If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a business owner but are concerned about the costs, franchising offers a unique path to owning a business without breaking the bank. 🌱 The great news is that there are plenty of franchises with affordable startup fees—some under $50,000—that still offer the support, training, and brand recognition you need to succeed. These low-cost franchises span various industries, from food and beverages to fitness and cleaning services, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit.
1. Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting 🧹
Investment: Starting around $2,520
Industry: Commercial Cleaning
What You Get: Jan-Pro is a trusted name in commercial cleaning, and its low-cost franchise model is ideal for those looking to start with minimal upfront expenses. With their comprehensive training program and support, franchisees don’t need previous experience in cleaning or business operations. Jan-Pro provides ongoing support and access to their proprietary cleaning system, including advanced disinfection techniques that cater to high-demand clients, especially post-pandemic.
Why It’s Great: This franchise offers flexibility, as you can start small and scale up your services over time. Plus, cleaning services tend to be recession-resistant, making it a viable business option even in uncertain economic times.
2. Jazzercise 💃
Investment: Starting around $2,500
Industry: Fitness & Wellness
What You Get: Jazzercise has been around since the ’80s, and it continues to evolve with the latest fitness trends. Franchisees can offer classes in a variety of formats like dance, strength, and cardio, catering to a wide audience. The brand’s low startup cost covers training, marketing materials, and support for setting up classes. Franchisees can even run classes in rented spaces, such as community centers, which minimizes the need for expensive real estate.
Why It’s Great: Jazzercise’s strong brand recognition in the fitness world can help attract loyal clients. Plus, this business allows for flexible hours, making it suitable for those seeking part-time work or an additional revenue stream.
3. Cruise Planners 🚢
Investment: Starting around $2,495
Industry: Travel & Tourism
What You Get: As a Cruise Planners franchisee, you get to be part of one of the largest home-based travel agency networks in the U.S. Franchisees help clients book cruises, vacations, and other travel experiences while earning commissions on bookings. The low-cost entry fee includes extensive training, marketing support, and access to a powerful booking system that handles everything from flights to hotels.
Why It’s Great: Travel agencies like Cruise Planners offer a flexible, home-based model that keeps overhead low. As travel demand continues to recover, franchisees can tap into a growing market with substantial earning potential.
4. Mosquito Squad 🦟
Investment: Starting around $15,000
Industry: Pest Control
What You Get: Mosquito Squad is a well-known name in the pest control industry, focusing on outdoor pest management services that cater to both residential and commercial clients. The franchise provides training, equipment, and marketing resources to get your business off the ground quickly. Mosquito control is particularly in demand in warmer climates and during peak seasons, offering a stable revenue stream for franchisees.
Why It’s Great: This seasonal business allows you to focus on specific times of the year, making it a solid choice for those looking to balance work with other commitments. Mosquito Squad’s strong brand and proven processes make it easier for franchisees to establish a client base.
5. Dream Vacations 🌎
Investment: Starting around $3,500
Industry: Travel & Tourism
What You Get: Dream Vacations is a home-based travel franchise where you assist clients in planning and booking their dream getaways. As part of a reputable travel brand, franchisees benefit from negotiated deals, commissions, and training to build a thriving business. With Dream Vacations, there’s no need for a brick-and-mortar location, as all operations can be managed remotely.
Why It’s Great: This franchise is well-suited to people who love travel and want to work from home. Dream Vacations provides substantial marketing and technology support, and franchisees can operate in any location.
6. Buildingstars 🏢
Investment: Starting around $2,245
Industry: Commercial Cleaning
What You Get: Buildingstars specializes in commercial cleaning and facilities management, providing franchisees with a low-cost way to enter the cleaning industry. The franchise offers three different plans (Starter, Onsite, and Master), allowing you to choose a level that matches your investment capacity and business goals. Buildingstars provides training and ongoing support to help franchisees secure clients and deliver high-quality cleaning services.
Why It’s Great: Buildingstars allows franchisees to start with small accounts and expand as they gain experience. The scalable model makes it easy to grow your business over time, with the opportunity to take on larger contracts and increase revenue.
7. Chester’s Chicken 🍗
Investment: Starting around $10,000
Industry: Fast Food
What You Get: Chester’s Chicken is a popular fried chicken franchise known for its quick-service format and tasty, convenient food options. While the franchise can operate as a standalone location, it’s also often found in convenience stores, airports, and other high-traffic spots. Chester’s provides a comprehensive training program covering operations, product preparation, and customer service.
Why It’s Great: Chester’s offers a flexible model, making it ideal for franchisees looking to add a food service option to an existing business (like a gas station or convenience store). Its affordable startup cost combined with brand recognition makes it a great entry point into fast food.
8. Hobby Quest 🎨
Investment: Starting around $8,000
Industry: Educational Services
What You Get: Hobby Quest provides after-school programs and educational activities for children, focusing on subjects like arts and crafts, STEM, and aviation. This franchise operates primarily through partnerships with schools and community centers, so there’s no need for a dedicated storefront. Franchisees receive training, curriculum materials, and marketing support to help them launch and grow their programs.
Why It’s Great: Hobby Quest is a fantastic option for those passionate about working with children. The flexible, mobile business model keeps overhead low, and demand for after-school educational programs remains high.
9. Soccer Shots ⚽
Investment: Starting around $34,500
Industry: Youth Sports
What You Get: Soccer Shots is a youth soccer program designed for children ages 2 to 8, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Franchisees organize and run soccer clinics at schools, parks, and other community locations. With a curriculum developed by experts, Soccer Shots provides everything franchisees need, including training, equipment, and ongoing support.
Why It’s Great: Soccer Shots combines fitness with education, meeting the demand for quality sports programs for kids. The mobile format allows franchisees to avoid traditional real estate costs, and the brand’s established reputation helps attract clients.
10. CruiseOne 🌊
Investment: Starting around $3,500
Industry: Travel & Tourism
What You Get: CruiseOne is a home-based travel franchise specializing in cruise vacations and other travel services. Franchisees help clients plan and book trips while earning commissions. The initial investment includes extensive training, marketing support, and access to a robust booking platform that manages all aspects of travel planning, from cruises to all-inclusive resorts.
Why It’s Great: CruiseOne offers the flexibility of working from home with low overhead. Franchisees benefit from being part of a reputable travel network, making it easy to grow a client base even as a new entrant in the travel industry.
11. MaidPro 🧼
Investment: Starting around $10,000
Industry: Residential Cleaning
What You Get: MaidPro is a residential cleaning service that offers franchisees a high level of support, including training, software tools, and marketing assistance. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality service, MaidPro provides everything needed to run a successful cleaning business. Franchisees also gain access to a proprietary management system, which simplifies operations and scheduling.
Why It’s Great: MaidPro’s scalable model lets you grow at your own pace. The demand for professional cleaning services is steady, and this franchise’s robust support system makes it ideal for those new to the industry.
12. Town Money Saver 📰
Investment: Starting around $5,000
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
What You Get: Town Money Saver (TMS) is a community-based advertising franchise offering direct mail and digital marketing solutions to small businesses. As a TMS franchisee, you help local businesses connect with customers through targeted advertising campaigns. The franchise provides training, marketing support, and digital tools, allowing franchisees to operate a home-based business with low overhead.
Why It’s Great: TMS lets you work from home with flexible hours, which is ideal for people looking to balance a business with other commitments. The low entry cost and strong community focus make it a great choice for anyone interested in local advertising.
13. SuperGlass Windshield Repair 🚗
Investment: Starting around $9,500
Industry: Automotive Services
What You Get: SuperGlass Windshield Repair is a mobile service that specializes in windshield repair rather than replacement, providing a more affordable option for customers. Franchisees are trained in SuperGlass’s proprietary repair techniques, which can help generate repeat business. This mobile model eliminates the need for a storefront, reducing costs significantly.
Why It’s Great: SuperGlass is an in-demand service for car owners, insurance companies, and fleet services. Its mobile setup means low overhead, and the unique repair technology provides franchisees with a competitive edge in the market.
14. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 🛠️
Investment: Starting around $5,000
Industry: Home Improvement
What You Get: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a remodeling franchise specializing in bathroom and kitchen renovations. The franchise offers design training, project management support, and marketing resources to help franchisees build a reputable remodeling business. DreamMaker focuses on high-quality service, which appeals to homeowners looking to upgrade their living spaces.
Why It’s Great: This franchise benefits from the ever-growing demand for home improvement services. With low initial investment requirements and a proven model, DreamMaker is a solid choice for those interested in the home improvement industry.
15. Tutoring Club 📚
Investment: Starting around $20,000
Industry: Education
What You Get: Tutoring Club offers academic assistance for students of all ages in subjects ranging from math to reading and SAT prep. Franchisees receive training, a structured curriculum, and marketing support to attract students and parents. With a focus on personalized learning, Tutoring Club provides franchisees with the tools to help students achieve academic success.
Why It’s Great: Education franchises are highly in demand, and Tutoring Club’s proven system is ideal for franchisees who want to make a positive impact on students’ lives. It’s a stable industry with strong potential for growth, especially as demand for tutoring services rises.
16. Stratus Building Solutions 🧽
Investment: Starting around $4,000
Industry: Commercial Cleaning
What You Get: Stratus Building Solutions offers environmentally friendly commercial cleaning services, with franchisees benefiting from eco-friendly products and sustainable practices. The franchise provides training, marketing support, and ongoing assistance to help new franchisees succeed. With options to grow and scale, Stratus allows franchisees to start small and expand over time.
Why It’s Great: Stratus’s green cleaning model is highly appealing in today’s market, as more businesses seek environmentally friendly cleaning services. The flexible entry points and scalable growth make this a smart option for those looking to break into the cleaning industry.
17. Dream Dinners 🍲
Investment: Starting around $40,000
Industry: Food & Beverage
What You Get: Dream Dinners offers a unique “meal assembly” experience where customers come in to prepare pre-portioned meals to take home and cook. Franchisees benefit from a turnkey operation model, support in marketing, and access to a central meal preparation and delivery system. Customers love the convenience, and franchisees enjoy running a business that simplifies family meal times.
Why It’s Great: Dream Dinners caters to busy families who want homemade meals without the hassle of preparation. With a flexible model and growing demand for meal-prep solutions, this franchise is ideal for those interested in the food service industry without a traditional restaurant setup.
18. Club Z! Tutoring Services ✏️
Investment: Starting around $20,000
Industry: Education
What You Get: Club Z! Tutoring provides in-home and online tutoring for students of all ages, covering academic subjects, test prep, and college admissions guidance. Franchisees benefit from a large service area, strong branding, and extensive training, enabling them to connect students with tutors and manage a successful operation.
Why It’s Great: Club Z!’s model offers flexibility, allowing franchisees to work from home and meet the growing demand for educational support. The broad range of services appeals to a wide client base, from K-12 students to adult learners.
19. Kumon Math & Reading Centers 📖
Investment: Starting around $10,000
Industry: Education
What You Get: Kumon is one of the most recognized names in education franchises, specializing in math and reading enrichment for students. Franchisees benefit from an established curriculum and receive training to operate learning centers efficiently. Kumon has a strong brand reputation, which can help attract a steady stream of students and parents seeking academic support.
Why It’s Great: Kumon’s proven model and strong brand make it an excellent choice for those interested in education. With a low initial investment and a supportive network, Kumon offers a rewarding opportunity for helping students achieve academic success.
20. GoGo Party Bus 🚌
Investment: Starting around $45,000
Industry: Entertainment & Events
What You Get: GoGo Party Bus provides party bus services for events, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. Franchisees receive a fully equipped party bus, marketing support, and training on managing bookings and operations. GoGo Party Bus stands out with a unique business model that combines transportation with entertainment, appealing to a wide range of customers.
Why It’s Great: GoGo Party Bus is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to enter the events and entertainment space. The mobile nature of the business means you can work in various locations, and the appeal of a party bus is high, especially in urban and suburban areas.
21. Rhea Lana’s 👗
Investment: Starting around $9,500
Industry: Children’s Consignment
What You Get: Rhea Lana’s specializes in hosting children’s consignment events, where families can buy and sell gently used kids’ clothing, toys, and accessories. Franchisees organize seasonal pop-up events, with the franchise providing training, marketing support, and access to their proprietary event management software.
Why It’s Great: Rhea Lana’s offers a low-cost entry into a profitable market, with high demand from budget-conscious families. The seasonal event model keeps costs low, making it an attractive option for those seeking a flexible and community-centered business.
22. HomeVestors 🏠
Investment: Starting around $18,000
Industry: Real Estate
What You Get: Known for their slogan “We Buy Ugly Houses®,” HomeVestors offers franchisees the chance to enter the real estate investment market. Franchisees purchase, renovate, and sell homes, with training and support from an established brand that includes advertising, lead generation, and mentorship.
Why It’s Great: HomeVestors allows franchisees to start small in real estate with support and brand recognition. This franchise is ideal for those interested in real estate investing without the need to handle marketing or lead generation themselves.
23. Showhomes Home Staging 🖼️
Investment: Starting around $35,000
Industry: Real Estate & Home Staging
What You Get: Showhomes Home Staging provides staging and home makeover services, working closely with homeowners and real estate agents to prepare homes for sale. Franchisees receive training in design and staging, as well as marketing and operational support to help attract clients.
Why It’s Great: Home staging is a growing field, especially in competitive housing markets. Showhomes’ unique model, which sometimes involves having home managers live in staged homes, provides a higher return on investment and an innovative twist on traditional staging services.
24. Image One 🧴
Investment: Starting around $15,000
Industry: Commercial Cleaning
What You Get: Image One is a commercial cleaning franchise that offers services for a wide range of clients, from offices to healthcare facilities. Franchisees receive in-depth training, ongoing support, and access to specialized cleaning methods and products. Image One’s flexible model also allows for scalability as franchisees gain experience and grow their client base.
Why It’s Great: Image One’s established reputation and comprehensive training make it a strong choice for those new to commercial cleaning. The franchise’s scalability means you can start small and expand as demand increases.
25. Bark Busters Home Dog Training 🐾
Investment: Starting around $20,000
Industry: Pet Services
What You Get: Bark Busters specializes in home-based dog training services, focusing on behavior modification. Franchisees are trained in Bark Busters’ unique dog training methodology and receive ongoing support, marketing assistance, and access to proprietary training materials. Since services are provided in clients’ homes, there’s no need for a storefront.
Why It’s Great: With the rising demand for pet services, Bark Busters is a unique franchise opportunity for animal lovers. The home-based model keeps overhead low, and the growing pet industry ensures a steady stream of potential clients.
