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50 Best Franchises for Women Entrepreneurs [Cost, Fees]

Women have long been successful business owners and they are meticulously running affairs in various sectors of the economy. According to reports, female business owners account for roughly 25% of the total franchise unit ownership today. As the percentage of women investing in franchise businesses continues to grow, franchisors are taking notice and increasingly directing their recruitment efforts towards the female demographic.

Though women run all kinds of businesses on the face of the earth, but there are certain businesses that the female population are naturally inclined to. These are usually the kind of businesses that give them time to take care of their kids and families while making money on the side.

With franchises being currently the most sustainable business practice, and an easier model of business to run to profitability, we are having more and more women join the franchising bandwagon. If you are a woman and you are wondering what franchise to buy that will suit your needs, we are providing you 50 franchise opportunities that you can easily choose from.

50 Best Franchise Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs and Their Cost

  1. Xpresso Delight

If you like all things coffee as a woman, then one franchise that is up for you is Xpresso Delight. These coffee machines brew high-end, cafe-quality coffee drinks like espresso, cappuccino, caffe late, and more with fresh milk and freshly ground beans. As an Xpresso Delight franchise owner, you can place your coffee machines at workplaces throughout your city, then automatically collect payments from business owners as your machines serve their office workers coffee.

With Xpresso Delight, your pitch to company owners, office managers, and commercial landlords is straightforward: instead of wasting thousands of dollars and endless hours each month ordering and restocking environmentally damaging coffee pods that produce an inferior cup of coffee, they can offer their employees or tenants a premium coffee selection at the push of a button, with all of the machine stocking, servicing, and billing outsourced to your Xpresso Delight business.

This business is crafted to give you enough time to take care of other affairs and you get to make your money at the end of the day while not being totally present all the time.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $150,000
  • Net worth required: $200,000 – $300,000
  • Investment: $80,000 – $100,000
  • Franchise fee: $40,000
  • Units in operation: 59
  • Founded: 2003
  • Franchising Since: 2003
  1. Naturals2Go

If you are for all things natural, then Naturals2Go is the ideal business for you as a woman. This business taps into three long-running trends that will only continue to grow in the years to come: healthy snacking, convenience, and automated businesses. Naturals2Go owners sell healthy snack foods in bright, beautifully designed vending machines packed with modern monitoring technologies.

This concept ranks up there among the most mom-friendly businesses: The remote-monitoring feature gives owners the flexibility to operate the business while working from home, to work part time or full time, and to plan their hours around the demands of their career, kids, daily errands, or other commitments. It’s no surprise this concept has such a large appeal among female entrepreneurs. In addition, you do not need to cough out so much money to start this business.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $25,000
  • Investment: $40,000 – $50,000
  1. Mathnasium Learning Centers

If you are a great teacher and you love math, then here is another franchise that is right up your alley as a woman. Mathnnasium is laser focused on solving one large, difficult, and growing problem: mathematics. The magic is in the Mathnasium Method, a proprietary curriculum designed to be adaptable to the individual learning style and capabilities of each student. As a result of their anti-one-size-fits-all approach, the system has emerged as one of the fastest-growing educational franchises on earth, with nearly 500 locations across the globe and a #1 rating by Franchise Business Review in the education category.

Mathnasium owners run math education centers that teach children in their community to love and excel at math, using a proven, individualized learning system. With more than 1000 centers worldwide and more opening each week, Mathnasium is expanding rapidly to satisfy the growing demand for math education. No teaching experience required.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $112,750
  • Net worth required: $149,110
  • Investment: $112,750 – $149,110
  • Franchise fee: $49,000
  • Royalty: 10.0%
  • Units in operation: 900
  1. Montessori Kids Universe

This is another kid friendly franchise that is good for a woman that loves to nurture children. Montessori Kids Universe offers a Nido Curriculum specifically designed for babies from 6 to 12 months. It focuses on fostering basic trust in the child.

The youngest members of the Montessori Universe Kids community are kept in the Nido (Italian for “nest”) which is designed with a special movement area specific to this age group’s needs. In this space, the children have access to Montessori materials designed specifically for infants; a quiet sleeping area with individual beds/cribs; an eating area equipped with child sized tables and a physical care area for bathing and changing.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $301,535
  • Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $125,000 to $150,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $56,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
  1. Park Place Children’s Center

Parks Place is a preschool where children are made to feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn. Their goal is to help children gain confidence, positive self-esteem, and a love for learning. The school aims to help children learn through play. They believe that while playing, children develop their own knowledge through creativity, interaction, exploration and imitation of role models. The school equally provides specific toys and activities in the appropriate learning environment to promote independence and foster decision-making skills and in the children.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $2,783,000 to $4,537,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $650,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $420,000 – $680,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $120,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6-7%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
  1. Decadent, A Coffee and Dessert Bar

Decadent stores offer a relaxing and inviting atmosphere with high-end amazing desserts that are hard to find outside of stuffy restaurants. The coffee is roasted in small batches and they only use 100% Arabica beans. The desserts and pastries include seasonal fresh fruit danish, chocolate croissants, handcrafted donuts, cheesecakes, the very popular skillet cookie, and much more.

Decadent, A Coffee and Dessert Bar, is leading a trend of fast casual dessert shops; they have been in the dessert business for over 15 years. They work as a team with franchisees; franchisees don’t have to pay high royalties and marketing fees that take away from their bottom line. Decadent’s goal is for franchisees to enjoy the returns from their investment while receiving the benefits of being part of The Sweet Brands International Family.

As a woman, if you are quite handy with the rolling pin, and you know how to whip up great tasting creations, then this franchise is for you.

Financial Requirements

  • Franchise Fee: $30,000
  • Minimum Cash Required: $100,000
  • Total Investment Range: $80,000 – $130,000
  1. KLA Schools

KLA Schools offer preschool, daycare and childcare services to babies and children. The school offers a dynamic, developmentally appropriate program that is focused on early childhood education. Their goal is to provide a place where children’s abilities, competences, and natural aptitudes are nurtured in ways that develop new and inherent talents. They utilize smaller class size and individualized attention to foster long lasting positive effects on children’s learning, especially when given this privilege during early years of education.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required – $200,000
  • Net worth required – $350,000
  • Investment – $466,500 to $1,465,250
  • Franchise fee – $60,000
  1. Genius Kids

Genius Kids believe that education is not just about learning facts but about learning how to think confidently and being able to express creatively without fear. It is about learning to act with purpose to make good choices. At Genius Kids, public speaking and speaking on the microphone starts right from when the child can talk. The facility prides itself on equipping the child with critical life skills of confidence, communication and love for learning, incorporating smart board interactive technology and public speaking. Genius Kids also run a daycare for 3 to 24 month old’s, and they expose the infants and toddlers at an early age to phonics, reading, language, music and motor activities.

With the tender age of the children involved, women are mostly drawn to this franchise, and the franchisor mostly favors female franchisees.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $239,900 to $619,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $50,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
  1. Right at Home

Another great franchise that mostly attracts females is the adult care franchise. This adult day care was founded by Allen Hager in 1995 after he witnessed the dearth of quality adult care homes. The founder sensed that patients needed more care than they were receiving at home which resulted in repeated hospital visits. Right at Home offers different levels of client assistance which include; companionship, which involves cooking, cleaning and running errands; personal care; and light skilled nursing, which is basically helping to administer medications to their clients.

Finance Information

Right at Home has been a very successful franchise as nearly 30 percent of its franchisees exceeded $1 million in sales, and the highest-earning franchisee completed $9.4 million in sales.

Total startup costs – $75,000 to $100,000

  1. BrightStar

This adult care home came about when its founders had a rotten experience with caregivers. The care home which was founded by J.D. and Shelly Sun in 2002 provide what they refer to as full continuum of home care. This care model includes adult and elder care services, child care and medical staffing services for individuals, families and health care facilities. They can assist with everything from companionship to toileting and hygiene assistance to in-home blood draws. To buy into this franchise, medical experience is not required, but you need to have strong management experience or marketing and sales experience.

Finance Information

Initial startup costs – $95,000 to $163,000

  1. Yummy Cupcakes

Yummy Cupcakes was founded by Executive Chef Tiffini Soforenko with the idea that cupcakes could be enjoyed more often than just on special occasions, could be created in gourmet-style, and could be offered in a wide variety of flavors. In March 2004, Tiffini joined forces with husband Nik and mother Brogan, she left the corporate world and together they created Yummy Cupcakes.

Back then, no one had ever heard of a “cupcake only” bakery, let alone ever visited one. Tiffini, Nik and Brogan introduced Yummy Cupcakes to the world based on a simple premise: be passionate about creating exceptional product, be passionate about guest services, and be passionate about doing things right.

Now, with more than seven years experience operating Yummy Cupcakes, they have developed a solid and successful business model for both Yummy Cupcakes, bakeshop owners and Yummy Cupcakes customers. This, combined with their corporate experience in business operations, guest service, franchise operations and marketing, is making them seek qualified people to join them in taking Yummy Cupcakes to the world.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $185,679 – $325,665
  • Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $150,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
  1. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen basically got its roots from ice cream. Most business was as a result of experiments, and it was the same with Dairy Queen. Its founder J.F. McCullough was experimenting with a recipe for a new frozen dairy product, owing to his belief that ice cream tasted better when it was soft and served fresh from the freezer, not frozen solid. The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, and they sold only soft-serve ice cream in form of ice cream sundaes, take-home pints and quarts, and cones. Over the years, other ice cream treats were added to the menu like banana splits and Dilly Bars. Today, they have modified to include hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken strips through the Dairy Queen’s Grill & Chill concept. Women perform exceptionally with this franchise.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $1,083,525 – $1,850,425
  • Net-worth Requirement – $750,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $400,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 5-6%
  1. Sonic

Sonic is America’s largest drive- in restaurant that serves hot, fresh, delicious made-to-order food. They are a rapidly expanding brand with ample open territory and choice locations in many states. SONIC is more than an iconic franchise brand, it is a good solid investment that is backed by a best-in-class franchise support team, top-notch menu development and highly popular national advertising that is equally suitable for female franchisees. SONIC franchise owners saw average gross sales-by-store increase from $1,072,000 in 2012 to $1,283,000 in 2016, with 27 percent of stores exceeding $1.5 million in gross sales in fiscal year 2016. This statistics makes Sonic a very viable franchise.

Finance Information

  • Cash Investment: $500,000
  • Net Worth: $1,000,000
  • Franchise Fee: $45,000
  • Total Investment: $1,020,000 – $1,770,000
  1. Yoga Pod

Yoga Pod as the name implies is a yoga studio that offers fitness and wellness exercises to its patrons. The company’s franchise is said to be dedicated to offering franchisees help to realize their dreams of owning and running a yoga studio at no great cost to them. The studio offers comprehensive training in every skill set needed, while utilizing best business practices and cutting edge technology to improve daily client experience. When you become the owner of a Yoga Pod franchise, you become part of an extraordinary movement with the support of a dedicated team of professionals who will support you to create a highly successful and profitable yoga studio business. Yoga Pod offers three varieties of unique pods that franchisees can choose from depending on their financial capabilities.

YOGA POD 1

1,900 SQ. FT.

Approximate Capital Investment: $157,100 to $216,600

YOGA POD 2

3000 SQ. FT.

Approximate Capital Investment: $299,250 to $356,500

YOGA POD 3

4,000 SQ. FT.

Approximate Capital Investment: $344,250 to $416,500

Finance Information

  • Minimum Cash Required – $100,000
  • Total Investment – $157,100 – $416,500
  • Net Worth Required – $500,000
  1. Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots is a children’s soccer program that aims at teaching children football skills as well as keeping them fit and active. Franchisees of the company are given access to many tools to aid in the day-to-day success of their businesses including online training and curriculum guides, online enrollment and payment, a custom-built, customer communications portal and more. Soccer Shots is ranked number one in the Children’s Fitness Category by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Women are inclined to this franchise because it is low cost, and as well less strenuous on the body and schedule.

Finance Information

  • Minimum Cash Required – $15,000
  • Total Investment – $35,584 – $48,100
  1. BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers

BeBalanced centers are one of the first centers of this nature to offer a weight loss program that addresses the root cause of slow metabolism and weight gain which are the hormones. With a lot of women battling obesity, this is a great franchise for a female. The weight loss program has other incredible benefits of improved mood, sleep, energy and the diminishing of all PMS and Menopausal symptoms. Founded by Dawn Cutillo, this innovative natural hormone balancing weight loss program was first introduced in Pennsylvania six years ago. Since then, this revolutionary program has helped thousands of women.

Finance Information

  • Minimum Cash Required – $40,000
  • Total Investment – $122,412 – $176,712
  • Net Worth Required – Minimum $200,000
  1. Stroller Strides

Stroller Strides started as a small-scale fitness program that helps new moms to get back into shape. They do this by organizing prenatal classes that focus on staying healthy before giving birth, as well as classes for moms of all ages to get back into shape after giving birth. The business which is based in San Marcos, California also invites new moms to bring their infants along to classes and even incorporates strollers into exercise routines. Franchisees can invest on two levels: the classic model, in which they run the franchise and teach the classes themselves, or the business development model, in which they hire instructors and focus on running a larger business.

Finance Information

  • Franchise fee – $5,000 (classic model); $25,000 (business development model)
  • Royalty – $170 per month
  • Franchises in the U.S.: 300
  • Growth in franchises (over the past 12 months): 44%
  1. Revolism Wellness and Weight Loss

Revolism is an innovative approach to wellness and weight loss that assesses the whole person and not just one aspect of their lives or lifestyle. Customers pay an affordable initial fee of $99 to complete a 100+ questions assessment, which combines with in-depth clinical lab work to measure and track a client’s metabolic processes across more than two dozen measurements. After the assessment, the clients are then given custom-tailored high quality all-natural supplements and nutritional products to address areas that need improving while maintaining metabolic processes that are running optimally. Additionally clients are given a diet-and-exercise plan if they need to lose weight.

Finance Information

  • Cash Investment – $10,000 – $100,000
  • Franchise Fee – $2,500 – $10,000
  • Total Investment – $10,000 – $100,000
  1. Club Pilates

Pilates has been seen as the finest strength-training workout available to anyone, at any age, and suitable for any fitness level. Club Pilates is breaking down the traditional barriers to Pilates by offering franchise opportunities to make the method accessible to more people, both financially and geographically. All their studios are equipped with Pilates Reformers, EXO Chairs, and Spring Boards as well as mats, balls, weights, and barres. They are the largest premium network of group Pilates studios in the world, with more than 350 locations slated to open throughout 2017. They were also ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2017 Franchise 500 and named #17 of 2017’s Top New Franchises.

Finance Information

  • Cash Investment – $75,000
  • Net Worth – $300,000
  • Franchise Fee – $49,500
  • Total Investment – $250,000
  • Royalty Fee – 6%
  1. Express Employment Professionals

This company provides temporary and flexible staffing, evaluation and direct hire, professional/contract staffing and management consulting for individuals and businesses. This business is great for women because it will not swallow up so much of their time and day. Robert A. Funk and William H. Stoller started Express Employment Professionals in 1983. The company began franchising in 1985 and they now have locations throughout the United States, in Canada and South Africa.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $130,000 – $206,000
  • Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $50,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 7.5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 0.6%
  • Veteran Incentives – 50% off franchise fee
  1. Cupcake Charlie’s

Cupcake Charlie’s was first opened in the Summer of 2008 on Cape Cod. The founders of this business had initially been in the housing market before the industry took a turn for the worse, and the duo started looking for another opportunity to reinvent themselves. Following their dreams of baking quality products, the partners decided to open their own bakery business.

To be a successful Cupcake Charlie’s franchisee, you should have an affinity for baking, a passion for business ownership, a need to succeed, and of course, a love for spreading happiness with delicious, sweet treats. Business or management experience will certainly be beneficial when owning and running a Cupcake Charlie’s franchise business, but is not a requirement for ownership.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $199,250 – $413,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  1. College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors

College nannies, sitters and tutors are in business to find babysitting jobs for reliable college students who need the extra cash. They connect baby sitters and mothers together. Business school student, Joseph Keeley took a job as a nanny in Edina, Minnesota when he was in school. His experience made him recognize the need for a service to connect parents with safe, reliable nannies and tutors, so he created College Nannies and Tutors in 2001 to help match families with college students, graduates and teachers who need babysitting jobs. Based in Wayzata, Minnesota, the company began franchising in 2005.

This franchise is suitable for a woman because you will not be carrying out the sitting jobs yourself but will only have to do recommendations.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $151,500 – $228,000
  • Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $60,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $45,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  1. Plato’s Closet

Plato’s closet is in business of selling good quality used clothes, and it is a fact that the majority of college students do not have the money to fund band new clothing. Stores in the chain only buy current fashions that are in good condition and sell same at cheaper rates. Plato’s Closet also sells used accessories, books, CDs, games, picture frames and other items. Since 1998, Plato’s Closet locations have sold the latest in gently used, name-brand teen fashions. Women who have a flair for fashion and business will do well with this franchise.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $253,100 – $399,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  1. Kilwins Chocolates Franchise Inc.

Majority of college and university students are youths, and this is the age they indulge their sweet tooth. Any business that fulfills this need would definitely find market. Kilwin’s Chocolates, now owned by Don and Robin McCarty, sells chocolates, fudge and ice cream. Kilwin’s started as a bakery in 1947 and it was owned by Don and Katy Kilwin. Soon after opening the bakery, the Kilwins began making candy. Six years later the Kilwins sold their bakery to focus on candy making full-time, and in 1978 sold the candy business to Wayne and Lorene Rose. The Roses began offering Kilwin’s franchises in 1982.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $392,523 – $591,517
  • Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $125,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $40,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
  1. Million Snacks

Million Snacks is a snack shop that offers cakes including other healthy snacks. This bake shop offers consumers an alternative to the typical junk food fare found at other snack retailers. Million Snacks offerings feature non-buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Biscacho Pretzels with zero grams of trans fat, along with other baked goods, healthy beverages and smoothies, freshly roasted nuts, gourmet quality cookies, healthy energy drinks, and more. Million Snacks also features a proprietary system of freezer-to-oven technology used for many of its food items. For franchisees, the Million Snacks franchise system offers multiple models of operation, plus franchise fees and operating costs that are unheard of in the industry, making this the perfect system for the Average Joe franchisee.

Million Snacks has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and payroll.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $109,050 – $302,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $2,000 – $2,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
  1. Hooters

Hooters is a casual restaurant, and for students who live most of their student lives on jeans and t-shirts, this would be the ideal hang out for them. Add in a beach theme and sports display, then you have a profitable business. The first Hooters Restaurant opened in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983. The company known for its Hooters Girls waitresses, began franchising in 1986. The beach-theme restaurants feature sports displayed on flat-screen TVs and a menu offering seafood, sandwiches, burgers, salads, chicken wings and alcohol.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $956,500 – $4,275,000
  • Net-worth Requirement – $2,500,000 – $3,000,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $1,500,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $75,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  1. Tutor Doctor

Tutor Doctor franchises offer in-home, one-on-one tutoring for students from kindergarten through college. Tutors tailor their teaching to each student’s homework and sometimes work collaboratively with the students’ teachers. The Ontario-based company was founded in 2000 and began franchising in 2003. This is another good enough franchise for a woman.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $68,500 – $101,700
  • Net-worth Requirement – $100,000 – $300,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $62,500 – $107,200
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $44,700 – $49,700
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 8%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  1. Merle Norman Cosmetics

Merle Norman is a cosmetics studio that not only sells cosmetics, but offers its clients free trials before they buy. College students are always experimenting with things especially makeup which is common with the ladies. In addition to a full line of cosmetics, Merle Norman also offers skin cleansers, toners to sun defense and others. Merle Norman’s philosophy of “Try Before You Buy” was what helped to push the business. With women adoring cosmetics, this would be an ideal franchise for a female.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $34,803 – $186,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $100,000 – $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $25,000 – $100,000
  • Veteran Incentives – $5,000 in inventory
  1. Kumon Math & Reading Centers

Kumon franchisees utilize a scientifically structured program of math and reading instruction to provide young pupils with the core tools of mathematics and reading comprehension as well as a love of self-directed learning.

The self-paced training techniques utilized in today’s Kumon Math & Reading Centers were first developed over half a century ago by Toru Kumon, a high school calculus teacher in Osaka, Japan who believed there must be a way to teach his elementary school-aged son advanced mathematical concepts while keeping the lessons effective and enjoyable for his young student. Today Kumon has grown into the planet’s most popular supplemental math and reading enrichment program.

While a teaching background isn’t required to become a franchisee in the Kumon system, owners must have a love of working with children.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $70,000
  • Net worth required: $150,000
  • Investment: $69,788 – $141,445
  • Units in operation: 25,847
  • Founded: 1954
  • Franchising Since: 1958
  1. Cleanpro Carpet Cleaning System

Cleanpro Carpet Cleaning System owners use a specially formulated, organic, citrus-based carpet cleaning solution to provide clients with a cleaning method that squarely beats out competitors’ harsh and largely ineffective steam-cleaning approaches, leaving customers’ carpets cleaner, fresher, and ultimately lasting longer.

Cleanpro’s citrus-based, eco-friendly cleaning solution benefits from customers’ increasing demand for green and organic products and services. As customers turn away from harsh, environmentally unfriendly cleaning processes, Cleanpro’s organic formulation — which has the added bonus of drying quickly, leaving zero residue, and extending the life of customers’ carpets — has a natural appeal.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $50,000
  • Investment: $47,900
  1. Bark Busters

The Bark Busters home dog training franchise was founded in Australia in 1989 by Sylvia Wilson and her husband, Danny. Having once run an animal shelter, Wilson knew the challenges that poorly trained dogs could present for the families that took them in, so she designed a curriculum to teach pets owners how to make their pups happy, obedient members of the household.

The success of Wilson’s system led her to expand her concept across Australia. Later, Bark Busters franchises began popping up in NZ, the UK, and, beginning in 2000, the US. Today there are hundreds of Bark Busters locations meeting pet owners’ need for dog training services. Founded by a woman in Sydney, Australia who saw an opportunity to help pet owners do better by their dogs, Bark Busters remains an opportunity for women with a passion for animals to build a successful home-based business while working in an area they love.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $50,000
  • Total Investment: $71,100
  • Franchise Fee: $37,500
  1. Payroll Vault

A business to business service, Payroll Vault is a boutique-style full-service payroll company designed for small business. Payroll is ranked in the Top 3 Outsourced Business Services, and with over 90% of business in the small business category, we have found a niche to provide payroll and workforce management services for these companies with incomparable client service. An incredible opportunity for franchise business ownership in a growing sustained industry especially for a woman.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $42,950 – $70,569
  • Net Worth Required: $250,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $49,135 – $74,254
  • Year Founded: 2008
  • Franchising Since: 2012
  • US/Canada Franchise Units: 53
  1. Extreme Pita

Extreme Pita may have been founded by two brothers, but women flock to this quick-service restaurant chain in droves. A concept that lives somewhere between the worlds of fast food and healthy eating (think grilled chicken, falafel, and LOTS of veggies – prepared before your eyes), Extreme Pita has struck just the right balance among convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately 130 units operating throughout the country, and it seems a safe bet that many of their newest franchise applicants are women seeking a restaurant operation that delivers the flavor and convenience of fast food but does away with the guilt and the grease.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $75,000
  • Net worth required: $125,000
  • Investment: $154,500 – $266,500
  • Franchise fee: $20,000
  • Units in operation: 133
  1. Foliage Design Systems

Green before green was cool, home-based franchise concept Foliage Design Systems was founded some 40 years ago (and began franchising approximately 30 years ago) to offer interior plant care services for offices, hotels, banks, industrial parks, and other commercial venues. Beyond simply installing and caring for plant arrangements, however, franchisees of Foliage Design Systems educate their clients on the many benefits — for employees, the bottom line, and the environment overall — of maintaining live plants in a corporate environment.

Women interested in the experience of their fellow females in the Foliage Design Systems family need look no further than Huntsville, Alabama franchisees Melissa Musgrove and Sigi Fike. This pair of “plant ladies” has built a tremendous business while continuing to serve their community through active participation in organizations such as The US Green Building Council (USGBC), The Women’s Business Council of the Chamber of Commerce, and The Women’s Economic Development Council.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment: $44,400 – $64,400
  • Net-worth Requirement: $250,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $33,950 – $124,600
  • Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000 – $20,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
  1. Wild Birds Unlimited

With a proven business model over 35 years and over 340 locations, Wild Birds Unlimited is the #1, largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding and nature related products in North America. The company offers large, protective territories, in-store and on-line sales, and comprehensive training and support throughout the life of the business. Their Franchise Store Owners and their staff enhance the lives of their customers and their communities. They provide the support to their Franchise Store Owners to live their dream of owning their own business enterprise.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $40,000- $50,000
  • Net Worth Required: $300,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $170,382 – $281,606
  • Year Founded: 1981
  • Franchising Since: 1983
  1. MaidPro

If as a woman you’ve thought about being your own boss and want control of your work, finances, and life, MaidPro can offer you two things: a business that fulfills the dream of being your own boss, of paying yourself and not someone else and a business that will let you have the freedom to live on your own terms, travel when you want, spend more time with family, and the flexibility to enjoy your life.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $75,000
  • Net Worth Required: $50,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $74,560 – $204,450
  • Year Founded: 1991
  • Franchising Since: 1997
  • US/Canada Franchise Units: 245
  1. Amazing Athletes

Amazing Athletes is a mobile, year-round, educational sports and fitness program that introduces young children to the basic fundamentals of 10 different sports while helping them master 6 key areas of motor-development. They take care to ensure that every child is able to build their skills at their own pace within a non-competitive, learning-based, environment that emphasizes patience, teamwork, skill-building and confidence. As a mobile franchise that is liked by women, no storefront is necessary. Instead, Amazing Athletes classes are offered on-site at existing locations that cater to children. Class locations may include pre-schools, daycare centers, churches, community centers, and public and private schools. This mobility allows franchisees to attain high profit margins.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $30,000
  • Net Worth Required: $30,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $27,500 – $64,950
  • Year Founded: 2003
  • Franchising Since: 2006
  • US/Canada Franchise Units: 133
  1. 30 Minute Hit

The 30 Minute Hit is definitely not your typical gym. Not a typical women’s only gym. And certainly not a typical Kickboxing gym. The 30 Minute Hit is a special place, that inspires and empowers women through a unique community like no where else.

Their philosophy is simple. Give women of all shapes sizes, ages, abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to do something they never thought possible and the power to be amazing.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $40,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $100,000 – $165,000
  • Year Founded: 2004
  • Franchising Since: 2006
  • US/Canada Franchise Units: 90
  1. TSS Photography

If you are a woman who is very handy with the camera, then think of going into a photography franchise. TSS Photography is the nation’s leading photography franchise. They specialize in sports, school and event photography services. If you are looking for a flexible, fun, low cost and low overhead franchise, this could be for you. Loving photography, working with kids, or having an interest in sports is icing on the cake. Their owners love controlling their own destiny, the flexibility of scheduling their own time, and calling their own shots. It has been said that when you love what you do, you’ll never have to work another day in your life.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $10,500
  • Net Worth Required: $50,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $20,415 – $74,725
  • Year Founded: 1983
  • Franchising Since: 1984
  • US/Canada Franchise Units:176
  1. Zen Massage

Zen Massage provides spa-quality, melt-your-muscles good massage services at extremely affordable rates. The system’s franchisees deliver their offerings through an expertly designed menu of packages designed for both convenience and relaxation. According to the franchisor, the spa industry is growing at some 20% per year.

Known to operate on the cutting edge of marketing practices, Zen Massage received fantastic customer reviews on Yelp in their home base of Charlotte after running a Groupon.com offering that primarily targeted women in the local market.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $100,000
  • Net Worth Required: $150,000
  1. Bouari Clinic

Bouari Medical Clinics are a weight loss franchise system that emphasizes the importance of leveraging a personal connection between the franchise owner and her clientele in achieving incredible, life-changing results. Utilizing a proven program for rapid, healthy fat loss that maintains energy levels, minimizes feelings of hunger, and preserves lean muscle mass throughout the weight loss process, Bouari franchisees deliver results without surgery, without pills, and without expensive packaged meal programs. Bouari Clinics have used this personal approach to treat over 25,000 patients on a local community-by-community basis since 2007.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $39,000
  • Investment: $91,550 – $238,000
  • Franchise fee: $39,000
  1. American Leak Detection

Headquartered in Palm Springs, California, American Leak Detection provides cost-effective and highly accurate electronic detection of water, drain, gas, waste, and sewer leaks under concrete slabs of homes, office buildings, pools, spas, fountains, and other structures, with equipment commissioned and manufactured by the company.

The franchise has roots in Lorrie Rennick, who co-founded American Leak Detection with her husband, Richard. A former single mom and one of the earliest advocates for greater involvement and visibility for women in the franchise industry, Lorrie’s example — and her efforts on behalf of all women in the franchise space — helped to overcome many of the most heinous barriers that women once faced in what was a male-dominated business environment.

Finance Information

  • Investments: $76,755 – $259,550
  • Franchise fee: $29,500 – $120,000
  • Royalty fee: 6-10%
  • Minimum Cash: $70,000
  • Net Worth: $200,000
  1. Coffee Beanery

One of the earliest purveyors of “specialty coffee” in the United States, Coffee Beanery has long staked its brand on the exceptional quality of its hand-roasted coffee, which is also flavored and packaged at the corporate warehouse in Michigan. Individual stores vary, offering some mix of indoor/outdoor seating, breakfast options, basic lunch items, as well as wi-fi service, but Coffee Beanery franchisees clearly see the product as taking center stage over any particular store amenity.

JoAnne Shaw, co-founder of The Coffee Beanery, became the first woman chair of the International Franchise Association. There is certainly a legacy of solid female leadership to be found in this franchise.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $125,000
  • Net Worth Required: $300,000
  • Total Investment: $185,000 – $400,000
  1. Dogtopia

Dogtopia is a unique dog daycare business which opened its first location in Virginia in 2002. At that time, dog daycare was very much a new concept, and the Dogtopia approach – to create “indoor dog parks” and provide a daycare services for dog care along the lines of a children’s daycare – was extremely innovative. Since then, the idea of doggie daycare has gained widespread popularity and Dogtopia is now the fastest-growing pet franchise and the leading dog daycare provider in North America. Women who love animals can find an easy franchise here.

Finance Information

  • Cash Required: $200,000
  • Net Worth Required: $1,000,000
  • Total Startup Investment: $757,253 – $1,553,415
  • Year Founded: 2002
  • Franchising Since: 2005
  • US/Canada Franchise Units: 124
  1. Hannoush Jewelers

Hannoush Jewelers is a diamond importer, jewelry manufacturer and retail store — all in one location. Their products include watches and custom-made jewelry. Their online store boasts captivating pearl necklaces, diamond bands, gold chains, gemstone earrings, men’s jewelry, and more. The company also offers fine giftware collectibles from Swarovski Crystal and Lladro.

Historically, to become a player in the jewelry business, you needed family connections. Hannoush Jewelers has changed that through their franchise opportunities. Women are mostly welcome to this franchise because of its peculiar nature.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $100,000
  • Net worth required: $100,000
  • Investment: $291,000 – $717,000
  • Franchise fee: $20,000
  1. groOrganic

One of the most innovative franchise opportunities that is very suitable for the female population is groOrganic. This business brings the growing trend of backyard gardening to forward-thinking homes and businesses. GroOrganic franchisees build and maintain beautiful organic gardens that are expertly designed for the client’s local climate — a perfect business for green thumbs who enjoy the outdoors and the prospect of helping others create a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for themselves and others. GroOrganic has been featured on NBC’s popular television show The Biggest Loser and has received lots of great press and celebrity attention for being a leading organic franchise.

With the organic food movement in full force and “going green” being a giant buzz word in the 21st century, there couldn’t be a hotter market to enter.

Finance Information

  • Liquid capital required: $10,150
  • Investment: $16,400 – $49,950
  • Franchise fee: $12,500
  • Units in operation: 6
  1. Checkers and Rally’s

Taking its roots from Alabama, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants started in 1986 in Mobile, Alabama. A year before this, Rally’s Drive-In had opened its first restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1999, the two concepts merged into a single double drive-thru burger chain. In addition to burgers, the restaurants serve chicken, fish, hot dogs, fries, and desserts. Checkers and Rally’s Restaurants Inc. offer financing to its franchisees to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $96,414 – $1,501,265
  • Net-worth Requirement – $750,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $30,000 – $30,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 4.5%
  • Veteran Incentives – Franchise fee waived
  1. Juice It Up!

If you have an affinity for anything fresh and a passion for helping people eat right, then this franchise is for you. Founded in 1995, the first Juice It Up store opened in southern California. Juice It Up stores serve fresh squeezed raw juices, real fruit smoothies, acai and pitaya bowls, and healthful snacks to go with the juice. The company has had appreciable market acceptance that it was ranked among 500 best franchises in 2009. Easy on the pocket, Juice It Up offers a comfortable family business and easy returns on investment.

Finance Information

  • Initial Investment – $216,400 – $378,300
  • Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  • Veteran Incentives – 60% off first-store franchise free; second-store franchise fee refunded if second unit opens within one year of first
  1. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes started out when a couple of friends started baking Bundt cakes for friends and family with only the freshest ingredients. The concept quickly caught on as a viable business concept worthy of franchising. The key here is that the chain is filling a unique niche and offering a luxury product at an affordable price tag. Many are surprised this is a franchise because of the “mom and pop” feel with personalized service established at each location. On the menu of this company are 8-inch Bundt cakes, 10-inch Bundt cakes, tiered Bundt cakes, miniature “Bundtlets,” Bundtlet towers, and bite-sized “Bundtins” in nine signature flavors, along with the occasional new flavor.

Nothing Bundt Cakes are made fresh every day with the best ingredients to make for a delicious, deluxe dessert experience. The cakes retail in single serving sizes (aka Bundtlets), as well as larger cakes designed to cater to birthday and anniversary parties. Large custom orders are also accommodated. Nothing Bundt Cakes’s flavors include Red Velvet, Carrot, Lemon, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, White White Chocolate, Cinnamon Swirl, White Chocolate Raspberry, Pecan Praline, Marble, and a special flavor of the month.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $392,875 – $545,475
  • Net-worth Requirement – $600,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $150,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $30,000 – $30,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 4%
  1. Gigi’s Cupcakes

Gigi’s Cupcakes is a bakery that specializes in delicious cupcakes. The company’s desserts are baked with fresh ingredients each morning. Gigi’s Cupcakes changes its menu each day so customers can discover new, exciting flavors on a regular basis. These flavors, by the way, are anything but ordinary everyday flavours. Some of the more unique tasty treats include Lemon Poppy Seed, Merry Margarita, S’mores, White Midnight Magic, Hunka Chunka Banana Love, Hot Fudge Sundae, Kentucky Bourbon Pie, and Champagne.

Gigi’s Cupcakes builds on the growing cupcake craze with a huge variety of cupcakes topped with its signature swirl of frosting and other toppings. In addition to cupcakes, the menu includes cheesecake and gluten-friendly options. Gourmet cupcakes have been a rapidly growing segment in the baked goods industry because demand is strong. Cupcakes are much more flexible and easier to handle and serve or take on-the-go than full cakes.

Founded in 2007 and franchising since 2008, the chain received a big boost when it was featured on the television program Undercover Boss in 2015. The number of locations, however, has declined from 95 last year to the current total of 86, of which nine are company-owned and all of which are located in the U.S.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $226,700 – $425,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2.5%