Franchises That Cost Less Than $100,000: Let’s Get Started
Are you thinking about starting your own business but are worried about the risks and difficulties of doing so? Franchises come with a proven business model, a well-known brand, and ongoing support. They also tend to fail less often than independent startups.
And the best part is that you don’t need a million dollars to get started.
A lot of franchise opportunities in 2025 only need a total investment of less than $100,000, so they are open to first-time franchisees, people who want to start their own businesses and smart investors.
What Is a Franchise?
A franchise is a way for people (called franchisees) to legally run a business using the brand, systems, training, and reputation of an already successful company (the franchisor). A franchise lets you skip the risk, guesswork, and uncertainty of starting a business from scratch and gives you a plan for success.
A lot of people would rather buy a franchise for less than $100,000 so they can lower their risk and get help and structure.
In this business and legal relationship, the franchisee usually pays:
- A one-time fee to start the franchise
- Ongoing royalties (a part of the income)
- A fee for marketing or branding at times
In this business and legal relationship, the franchisee usually pays:
- A tested operating system (what products to sell, how to market, and customer service playbooks)
- Initial and ongoing training
- Help with choosing a location, getting the right equipment, software, and operations
- National marketing campaigns and relationships with vendors
Some Quick Examples of Real-World Franchises
- McDonald’s: You don’t make burgers; you run a well-known fast-food chain with systems and branding all over the world.
- The UPS Store: You don’t have to start a delivery service. You use UPS’s name, prices, and shipping.
- SuperGlass gives you the tools, training, and a mobile setup so you can start fixing windshields right away.
- Jazzercise: You teach fitness classes with pre-made routines, and a lot of people love them.
- Cruise Planners: Use their software, deals, and travel brands to book trips from home.
- Coffee News: You print and hand out ad-based papers in local cafes using their pre-made design.
- Dream Vacations: You can sell vacations online with their training, platform, and discounts from suppliers.
Each brand is a practical and well-known franchise for new business owners that costs less than $100,000. If you want to skip the “startup guesswork” and go straight to scaling, franchising is the way to go.
20 Strategic Advantages of Franchising
- A business model that works – You’re buying into a system that has already been tried, improved, and successfully copied.
- Knowing the Brand – When customers see a well-known franchise brand, they trust it and know it, which gives you an instant marketing edge.
- Launching Faster – Most franchisors help you get started quickly, which is very important when starting a franchise that costs less than $100,000.
- Less chance of failing – Franchises fail much less often than independent startups because they have strong foundations and support.
- Support for Training and Onboarding Training is thorough, which is very important for franchises that cost less than $100,000 because training can make or break success.
- Built-in marketing power -Branding materials, national advertising, and website infrastructure are all things that are often included.
- Protecting the Territory – Many franchises give you exclusive or protected territories, which keeps you safe from competition within the franchise.
- Getting to supply chains – You get better deals by buying in bulk, working with vendors, and making sourcing easier.
- Ongoing Business Coaching Most franchisors give you a mentor or business coach to help you do better and grow.
- A model that can grow – With the right reinvestment plan, you can grow even a franchise that costs less than $100,000 into multiple units.
- Higher chances of getting a loan – Banks and the SBA are more likely to lend money to a well-known franchise than to a risky solo startup.
- Help During Tough Times – Franchisors often help out when the economy is bad, there is a crisis, or there are problems that come up out of the blue.
- A group of franchisees – You become part of a group of people who share ideas, advice, and support.
- Managing Your Reputation – Corporate teams keep an eye on customer satisfaction, brand consistency, and online reviews for you.
- Hiring and training are easier – Established systems make it easy and quick to bring on new employees.
- Exit Strategy Built In – When you sell a franchise, you’re selling a proven brand, not just an idea for a business.
- Getting access to technology and new ideas – Franchisors often put money into research and development and give franchisees the newest tools.
- Don’t think about strategy – think about execution. You use a playbook instead of making one from scratch, which is great for new business owners.
- Help with the law and compliance – If you don’t know much about the law, templates, contracts, and HR documents are very important for a franchise that costs less than $100,000.
- Feeling like you own something without being alone – You can run your own business with the help of a bigger company.
Why Go with a Franchise That Costs Less Than $100K?
- Less money is needed to start your business- you won’t have to spend all of your savings or go into a lot of debt.
- Proven systems – you’ll have access to tried-and-true business processes, SOPs, and marketing strategies.
- Faster break-even-you can make money much faster than with high-cost businesses because you don’t have to pay a lot of overhead.
- Home-based and mobile options-you can run your business from home, on the road, or in small retail spaces.
- Less risk: Use a business model that has been tried and tested and has a lower chance of failing.
- Access to brand recognition: Use a well-known name that customers already trust and know.
- Easier to get financing – lenders are more likely to lend money to well-known, low-cost franchises.
- Easier to start up – no need to guess with ready-to-use training, tools, and operational guides.
- Flexible lifestyle: Many low-cost franchises let you work part-time or give you the freedom to run your own business.
- Scalable opportunities: You can start small and use the profits to grow your business to more locations or services.
- Variety of industries-pick from travel, food, fitness, cleaning, education, pet care, and more, all for less than $100,000.
- Community support – join a network of other franchisees to learn from each other and get help from the franchisor.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
Before you get started, think about the following:
- The total investment includes the franchise fee, equipment, licensing, setup, and working capital.
- Franchise fee: the amount you pay upfront to get the rights to use the brand and system
- Ongoing royalties, which are usually 4% to 10% of gross revenue, and some charge flat rates
- Fees for marketing and brand funds, like national advertising or tech fees, are often 1–3% more.
- Territory protection means making sure you have exclusive or clearly defined rights so that your markets don’t overlap.
- Training and support: check the quality and length of the onboarding and ongoing help
- Items 7 (startup costs) and 19 (earnings claims) in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Talk to current owners to get real feedback from franchisees about the good and bad things about the business.
- Time commitment: Some franchises require you to work full-time, while others let you work part-time.
- Experience needed—make sure you have the right knowledge, licenses, or certifications.
- Exit clause: Know your rights and how to sell or end the contract.
- Look at the franchisor’s past lawsuits and red flags to see if they have any.
When looking at a franchise that costs less than $100,000, where margins are often tighter, your due diligence is even more important.
Advice: Before you buy a franchise, make sure to look closely at the conditions in your area. A business that does well in one city might not do as well in another. Look at the demand, competition, demographics, and foot traffic in your area. Even a well-known brand can do poorly if it doesn’t fit in with the area. Picking the right franchise is just as important as picking the right location and customer base.
Breakdown of The Budget
Here’s what you can usually buy at each level:
- Under $10K – vending, cleaning kits, mobile car washes
- Under $20K – children’s education, travel agencies
- Less than $50,000 – fitness training, pet care, and print ads
- Less than $100,000 – food kiosks, commercial cleaning, senior care, and home repairs
Top 50 Franchise Opportunities in 2025 (Under $100K)
Here are 50 high-potential businesses for anyone looking to start a franchise under $100K in 2025.
| Franchise | Industry | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty / Marketing Fee |
| Cruise Planners | Travel | $2,095–$23,367 | $10,995 | 3% / 2% |
| Jan-Pro | Commercial Cleaning | $3,985–$51,605 | $1K–$40K | 7.5% / 1–2% |
| Dream Vacations | Travel | $2,670–$21,850 | $9,595 | 3% / 2% |
| Coffee News | $5,500–$11,500 | $5,000 | N/A / 2% | |
| TSS Photography | Photography | $18,450–$46,160 | $7,495 | 6% / 1% |
| SuperGlass Repair | Auto Services | $9,000–$35,000 | $5,000 | N/A |
| Proforma | Marketing | $15,000–$50,000 | $14,000 | 5% / 1% |
| Buildingstars | Cleaning | $2,245–$53,200 | $995–$47K | 10% / Varies |
| Jazzercise | Fitness | $3,000–$38,000 | $1,250 | 20% / Varies |
| Healthier4U Vending | Vending | $30K–$75K | $0 | N/A |
| Soccer Shots | Youth Sports | $34,500–$49,500 | $34,500 | 7% / 2% |
| Fit4Mom | Fitness | $6K–$24K | $6,000 | 10% / 1% |
| U.S. Lawns | Landscaping | $5K–$45K | $29,000 | 6% / 1.5% |
| Snapology | Education | $25K–$75K | $20,000 | 6% / 2% |
| Chem-Dry | Carpet | $56K–$100K | $23,500 | 5% / 2% |
| MobileStamp | Loyalty App | $8K–$25K | $8,000 | N/A |
| CruiseOne | Travel | $2,695–$23,470 | $14,000 | 7% / 2% |
| TeamLogic IT | Tech | $49,800–$70,800 | $45K | 5% / 1% |
| Cleanpro | Carpet | $35K–$50K | $14,950 | N/A |
| Tutor Doctor | Education | $33K–$61K | $29,700 | 8% / 2% |
| American Biz Systems | B2B Billing | $25K–$28K | $25,000 | N/A |
| Lawn Doctor | Landscaping | $65K–$100K | $30K | 10% / 2% |
| The Maids | Cleaning | $63K–$95K | $12,500 | 6.9% / 2% |
| Pet Wants | Pet Food | $42K–$60K | $38,500 | 7% / 2% |
| Fibrenew | Repair | $67K–$89K | $47,000 | 5% / 1% |
| 1-800-Water Damage | Restoration | $53K–$98K | $59K | 10% / 1% |
| Naturals2Go | Vending | $32K–$60K | $0 | N/A |
| Go Junk Free America | Junk | $50K–$75K | $30K | 8% / 1% |
| UPS Store (non-retail) | Shipping | $60K–$90K | $29,950 | 5% / 1% |
| Fresh Coat | Painting | $45K–$70K | $44K | 6% / 2% |
| Oxi Fresh | Carpet | $40K–$72K | $39,900 | 7% / 2% |
| Screenmobile | Repair | $45K–$70K | $39,500 | 6% / 1% |
| Senior Helpers | Elder Care | $50K–$95K | $49,500 | 5% / 1.5% |
| A Place at Home | Home Care | $60K–$85K | $49,500 | 5% / 2% |
| Bin There Dump That | Dumpster | $65K–$85K | $45,000 | 7% / 2% |
| Footprints Floors | Flooring | $60K–$90K | $60,000 | 6% / 1% |
| Assisting Hands | Health | $60K–$90K | $45,000 | 5% / 2% |
| Mosquito Joe | Pest Control | $65K–$85K | $35,000 | 10% / 2% |
| Dog Training Elite | Pet | $50K–$75K | $49,500 | 6% / 1.5% |
| Bio-One Inc. | Cleanup | $60K–$90K | $45,000 | 8% / 1% |
| Pool Scouts | Pools | $60K–$85K | $35,000 | 8% / 2% |
| Kitchen Solvers | Remodeling | $65K–$95K | $50,000 | 6% / 2% |
| PuroClean | Restoration | $70K–$95K | $50,000 | 7% / 1% |
| Zoom Drain | Plumbing | $85K–$100K | $49,500 | 6% / 1% |
| Budget Blinds | Home Decor | $85K–$100K | $60,000 | 7% / 2% |
| ComForCare | Home Care | $75K–$100K | $50,000 | 5% / 2% |
| The Grounds Guys | Lawn Care | $75K–$100K | $40,000 | 6% / 2% |
| TruBlue House Care | Home Services | $70K–$95K | $45,000 | 6% / 1.5% |
| Home Clean Heroes | Residential | $60K–$85K | $45,000 | 6% / 2% |
How to Pay for Your Franchise – Financing Your Franchise
There are many ways to pay for your franchise, even if you don’t have $50,000 to $100,000 in your bank account.
- SBA 7(a) Loans: These are government-backed loans with good terms and lower interest rates. They are popular with first-time business owners.
- Franchisor Financing: Some franchises offer internal installment plans or put you in touch with trusted lenders.
- Equipment Financing: Get a loan just for the tools, machines, or technology you need to run your business.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Use the value of your home as collateral for flexible borrowing.
- Unsecured Personal Loans: Great for people with good credit and no assets to pledge.
- 401(k) Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS): Use retirement funds to start a business without paying taxes or penalties.
- Business Credit Cards: Good for short-term, low-cost expenses, but watch out for high interest rates.
- Crowdfunding or lending money to friends and family. Get money from your network or sites like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or LendingClub.
- Investor Partnerships: Team up with someone who gives you money and lets you run the business (you can share ownership or profits).
These ways to get money make it easier to buy a franchise for less than $100,000 without using up all your savings.
How to Start Your Franchise (Step by Step)
- Ask for and read the FDD. Pay close attention to Items 7 (investment) and 19 (earnings) in the Franchise Disclosure Document. Think about getting a franchise lawyer.
- Talk to current franchisees about the problems they had when they first started, how much money they made, how good the support was, and what they wish they had known before they started.
- Get your money in order by picking the right mix of SBA loans, HELOCs, equipment financing, or options offered by the franchisor.
- Finish training and onboarding. Go to the franchisor’s official training sessions to learn about the systems, branding, and daily operations.
- Set your territory or location in stone. Decide on your area of operation, whether it’s a mobile zone, retail space, or a specific service region.
- Get things going – order equipment, install software, hire people, and get in touch with approved vendors and suppliers.
- Start Local Marketing – Use the franchisor’s marketing toolkit and local ad strategies to get people talking about your business.
- Open Your Doors (or Go Live Online) – Start officially serving customers and selling your goods or services.
- Keep an eye on your KPIs every week. This means keeping an eye on important numbers like revenue, customer acquisition, retention, and operational costs. Make changes as needed for growth.
Last Thoughts
Franchising for less than $100,000 is not only cheap, but also smart. You get a head start because your brand is credible, your systems are proven, and you have built-in support that makes learning easier and lowers your risk. Low-cost franchises are the best way to get the freedom and structure you need to start a business from home or make money over time.
You don’t need a lot of money to start a business; you just need the right chance, the right attitude, and the guts to do it. If you do your homework, pick the right franchise, and make smart decisions, owning a franchise can be a quick way to become an entrepreneur without having to start from scratch.
Useful Resources for Franchises
- Franchise Direct – Look through a lot of franchises based on how much you want to invest, what industry you’re in, and where you live.
- SBA Franchise Directory – This is the official U.S. government list of franchises that can get SBA financing.
- International Franchise Association (IFA) is the main group in the U.S. that supports and teaches people about franchising.
- Franchise Gator – Compare cheap franchises in different categories and read helpful buyer guides.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) – Find out about government help for entrepreneurs, business loans, and help starting a business.
- The Franchise Mall lets you look for franchises by industry, startup cost, and royalty fee structure.
- BizBuySell – Franchise Listings – Find established units and franchise resales for sale.
Resources & Useful Links:
- 7 Essential Steps to Opening a Donut Shop
- 25 Best Business Ideas for Introverts in 2025
- 101+ Best Solopreneur Business Ideas for 2025
Questions that people ask a lot (FAQs)
Do you have any questions about starting a franchise for less than $100,000? Below, we’ve answered the most common questions.
-
What is the best franchise to start in 2025 for less than $100,000?
There isn’t one “best” franchise; it all depends on your goals, budget, and what industry you want to work in. Some popular choices that cost less than $100,000 are Cruise Planners (travel), Jazzercise (fitness), Jan-Pro (cleaning), and Dream Vacations (home-based travel).
-
Can I get a loan for a franchise that costs less than $100,000?
Yes. You can look into unsecured personal loans, SBA 7(a) loans, franchisor financing, HELOCs, and 401(k) rollovers (ROBS). Because they are cheap and have a good reputation, it is easier to get financing for many low-cost franchises.
-
Do franchises that cost less than $100,000 make money?
If you pick the right location, follow the franchisor’s system, and keep an eye on costs, many low-cost franchises can make money. Lower overhead often means that the investment will pay off faster and give a higher return on investment.
-
Is it possible to run a franchise part-time or from home?
Yes. A lot of franchises that cost less than $100,000 can be run from home or on the go. You can run businesses like Cruise Planners, Coffee News, and Dream Vacations from home on a part-time basis. This gives you more freedom and costs less.
-
How much money can I make if I own a cheap franchise?
Earnings depend on the brand, the location, and the work you put in. Some franchisors tell you how much money their franchisees make on average in Item 19 of their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Talk to current franchisees to get real-world information.
-
What does the franchise fee cover?
The franchise fee usually covers the right to use the brand, initial training, help with setup, operational playbooks, and ongoing support. It’s a one-time cost that doesn’t include equipment or working capital.
-
Do I need to have worked in a franchise before?
Not all the time. Many franchises that cost less than $100,000 are made for people who are starting their first business and come with full training and support. However, some people may want or need experience in the field, especially in technical or regulated areas.
-
What is the FDD or Franchise Disclosure Document?
The FDD is a legal paper that gives important information about the franchise, such as its costs, responsibilities, history of lawsuits, earnings, and contacts with current franchisees. It’s very important to read it over before you sign anything.
-
Are there franchises that don’t charge royalties?
Yes, some cheap franchises, like Healthier4U Vending and American Business Systems, don’t charge any ongoing royalty fees. These can be appealing to owners who want more control over their profits, but the level of support may differ.
-
How do I pick the best franchise that costs less than $100,000?
Look at your skills, goals, budget, the market where you live, and how much time you have. After that, look at the costs, support, reputation, earnings potential, and real franchisee feedback to compare franchises.
-
What fields have franchise opportunities that don’t cost much?
You can find franchises in a lot of different fields that cost less than $100,000. Some of these fields are travel, cleaning, food kiosks, pet care, senior care, fitness, education, vending, auto repair, and more. You can choose from a wide range of options that fit your interests and skills.
-
What is the difference between the total investment and the franchise fee?
The franchise fee is the money you have to pay upfront to join a franchise. The franchise fee is only part of the total investment. Other costs include equipment, training, insurance, licenses, marketing, and working capital.
-
Are franchises that cost less than starting a business from scratch better?
Yes, for a lot of new business owners. Franchises give you a tried-and-true business model, a trusted brand, and training. All of these things lower your risk and make it more likely that you will succeed than if you started from scratch.
-
Is it possible to run a franchise and still work full-time?
Some franchises that are run from home or on the let you own them part-time. But some need you to be there all the time. Before you invest, make sure you understand what the franchisor wants and how much time they need.
-
What are the ongoing fees for marketing and royalties?
These are fees that the franchisee has to pay over and over again. Royalties are usually a percentage of your gross sales (like 5–10%), and marketing/brand fees pay for national advertising and tech support (usually 1–3%).
-
Do all franchises protect their territory?
Not all of them. Some offer exclusive areas, while others don’t limit markets that overlap. Before you sign, make sure you understand this in the FDD and franchise agreement.
-
What kind of training do you get with a franchise?
Most reputable franchises include startup training on operations, customer service, marketing, and systems. Many also provide ongoing coaching, webinars, and peer support groups.
-
How long does it take to start a franchise?
Depending on the type of business, the location needs, the equipment setup, and how long it takes to get the money, it could take anywhere from 30 to 180 days. Some franchises that work from home start-ups in less than a month.
-
Is owning a franchise a way to make money without working?
Not usually at first. Most of them need you to be involved, especially at first. However, some owners move into semi-passive or multi-unit management once systems are in place and a team is hired.
-
What questions should I ask current franchisees before I join?
Ask about the difficulties of starting a business, how long it takes to break even, how profitable it is, how much support the franchisor gives, how much work they have to do every day, what mistakes they make, and if they would invest again. Their insights from real life are important for setting realistic goals.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the
favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve
my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Sure! 😊 Let me know how it’s going — I’m happy for you if you’re improving!