Franchises for Your Entrepreneurial Soul: 12 Low-Cost Opportunities

If you’re like many smart people today, say a stay-at-home mom, licensed executive, part-time consultant, or whatever, you may be looking for more. Do you want something different, something sensible, something satisfying, or something that will really pay you what you’re worth? If so, you might be interested in starting your own business. It’s easier than you think and it doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money.

You’ve heard your yoga friends and your parents at soccer practice talk about their successful network marketing businesses (think Rodan + Fields, Stella and Dot, or Pampered Chef), but that’s not really your style and you really want to have your own business. What else is there? Well, one way to work from home, work flexible hours, have support from other business experts, but still make your own decisions is to buy a franchise.

The best way to start your own business or choose a franchise is to consider your passions, your goals, and your resources. Suppose you have a heart of gold, love to take care of others, or really miss the excitement of small children now that your children are a little older. There are definitely some great options out there for you where you can make money doing something you love. It is the best of all worlds.

Many of the major franchises, home-based or not, are very expensive to buy, so let’s focus on those that have an entry cost of $40k or less (some even start at less than $100!). Here are twelve franchise opportunities that may be right for you from both an interest and out-of-pocket standpoint.

If traveling is what you love and you’re always telling your friends and family where the best Maldives resorts are, how to plan an unrivaled adventure to Disney, or which hotel group offers the best “spots” for your stay, then maybe you should. do it. Consider franchising with one of these three travel agency groups:

1. Travel Leaders is a global company steeped in history, with the original business being founded in 1872. With more than 350 franchises in the US alone, the company offers training, marketing and other support.

2. While Results! Travel is part of Travel Leaders, it may be just what you are looking for. If you already have your own agency and want to take advantage of additional resources, Results! Travel allows you to keep your agency name.

3. As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you have your own full-service travel agency from your home, with the resources and support of American Express Travel Services.

All three of these travel agency groups have franchises with start-up costs ranging from around $1,000 up to $27,000.

Caring, health-conscious business owners like you have many angles to consider, even with the lower startup costs of franchising. There are franchises that cater to customers young and old, and they can be very lucrative. Here are three to consider

1. Lice Treatment Center franchise owners stand to benefit from the billion dollar a year business (for treatment, prevention and products) as there are six to twelve million cases of head lice in the US each year. Lice Treatment Center was co-founded by two mom-entrepreneurs (one an award-winning pediatrician) who wanted to provide an all-natural solution to an ugly but common problem. Not only will you offer a much-needed service, but your customers will love it too!

2. As an Amazing Athletes franchisee, you can use your love of fitness to offer educational sports programs, camps and parties for young children. A business that makes and keeps children health conscious from an early age will make everyone smile.

3. If you’re a sandwich generation or a healthcare professional, use your expertise through a Hallmark home care business. As a franchise owner, you will provide caregiver searches, recruitment and placement to those who need it most.

Are you a stay-at-home parent or a former teacher who can’t get enough of your own children, but looking for additional income and want to put your educational background to use? You have some great options! Consider one of these three franchises that offers education or child safety.

1. Through Ident-A-Kid, a child safety products and services company, franchise owners work with public and private schools, providing parents with ID cards for their children (nursery through middle grades).

2. Club Z In-Home Tutoring offers one-on-one tutoring for a variety of subjects, including SAT and ACT test preparation. In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act, Club Z In-Home Tutoring also provides free tutoring at libraries, churches, and other public places.

3. MindsAhead Academy is a leading after school program offering tutoring and enrichment programs. They serve people of all abilities and ages, from preschoolers to adults seeking more education. With most franchises located outside of the US, MindsAhead is actively seeking franchises in most states.

Franchises to express your artistic talent are equally available to entrepreneurs. Look at these three opportunities:

1. Bringing art to life for children and adults is easy through Abrakadoodle’s art education programs for different age groups. Like the tutoring services, Abrakadoodle offers classes in schools and community centers, with a focus on artistic techniques, different styles, as well as art history and artists.

2. If photography and making someone’s big day special is your thing, you might consider becoming a Complete Weddings and Events franchise owner. Providing grooms-to-be with services ranging from photography, video, DJing, and photo booths could be what makes your entrepreneurial heart soar.

3. Remember how much fun you had (still have?) fun with Legos? Then host Legos, camps and engineering classes with your own Bricks 4 Kidz franchise. Founded in 2008, this fast-growing business started by a mother in Florida and already has more than 600 franchises around the world. Why not have fun and earn money while doing it?

The twelve franchise businesses listed above give you a lower cost of entry and will allow you to pursue a passion, while fueling your entrepreneurial spirit. Now that your mind is spinning with all the potential you have to offer, from your own home no less, you must choose your passion and get started. You will thank yourself and others too!