchising LLC
Cruise Planners is a franchise of travel agencies offering vacation planning services both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1994, it has grown into the largest network of home-based travel agents in the US Cruise Planners welcomes franchisees with a positive attitude toward travel and a commitment to growth. With a family-friendly environment, the brand appeals to a diverse range of individuals, from retirees to young professionals looking for an alternative career path.
5. Stars of buildings
- Established: 1994
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $2,000-$53,000
- Number of units: 1201
- Change in units: +24.6% over 3 years
- Leadership: Chris Blase, President
- Parent company: Facility Brands Inc.
Buildingstars, founded in 1994 and franchised since 2000, provides cleaning services with more than 1,000 franchises across the US. The brand provides initial customer base, training, billing, collection, marketing and customer service support to help franchisees focus on providing quality service and customer satisfaction. Plus, the Rising Star Management program guides franchisees through three levels, starting as technicians, then managers, and finally joining the corporate program.
6. Sign gypsies
- Established: 2014
- Franchising since: 2020
- Initial investment: 4000-10000 dollars
- Number of units: 661
- Change in units: -10% for 3 years
- Leadership: Jason Hess, franchise development officer
- Parent company: Sign Gypsies LLC
Gypsy sign is for creatives who enjoy the business behind the yard signs. As a franchisee, you will have ongoing access to the corporate team as you deliver signs for your local customers for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other yard sign needs.
7. Stratus Building Solutions
- Established: 2004
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $4,000-$80,000
- Number of units: 3641
- Change in units: +73% over 3 years
- Leadership: Doug Flaig, CEO
- Parent company: SBS Franchising LLC
As a popular and free-to-open franchise, Stratus Building Solutions specialized in commercial cleaning and disinfection services. As a franchise, you'll offer commercial, carpet, post-construction and even medical-grade cleaning services, all using healthy and environmentally friendly products. At Stratus, you can open a small business franchise, but for the executive types, you can also open your own mini-exclusion system as a master franchise.
8. Mint condition
- Established: 1996
- Franchising since: 1996
- Initial investment: $5,000-$32,000
- Number of units: 428
- Change in units: +4.4% over 3 years
- Leadership: Jack Saumby, President
- Parent company: Mint Condition Franchise Group
With a focus on perfecting operating systems, Mint Condition has become a well-regarded franchise in the commercial cleaning sector. Opening a Mint Condition franchise offers the benefits of investing in a profitable market with a strong customer retention rate, backed by comprehensive training and head office support. Franchisees can choose from a variety of options, including additional profit centers and the master franchisee program.
9. Company of singers
- Established: 1994
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $5,000-$32,000
- Number of units: 61
- Change in units: -12% over 3 years
- Leadership: Kathryn Parker, Founder/CEO
- Parent company: Bloomfully LLC
Singers Company provides a non-competitive space for girls to perform, build confidence, make friends and share joy through music and dance. With weekly practices and 2-3 performances each season, girls develop lifelong skills and talent. As a franchisee, you'll enjoy the benefits of running a rewarding business with comprehensive training, ongoing support and a proven curriculum.
10. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfection
- Established: 1991
- Franchising since: 1992
- Initial investment: $4,830-$58,070
- Number of units: 10654
- Change in units: +5.3% over 3 years
- Leadership: Gary Bauer, Brand President
- Parent company: Empowering brands
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfection specializes in commercial cleaning in locations such as nurseries, retail stores, offices, schools and healthcare facilities. The brand has become a leading franchise in the commercial cleaning sector through efficient processes, support systems and excellent customer service.
Related: See the list of main franchise suppliers of Entrepreneur 2024
