50 Franchises for Every Budget

$24,999 and below

• Cruise Planners: Cruise Planners is the nation’s largest home-based travel agency business. Travel agents work from home and sell packages, such as cruises, vacations, travel insurance and car rentals. The initial cost begins at $10,995, which includes in-person training and professional coaching and development.
• Jazzercise: Do you love fitness and fun? Consider becoming a Jazzercise franchise owner. With studio space, sound equipment and a love of dance and great music, you can teach Jazzercise classes to your local community. The initial franchise fee is $1,250, but there are additional costs to consider, such as equipment, facility and music royalty fees.
• Vanguard Cleaning Systems: Vanguard Cleaning Systems offers short- and long-term commercial cleaning services to more than 15,000 commercial locations. It has been recognized on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and by the World Franchising Network. The initial franchise fees range from $5,500 to $36,600.

$25,000 to $49,999

• Blue Moon Estate Sales: Blue Moon Estate Sales helps clients through every step of the estate-sale process, easing the related stress and workload. With locations currently open in the 10 states across the United States, Blue Moon Estate Sales specializes in residential, commercial and moving liquidation services. The initial investment to open a Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise is $39,840 to $80,850.
• Maui Wowi Hawaiian: Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced Hawaiian culture and been serving “paradise in a cup” for more than 40 years. This leader in the mobile event business provides premium fresh-fruit smoothies and coffee, including Kona from Hawaii. Maui Wowi has more than 450 units in the U.S. and seven other countries. The initial franchise fee is $30,000. Initial investment costs range from $28,900 to $207,550 for a mobile unit that operates at events, between $35,100 and $248,050 for a mobile unit at a permanent location and from $97,350 to $565,000 for a brick-and-mortar site.
• Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning: Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning offers green cleaning solutions using a unique, low-moisture process. Oxi Fresh has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Franchises to Buy” by Forbes. The company has nearly 500 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, with more in development. The initial franchise fee is $46,900.
• WIN Home Inspection: Founded in 1993, WIN Home Inspection is one of the fastest-growing home inspection companies, with more than 240 units across the country. Total startup costs range from $43,825 to $55,400, depending on factors such as insurance and equipment.

$50,000 to $74,999

• bioPURE: bioPURE is a hospital-grade disinfectant that cleans surfaces quickly and safely. The disinfectant works against common germs and meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Franchisees receive hands-on training, a personal coach and all the tools needed for their location to thrive. The total investment ranges from $67,600 to $100,500 and doesn’t initially require an office space.
• Caring Transitions: Founded in 2007, Caring Transitions is a Cincinnati-based senior relocation, estate sale and liquidation company. Caring Transitions has over 200 locations and was recognized as one of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Home-Based Franchises for 2024. The total investment is $58,912 to $82,712.
• Chem-Dry: Founded in 1977, Chem-Dry has over 3,500 locations across more than 50 countries and Entrepreneur has ranked it the No. 1 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Company in America for more than 25 years in a row. Its green-certified solution dries quickly and its proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction cleaning process provides a deep clean. The initial investment starts at $72,145 and there’s a monthly franchise fee of $466.01 per month.
• Fetch Pet Care: Fetch Pet Care is a nationwide provider of pet-sitting and dog-walking services. Entrepreneurs who manage businesses through Fetch receive training and support from both the company and its network of franchisees. The total investment is between $74,967 and $80,667.
• Made in the Shade: Made in the Shade has been offering custom window coverings since 2004 at some of the deepest discounts available in the industry. Franchisees receive ongoing training and an in-house marketing team with zero royalties after recovering your initial investment. For a single territory, franchisees are looking at an initial investment of $59,000.
• N-Hance Wood Refinishing: Founded in 2001, N-Hance Wood Refinishing has over 500 franchises in North America. N-Hance restores the natural beauty of hardwood floors, cabinets, doors and trims and it can also change the stain of wood surfaces. The total investment to begin operations ranges from $70,695 to $194,995.

$75,000 to $99,999

• Bar-B-Clean: Bar-B-Clean offers residential and commercial customers a convenient, low-cost grill-cleaning solution. The service includes a deep cleaning of the interior and exterior of the grill as well as a thorough inspection of the burner and ignition systems.
  There are currently over 30 Bar-B-Clean locations. Initial franchise fees begin at $49,500 and the initial investment is between $78,200 and $99,120.
• Class 101: Founded in 1997, Class 101 offers one-on-one college planning sessions to help high school students apply for college and save money through scholarships and other awards. Class 101 has empowered over 6,500 students by guiding them through the college application process and helping them plan for the future. The initial investment costs $75,287, with a $39,900 franchise fee.
• FastestLabs: Owned by Fas-Tes Franchise Systems LLC, FastestLabs is a drug, alcohol and DNA testing franchise that provides certified testing for both private and legal purposes. With more than 200 locations, the brand offers affordable lab tests for businesses, individuals, students and teens. The total investment costs range from $91,150 to $122,770.
• Maid Right: Founded in 2013, Maid Right is a residential cleaning service. The company offers medical strength products and provides owners with support, equipment, supplies and customers. Initial investments range from $98,100 to $142,000.
• Patrice & Associates: Founded in 1989, Patrice & Associates helps thousands of managerial candidates every year find jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The company, which was founded by Patrice Rice, has exclusive recruiting partnerships with some of the nation’s largest restaurant and hotel chains. The investment costs range from $90,950 to $108,000.
• ShelfGenie: Founded in 2000, ShelfGenie offers custom cabinet shelving solutions. The company has more than 65 territories across the U.S. and Canada. It’s made Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for several years, most recently in 2023. The franchise fee is $69,500 and the initial investment ranges from $82,300 to $133,600.
• Tutor Doctor: Tutor Doctor provides a personalized in-home or online tutoring service to students of all ages. Tutor Doctor has appeared year after year on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and it has more than 700 territories in 16 countries. The franchise fee is $54,700 and the estimated initial investment range is $94,295 to $220,695.
• Weed Man: Weed Man is a network of locally owned and operated lawn care businesses providing environmentally responsible fertilization, weed control and integrated pest management services. Weed Man has franchisees in more than 300 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The initial investment ranges from $80,535 to $107,785 and the franchise fee ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on the territory size.

$100,000 to $249,999

• British Swim School: Despite its name, British Swim School is an international franchise based in Virginia that teaches water survival skills to children as young as 3 months. The company currently operates over 350 schools across the U.S. and Canada. The total investment cost is around $110,240.
• BrightStar Care: Chicago-based BrightStar Care is a national home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 365 locations. The company provides medical and nonmedical services to home-based and corporate clients 24/7. Each BrightStar Care location is required to pursue Joint Commission accreditation. BrightStar Care startup costs range from $112,459 to $231,538.
• Club Pilates: Founded in 2007, Club Pilates is a boutique fitness studio that offers several signature class formats to suit all ages and experience levels. The company has a training program designed to teach group Pilates classes. Club Pilates has 1,000 locations on four continents. The initial franchise fee is $60,000 and the total initial investment can range between $193,600 and $407,000.
• Doc Popcorn: Based in Denver, Doc Popcorn started franchising in 2009 and has been consistently recognized as one of the top food franchises in the country by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. In 2014, Doc Popcorn was acquired by Dippin’ Dots and the two companies began offering a co-branded franchise model. This popcorn franchise allows entrepreneurs to buy into the brand at a level that fits their budget. Depending on the model and location, the total initial investment ranges from $119,704 to $366,950.
• iLoveKickboxing: This international company has lower overhead costs than a traditional gym because the only equipment you’ll need is matted floors and heavy bags. To open an iLoveKickboxing franchise, you’ll need to pay a $50,000 franchise fee and have at least $100,000 available for the investment.
• Molly Maid: Imported to the U.S. from Canada in 1984, Molly Maid allows franchise owners to operate an independent home-cleaning service in targeted markets across the country. Depending on the coverage area, the total initial investment ranges from $133,700 to $191,700.
• Painting With a Twist: Painting With a Twist is a leading paint-and-sip business that began franchising in 2009 and it now has more than 200 studios in 39 states. The company provides customers with paint, a canvas and brushes that lead to a fun evening with friends and a finished piece of art. Entrepreneur ranked Painting With a Twist the No. 1 paint-and-sip franchise in its Franchise 500 edition for nine years since 2014. The initial investment typically ranges from $120,500 to $260,000.
• Screenmobile: Screenmobile can repair, replace and install window, door, porch, patio and retractable screens at a client’s home or office. Screenmobile has been named on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 25 consecutive years and it has more than 100 locations across the country. The initial franchise investment ranges from $161,049 to $222,592 and includes the franchise fee, marketing materials, uniforms, equipment, training and trailer.
• Waxing the City: Waxing the City is a waxing studio that caters to both women and men, offering “superior waxes, highly trained staff and compassionate and caring customer service.” In late 2012, Waxing the City partnered with coed fitness franchise Anytime Fitness. The initial investment ranges from $223,965 to $493,428.

$250,000 to $499,999

• Blo Blow Dry Bar: Blo Blow Dry Bar partnered with Gwyneth Paltrow and celebrity hairstylist David Babaii to create a rapidly growing chain of blow-dry bars ─ over 140 locations internationally. The total investment is estimated between $309,031 and $379,502.
• Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Founded in 1976, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop remains true to its tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house. The franchise operates more than 125 locations across the U.S. For a single unit, the company estimates the initial average investment ranges from $417,100 to $748,500.
• East Coast Wings + Grill: Based in North Carolina, East Coast Wings + Grill is a casual family restaurant that offers a variety of Buffalo wing sauces. The extensive menu also includes salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. The initial estimated investment ranges from $428,868 to $982,775.
• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: This self-serve frozen yogurt chain offers 100 rotating flavors, including low-carb, sugar-free, dairy-free, nonfat, gluten-free and kosher options. Menchie’s currently operates more than 540 locations around the world and has hundreds of additional locations in the pipeline. Average total costs range from $300,000 to $350,000.
• Music Go Round: Music Go Round buys, sells and trades quality used and new gear such as guitars, drums, keyboards, sound equipment and accessories. The brand is franchised by Winmark ─ parent company of the similarly priced Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore and Play It Again Sports franchises ─ and has territories available across the U.S. Total costs are estimated at $309,300 to $394,800.
• Pet Supplies Plus: Pet Supplies Plus has over 600 locations that provide an array of pet products, food and grooming services. For over 10 years running, Entrepreneur has included Pet Supplies Plus on its list of top 500 franchises. The estimated initial investment ranges from $498,000 to $1.9 million.
• School of Rock: Since 1998, the music education franchise School of Rock has provided students of all ages with one-of-a-kind musical experiences. The company encourages students to rehearse with each other for a supportive and motivating environment. Initial investments range from $383,000 to $664,000.

$500,000 to $999,999

• Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware specializes in hardware, home improvement supplies and expert advice about all things do-it-yourself. With more than 5,000 stores around the world, Ace is a trusted resource for homeowners and professionals alike. The investment cost for an Ace franchise ranges from $579,000 to more than $1.9 million, depending on the size of the store.
• Dogtopia: Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is a dog day care, boarding, training and spa facility. Each facility averages 6,000 to 8,000 square feet and is designed to provide dogs and pet owners with the best experience by reducing odors, noise level, illness and accidents. With more than 250 locations across North America, the brand continues to expand through franchising with successful entrepreneurs. Initial investment is estimated between $780,104 and $1,469,845.
• Hurricane Grill & Wings: Hurricane Grill & Wings is known for its fresh jumbo chicken wings, more than 35 flavors of signature sauces and rubs and its tropical, laid-back atmosphere. With more than 40 locations open across the U.S., this franchise is a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a restaurant. Investment costs range between $600,000 and $900,000.
• Pancheros Mexican Grill: Pancheros Mexican Grill offers burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and quesadillas ─ all made with freshly pressed tortillas ─ with the customer’s choice of fillings. Pancheros currently has more than 70 units throughout the U.S. and requires a total investment ranging from $680,500 to $1,387,500.
• The Goddard School: The Goddard School is a licensed preschool franchise that offers year-round programs for children. It currently has more than 600 locations across 37 states and Washington, D.C. Goddard Systems Inc., the franchisor of The Goddard School, currently has franchises throughout the U.S. with an onsite owner, an education director and a faculty trained in early childhood education or childhood development. Typical investments range from $879,950 to $1,229,950.
• ZIPS Dry Cleaners: ZIPS Dry Cleaners was founded in 1996 and began franchising 10 years later. Its business model is based on a concept of dry cleaning that is ready for pickup on the same day for a flat price. The initial investment ranges from $739,700 to $1.175 million.

$1 million-plus

• Bojangles: Founded in 1977, Bojangles is known for its made-from-scratch Cajun-style chicken, buttermilk biscuits and iced tea. The restaurant has more than 800 locations in 17 states, with the majority in the Southeast. However, Bojangles has available markets in parts of the Midwest and East Coast. Initial investment costs range from $2,600,320 to $3,779,700 for traditional restaurants and between $720,220 and $1,817,200 for express restaurants.
• Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar: Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar is both a family-friendly casual restaurant and an energetic sports bar. With sales exceeding $1 billion, Boston’s is looking to expand around the U.S. and Mexico. The total investment can range from $1,023,500 to $2,757,500, excluding the cost of land or a commercial lease and franchisees must have a net worth of at least $1 million.
• Goldfish Swim School: The Goldfish Swim School teaches children ages 4 months to 12 years old how to swim. There are more than 150 Goldfish Swim Schools nationwide, with more locations on the horizon. The total investment ranges from $1,693,263 to $3,723,930.
• Retro Fitness: Since opening in 2004, Retro Fitness has evolved from a regional Northeast gym concept into a national system with more than 200 locations either open or in development. Each Retro Fitness location is a full-service fitness center, with 60 to 100 pieces of equipment. The total initial cost is estimated between $1,107,750 to $1.785 million.
• Sonic Drive-In: Sonic began franchising in 1959 and now has more than 3,550 locations across the country. The drive-in restaurant offers burgers, hot dogs, breakfast meals and ice cream. The total investment for a traditional Sonic ranges from $1,714,200 to $3,370,900, excluding land.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park: This all-walled, indoor trampoline park is ideal for energetic entrepreneurs looking to run a family-friendly recreational venue that inspires active fun in the community. There are currently more than 300 locations globally. You must have a net worth of at least $1.8 million and at least $500,000 in cash to qualify for a Sky Zone franchise.
• Woodhouse Day Spa: Woodhouse Day Spa is a national luxury spa franchise that operates under the belief that health, wellness and beauty are intricately linked. Known for its 70-plus rejuvenating spa treatments, Woodhouse Day Spa currently has 65 locations in 16 states. The estimated initial investment ranges from $1,231,617 to $1,833,067.

A small part of a big business goal

Franchising makes entrepreneurship more accessible across a wide range of budgets. Whether you start small with a home-based agency or aim higher with a national brand, success comes with careful research and consideration of your personal goals. The right combination of strategy, financial planning and dedication can turn your business ownership goals into achievable milestones.

Shayna Waltower and Sean Peek contributed to this article.