Looking ahead to 2017, our picks for the most exciting franchise categories of the year include several that are going strong and show no signs of slowing, and a few that are beginning to ramp up to their true potential. You’ll find up-and-coming business opportunities such as computer coding for kids, trampoline parks and fusion hot dogs, as well as the tried-and-true: fitness studios, pet care,and disaster restoration. What do they all have in common?
A still unquenched capacity for growth.
As you page through, bear in mind that this list is not intended as an endorsement of any particular franchise. Even the hottest concept can grow cold in the wrong hands, so always take your time to do your due diligence before you invest. Review all legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant and talk to as many current and former franchisees as you can.
Children's Enrichment
Electronics
Entertainment/Recreation
Fitness
Hot Dogs
Pest Control
Pets
Resale/Consignment/Estate Sales
Restoration
Staffing/Recruiting
Children's Enrichment
Kids have become some of the franchise world’s favorite customers, with parents willing to shell out to help their little ones thrive. In this category, franchisees are drawn to opportunities that are often low-cost, flexible and able to be run from home.
Abrakadoodle
Art-education programsStartup cost: $37.8K–$80.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 220/2
Amazing Athletes
Educational sports programsStartup cost: $39.4K–$52.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 95/0
Bach to Rock
Music schoolsStartup cost: $360K–$505K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 10/6
Bricks 4 Kidz
Lego-engineering classes, camps, partiesStartup cost: $34.5K–$52.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 659/2
Bricks Bots & Beakers
Science, technology, engineering, and math camps, classes, partiesStartup cost: $17.6K–$27.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 12/2
British Swim School USA
Swimming lessons for ages 3 months and olderStartup cost: $82.2K–$127.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 45/1
Chef It Up!/Chef It Up 2 Go!
Cooking classes and parties for children and adultsStartup cost: $16.4K–$61K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 11/2
the Coder School
Coding classes for ages 8 to 18Startup cost: $77.3K–$139.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/3
CompuChild
Science, technology, engineering, art, and math classesStartup cost: $18.3K–$33K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 42/1
D-BAT Academies
Indoor baseball and softball training, batting cages, merchandiseStartup cost: $315.2K–$611.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 31/1
Drama Kids International
After-school drama classes and summer campsStartup cost: $28.6K–$48.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 216/0
Engineering for Kids
Math, science, technology, and engineering activitiesStartup cost: $27.2K–$93.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 152/1
Goldfish Swim School Franchising
Infant and child swimming lessonsStartup cost: $1.4M–$2.2M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 34/1
HappyFeet Legends International
Soccer programs for ages 2 to 18Startup cost: $22.5K–$29.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 165/3
High Touch-High Tech
Science activities for schools/partiesStartup cost: $61.3K–$66K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 163/28
Ho Math Chess Tutoring Center
After-school math, chess, and puzzle-learning programsStartup cost: $31.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 11/1
Hobby Quest
Enrichment programs, camps, workshops, partiesStartup cost: $38.9K–$53.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 6/3
i9 Sports
Youth sports leagues, camps, and clinicsStartup cost: $50.9K–$76.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 128/16
iCode School
Computer programming, robotics, and creative arts training for ages 7 to 17Startup cost: $231K–$321K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
IslandTime Treasures
Art-based science, engineering, and math classesStartup cost: $13K–$25.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 13/1
JumpBunch
Mobile children’s sports and fitness programsStartup cost: $40.3K–$73.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 57/0
Kidokinetics
Mobile children’s fitness programsStartup cost: $42.9K–$57K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/10
Kids In Sports Franchising
Children’s sports classes, camps, partiesStartup cost: $202.8K–$331.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 3/1
Kidz On The Go
Mobile children’s fitness programsStartup cost: $100K–$125K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/2
KidzArt
Art-education programs, products, and servicesStartup cost: $36.4K–$44K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 65/0
Kinderdance International
Movement/educational programsStartup cost: $17.95K–$46.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 136/2
LearningRx
Learning enhancement, cognitive training, reading trainingStartup cost: $85K–$198K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 78/1
The Little Gym
Development/fitness programsStartup cost: $157.8K–$377K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 323/0
Little Medical School
Healthcare-themed after-school and summer-camp programsStartup cost: $27.4K–$45.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 19/3
Mad Science Group
Science education and entertainment programsStartup cost: $70.3K–$104.96K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 147/0
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
Early-learning/fitness programsStartup cost: $36.8K–$249.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 425/0
No Limits Martial Arts
Martial arts classesStartup cost: $139.8K–$331.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/2
Nutty Scientists
Science education and entertainment programsStartup cost: $52.7K–$265.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 240/3
One Sports Nation
Youth sports leaguesStartup cost: $32.99K–$138.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 14/1
Parisi Speed School
Youth sports performance trainingStartup cost: $86.2K–$187.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 95/0
Parker-Anderson Enrichment
Enrichment programsStartup cost: $37.4K–$109.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/1
Professor Egghead
Science and engineering classes, camps, and parties for ages 4 to 10Startup cost: $27.3K–$39K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/0
RedLine Athletics
Youth athletic training centersStartup cost: $188.3K–$270.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 9/1
Romp n’ Roll
Recreational and enrichment classes, camps, partiesStartup cost: $199.6K–$286.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 90/3
SafeSplash Swim School
Child and adult swimming lessons, parties, summer campsStartup cost: $44K–$1.3M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 97/24
School of Rock
Music educationStartup cost: $113.1K–$343.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 167/16
Skyhawks Franchise Group
Sports camps and programsStartup cost: $22.8K–$59.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 60/42
Snapology
Building, robotics, and animation programsStartup cost: $35K–$175K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 14/1
Soccer Shots Franchising
Soccer programs for ages 2 to 8Startup cost: $31.8K–$39K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 172/9
STEM For Kids
Engineering, computer programming, and robotics programs for ages 4 to 14Startup cost: $36K–$82.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/5
Taste Buds Kitchen
Cooking events for children and adultsStartup cost: $190.1K–$306.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 3/1
TGA Premier Junior Golf
Youth golf programsStartup cost: $19.3K–$72.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 50/2
TGA Premier Youth Tennis
Youth tennis programsStartup cost: $19.3K–$72.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 34/1
Tippi Toes
Children’s dance classesStartup cost: $52K–$62.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 27/0
Young Rembrandts Franchise
Drawing classes for ages 3 to 12 Startup cost: $41.3K–$48.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 103/0
Zaniac
Science, technology, engineering, and math after-school programs and campsStartup cost: $219.5K–$378K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/2
Electronics
It’s no surprise that with smartphones and laptops in almost everyone’s hands, a booming franchise industry has sprung up around selling and servicing them—with repair businesses meant to get this tech back in action fast proving particularly popular.
Cellairis Franchise
Cellphone and wireless-device accessories and repairsStartup cost: $52.4K–$330K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 567/3
CPR-Cell Phone Repair
Electronics repairs and salesStartup cost: $24.6K–$173.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 254/4
Device Pitstop
Electronics resales and repairsStartup cost: $171K–$249K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 11/1
Digital Doc
Electronics repairs, sales, and accessoriesStartup cost: $73.3K–$151.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 28/13
Experimac
Electronics resales and repairsStartup cost: $136.8K–$275.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 38/2
iCare Repair
Electronics repairs, resales, and accessoriesStartup cost: $55.9K–$120.99K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/6
Simple Computer Repair
Electronics repairsStartup cost: $109.9K–$189K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/2
Staymobile Franchising
Electronics repairs and accessoriesStartup cost: $72.5K–$169K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 14/21
TechVoo
Computer sales and serviceStartup cost: $81.5K–$150.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/3
uBreakiFix
Electronics repairsStartup cost: $84.6K–$197.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 205/21
Wireless Zone
Wireless-communications storesStartup cost: $128K–$393.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 360/37
Entertainment/Recreation
Consumers in search of new and creative leisure activities have spawned a slew of new franchises focused on fun. From video game theaters to trampoline parks to paint-and-sip studios, there’s something for every age and interest.
Adventure Kids Playcare
Childcare/entertainment centersStartup cost: $326.3K–$565K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 9/4
American Poolplayers Association
Recreational billiard leaguesStartup cost: $16.7K–$19.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 326/5
Bottle & Bottega
Paint-and-sip studiosStartup cost: $96.8K–$158.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 18/2
ClimbZone Franchising
Climbing-wall family entertainment centersStartup cost: $1.9M–$2.98M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Color Me Mine Enterprises
Paint-your-own-ceramics studiosStartup cost: $134.3K–$174.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 132/8
the Coop Franchise Group
Play and party spacesStartup cost: $130.5K–$283.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/1
CruiseOne/Dream Vacations
Travel agenciesStartup cost: $3.2K–$21.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,075/0
Cruise Planners
Travel agenciesStartup cost: $2.1K–$22.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2,364/1
EagleRider Motorcycle Rental
Motorcycle, scooter, and ATV rentals and toursStartup cost: $68.4K–$216.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 72/5
The Escape Zone
Group escape-room-adventure activitiesStartup cost: $54.7K–$105.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Travel agenciesStartup cost: $99.4K–$183.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 202/1
Freedom Boat Club
Membership boat clubsStartup cost: $144.2K–$178.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 95/17
Funtopia
Indoor playgroundsStartup cost: $494.3K–$1.9M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/6
GameTruck Licensing
Mobile video-game theatersStartup cost: $147.6K–$312.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 72/0
JungleQuest
Indoor ziplines, rope courses, and rock climbing for ages 5 to 13Startup cost: $311.5K–$492.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Kampgrounds of America
Campgrounds and RV parksStartup cost: $225.95K–$4.5M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 459/28
Launch Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks/entertainment centersStartup cost: $1.1M–$1.9M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/2
Masterpiece Mixers Paint & Party Studios
Paint-and-sip studiosStartup cost: $27.6K–$65.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 11/4
Monkey Bizness Franchising
Indoor play and party centersStartup cost: $328K–$668.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 3/2
Monkey Joe’s Parties & Play
Family entertainment centersStartup cost: $458.4K–$755.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 51/0
Painting with a Twist
Paint-and-sip studiosStartup cost: $89.3K–$143.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 310/0
Partyflix
Inflatable movie screen rentalsStartup cost: $22K–$41K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/4
Pinot’s Palette
Paint-and-sip studiosStartup cost: $76.6K–$196.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 176/4
Rockin’ Jump
Indoor trampoline arenas and party spacesStartup cost: $1.1M–$2.5M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 23/3
SailTime Group
Membership boat clubsStartup cost: $70.7K–$151.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 27/1
Scooter’s Jungle
Children’s entertainment centersStartup cost: $591.95K–$871.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/1
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
Trampoline playing courtsStartup cost: $1.2M–$2.97M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 149/0
Sugar Plum Parties
Birthday party venuesStartup cost: $94.3K–$149.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Travel Leaders
Travel agenciesStartup cost: $2.3K–$16.9K
Total franchises/co-owned: 353/14
Wine & Design
Paint-and-sip studiosStartup cost: $46.2K–$95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 64/1
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts
Family camping resortsStartup cost: $52K–$3M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 84/1
Fitness
Year after year, fitness franchises continue to pack a powerful punch. Big, traditional brands have proven their staying power, but it’s the boutique concepts—focused on everything from barre to boxing to basketball—that are really shaping the industry today.
Alkalign Studios
Group fitness classes, streaming fitness classes, nutrition coachingStartup cost: $168.3K–$491K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/2
Anytime Fitness
Fitness centersStartup cost: $80K–$490.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 3,226/38
Baby Boot Camp
Prenatal and postpartum fitnessStartup cost: $4.6K–$10.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 105/1
Blink Fitness
Health and fitness centersStartup cost: $642.8K–$2.1M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/46
Bodytek Fitness
GymsStartup cost: $295.7K–$554.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/3
Burn Boot Camp
Women’s fitness centersStartup cost: $62.9K–$106.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 28/5
CKO Kickboxing
Kickboxing fitness classesStartup cost: $108.3K–$363.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 64/2
Club Pilates
Pilates classesStartup cost: $158.3K–$224.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 56/4
Crunch Franchise
Fitness centersStartup cost: $304.5K–$2.1M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 115/10
CycleBar
Indoor cycling classesStartup cost: $378.4K–$893.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 30/3
Epic Hybrid Training
Fitness centersStartup cost: $62.6K–$139.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/2
Fit4Mom
Prenatal and postpartum fitness and wellness programsStartup cost: $6.2K–$23.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 256/1
Fitwall
Group and semi-private trainingStartup cost: $310.6K–$626.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/2
4U-Fitness
Personal training using electric muscle stimulationStartup cost: $121.5K–$323K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/2
Get In Shape For Women
Small-group personal training for womenStartup cost: $57.4K–$190.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 73/1
Gold’s Gym
Health and fitness centersStartup cost: $2.2M–$5M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 573/150
GymGuyz
Mobile personal trainingStartup cost: $72.7K–$102.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 62/4
Hard Exercise Works
Fitness programsStartup cost: $102.2K–$403.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 16/1
High Altitude Personal Training
Personal trainingStartup cost: $261.3K–$365.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
iLoveKickboxing.com
Kickboxing fitness classesStartup cost: $120.8K–$312.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 139/8
Impact Strong Kickboxing/Fitness
Kickboxing andfitness gymsStartup cost: $61.2K-$87.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/1
Iron Tribe Fitness
Group personal-training gymsStartup cost: $300K–$433.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 33/8
Jazzercise
Group fitness classes, conventions, apparel, and accessoriesStartup cost: $3.5K–$12.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8,826/2
Just You Fitness
Personal trainingStartup cost: $28K–$42.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/0
Kaia FIT
Women’s fitnessStartup cost: $34K–$99.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 56/0
Koko FitClub
Fitness clubsStartup cost: $185.3K–$396.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 89/3
Legacy Fit
Twenty-four-hour fitness centersStartup cost: $207.7K–$381.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/1
Live 2 B Healthy Senior Fitness
Exercise programs for seniors Startup cost: $37.7K–$48.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 35/0
The Max Challenge
Ten-week fitness and nutrition programsStartup cost: $89.9K–$190K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 43/1
Miami Yoga
Yoga studiosStartup cost: $99.1K–$199K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
9Round-30 min Kickbox Fitness
Kickboxing circuit-training programsStartup cost: $66.6K–$102.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 376/4
Orangetheory Fitness
Group personal trainingStartup cost: $424.5K–$980.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 452/12
PickUp USA Fitness
Basketball-focused fitness clubsStartup cost: $407.3K–$575.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Planet Fitness
Fitness clubsStartup cost: $853.4K–$3.7M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,066/58
Polestar Pilates
Pilates studiosStartup cost: $121.8K–$196.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/1
Pro Martial Arts Franchise
Martial arts instruction, fitnessStartup cost: $142.8K–$199.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 51/1
Pure Barre
Barre fitness classes and apparelStartup cost: $154.5K–$282K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 391/14
Retro Fitness
Health clubsStartup cost: $941.4K–$1.6M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 148/0
Rock Climbing Franchising
Indoor rock-climbing gymsStartup cost: $874.1K–$1.7M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/2
Snap Fitness
Twenty-four-hour fitness centersStartup cost: $118.8K–$294.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,358/78
Tapout Fitness
Fitness and martial artsStartup cost: $83.6K–$597.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/0
Tiger-Rock Martial Arts
Martial arts and fitness programsStartup cost: $89.9K–$197.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 133/0
Title Boxing Club
Boxing and kickboxing fitness classes, personal training, apparelStartup cost: $143.3K–$394.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 152/3
UFC Gym
Fitness, boxing, kickboxing, andMMA classesStartup cost: $706.1K–$1.5M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 118/12
Workout Anytime 24/7
Twenty-four-hour health clubsStartup cost: $351.3K–$836.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 108/0
Xtend Barre
Fitness studiosStartup cost: $162.8K–$516.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 59/2
Hot Dogs
When Burger King added them to its menu earlier this year, we knew the humble dogs’ time had come. But these aren’t necessarily classic dogs of yore. New, daring concepts are elevating the old-fashioned frankfurter with gourmet and unexpected ingredients sure to appeal to the foodie crowd.
Dave’s the Doghouse
Hot dogsStartup cost: $25K–$245.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/1
Dog Haus International
Hot dogs, sausages, hamburgersStartup cost: $362.1K–$849.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 17/2
Hot Dog on a Stick
Corn dogs, lemonade, fries, funnel cakesStartup cost: $338.2K–$561K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 19/69
Umai Savory Hot Dogs
Gourmet fusion hot dogsStartup cost: $118.2K–$226.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/1
Wienerschnitzel
Hot dogs, ice creamStartup cost: $303.6K–$1.3M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 322/0
Pest Control
Outdoor-pest-control companies have been growing steadily for several years. Now, with the growing concerns about the spread of the Zika virus—not to mention other mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses—their services are going to be even more in demand.
Black Diamond Pest Control
Termite, bedbug, and other pest controlStartup cost: $96.9K–$183K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/2
Critter Control
Wildlife management, pest controlStartup cost: $23.7K–$94.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 100/5
Mosquito Joe
Outdoor pest controlStartup cost: $69.6K–$122.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 167/2
Mosquito Shield
Outdoor pest controlStartup cost: $73.1K–$106.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 37/2
Mosquito Squad
Outdoor pest controlStartup cost: $29.6K–$69.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 201/0
Superior Mosquito Defense
Outdoor pest controlStartup cost: $16.3K–$27.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/1
Pets
People love their pets. For proof, check out how much they spend on them. The American Pet Products Association estimates that 2016 spending on Fido and Fluffy will total $62.75 billion. So it’s no wonder numerous franchises are finding success serving the four-pawed and furry.
Aussie Pet Mobile
Mobile pet groomingStartup cost: $136.8K–$145.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 230/0
Barkefellers, The Place for Dogs
Upscale pet hotelsStartup cost: $1M–$5M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/3
Ben’s Barketplace
Pet-health-food storesStartup cost: $189.8K–$352.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
Camp Bow Wow
Dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming, in-home pet careStartup cost: $409.7K–$1.1M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 127/8
Camp Run-A-Mutt
Dog daycare and boardingStartup cost: $187.9K–$467.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/1
Central Bark Doggy Day Care
Dog daycareStartup cost: $255.1K–$389K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 24/1
D.O.G.
Dog daycare, boarding, groomingStartup cost: $429K–$548.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/2
Dee-O-Gee
Pet supplies and servicesStartup cost: $161.5K–$387.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/2
The Dog Stop
Dog daycare, boarding, walking, grooming, training, productsStartup cost: $181.5K–$399.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/4
The Dog Wizard
Dog trainingStartup cost: $47.4K–$59.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 17/0
Doggies Gone Wild
Dog daycare and grooming servicesStartup cost: $375.6K–$618.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/2
Dogtopia
Dog daycare, boarding, training, spa servicesStartup cost: $454.4K–$735.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 40/4
EarthWise Pet Supply
Pet food and supplies, grooming and self-wash servicesStartup cost: $211K–$476K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 38/0
Fetch! Pet Care
Pet-sitting, dog-walkingStartup cost: $37K–$44.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 96/6
Husse
Pet-product deliveryStartup cost: $27.1K–$88.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 509/0
In Home Pet Services
Pet-sitting, dog-walkingStartup cost: $9.2K–$35.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 12/1
Just 4 Paws Pet Spa
Pet groomingStartup cost: $74.1K–$138.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 0/1
K-9 Resorts
Luxury dog daycare and boardingStartup cost: $915.7K–$1.3M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/1
Pet Butler
Pet-waste cleanup and removalStartup cost: $30K–$42K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 130/0
Pet Supplies Plus
Retail pet supplies and servicesStartup cost: $550.4K–$1.3M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 170/183
Pet Wants
Pet-food stores/deliveryStartup cost: $50.2K–$176.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 42/0
Petland
Pets, pet supplies, boarding, daycare, groomingStartup cost: $273.5K–$1M
Total franchises/co.-owned: 142/13
Pets Are Inn
Pet care in private homesStartup cost: $59.95K–$85.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/0
Preppy Pet
Pet daycare, boarding, groomingStartup cost: $96.95K–$259K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 13/1
Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Dog trainingStartup cost: $50.7K–$123.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 120/1
Sitter4Paws
Pet-sitting, dog-walkingStartup cost: $21.3K–$46.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 5/1
Splash and Dash for Dogs
Pet products and groomingStartup cost: $89.9K–$159K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 11/0
Sydnee’s Pet Grooming
Pet groomingStartup cost: $156.9K–$244.99K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/2
Wag N’ Wash Natural Food & Bakery
Pet food and supplies, groomingStartup cost: $445.2K–$635.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 6/5
Wild Birds Unlimited
Bird-feeding supplies and nature gift itemsStartup cost: $125.98K–$199.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 303/0
Zoom Room
Indoor dog training and socialization, pet productsStartup cost: $132.8K–$308.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 13/3
Resale/Consignment/Estate Sales
Everything old is new again, now that buying used has become trendy. It’s not just for clothes, either; you’ll find resale franchises selling toys, books, and even gift cards. And for the true treasure-seekers, there are consignment-event and estate-sale franchises as well.
Blue Moon Estate Sales USA
Estate salesStartup cost: $40.9K–$82.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/1
Bricks & Minifigs
Lego resale storesStartup cost: $104.1K–$227.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/2
Caring Transitions
Sales of estates and household goodsStartup cost: $58.1K–$85.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 177/0
Children’s Orchard
New and used children’s clothing, equipment, accessoriesStartup cost: $181K–$292K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 27/1
Clothes Mentor
Women’s clothing and accessories resale storesStartup cost: $198K–$297K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 137/1
Consignment King
Consignment and fund-raising eventsStartup cost: $37.9K–$48.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/0
Gift Card Monkey
Gift-card buying and resellingStartup cost: $10.95K–$27.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/1
Grasons Co. Estate Sale Services
Estate sales, online auctions, stagingStartup cost: $68.6K–$131K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/0
iSold It
Online consignment and overstock salesStartup cost: $46K–$223.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/0
Just Between Friends Franchise Systems
Children’s and maternity consignment events Startup cost: $32.8K–$45.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 148/0
Kid to Kid
New and used children’s and maternity clothing and productsStartup cost: $259.9K–$419.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 119/1
Music Go Round
New and used musical instruments and sound equipmentStartup cost: $261.5K–$334.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 33/0
New Uses
Home-furnishingand accessoriesresale storesStartup cost: $187.5K–$286.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 10/1
NTY Clothing Exchange
Teen-clothing and accessories resale storesStartup cost: $181K–$292K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1/1
Once Upon A Child
New and used children’s clothing, equipment, furniture, toysStartup cost: $254.5K–$392.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 339/0
Plato’s Closet
Teen- and young-adult-clothing resale storesStartup cost: $238.1K–$398.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 464/0
Rhea Lana’s Franchise Systems
Children’s consignment eventsStartup cost: $18.1K–$36.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 74/3
Style Encore
Women’s clothing and accessories resale storesStartup cost: $256.5K–$390.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/0
Uptown Cheapskate
Young-adult-clothing resale storesStartup cost: $234.5K–$394K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/3
Walls of Books
New and used booksStartup cost: $77.9K–$170.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 8/4
Restoration
Restoration may not be the most glamorous industry, but it is one of the most indispensable. No matter the time or place—or economic climate—there will always be disasters, and there will always be a need for someone to clean up after them.
Certified Restoration DryCleaning Network
Restoration of textiles and electronicsStartup cost: $45.6K–$235.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 156/0
Delta Disaster Services
Insurance/disaster restorationStartup cost: $162.8K–$332.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 7/1
DKI
Property restorationStartup cost: $22.1K–$94.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 346/0
Duraclean
Carpet and upholstery cleaning, disaster restoration, mold remediationStartup cost: $64.6K–$115.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 274/9
1-800-Packouts
Building contents packing, cleaning, storage, and restorationStartup cost: $109.2K–$440K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 21/1
1-800-Water Damage
RestorationStartup cost: $79K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 37/1
Paul Davis Emergency Services
Emergency restorationStartup cost: $64.5K–$188.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 94/2
Paul Davis Restoration
Insurance restorationStartup cost: $188.2K–$391.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 244/6
PuroClean
Property damage restoration and remediationStartup cost: $160.8K–$182.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 228/0
Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning
Indoor cleaning and restorationStartup cost: $171.7K–$278.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 337/0
Restoration 1
Water, fire, smoke, and mold remediationStartup cost: $77.95K–$175.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 81/0
Service Team of Professionals
Water/fire restoration, mold remediationStartup cost: $78.6K–$138.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 32/0
Servpro
Insurance/disaster restoration and cleaningStartup cost: $156.1K–$209.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,715/0
Steamatic
Insurance/disaster restoration, cleaning, mold remediationStartup cost: $129.8K–$173.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 176/0
Storm Guard Restoration
Exterior restorationStartup cost: $148.4K–$292.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 41/4
Staffing/Recruiting
As the job market continues to improve, staffing and recruiting franchises are flourishing. Agencies offering everything from temporary staffing to executive recruitment all benefit from having two sets of clients—both the companies looking for workers and people looking for work.
AtWork Group
Temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire staffingStartup cost: $99.5K–$174.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 62/28
Express Employment Professionals
Staffing, HR solutionsStartup cost: $120K–$196K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 749/0
F-o-r-t-u-n-e Personnel Consultants
Executive recruitingStartup cost: $91.2K–$135K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 64/1
Jomsom Staffing Services
Temporary and permanent staffing, employment servicesStartup cost: $82.6K–$133.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 4/1
Labor Finders
Industrial staffingStartup cost: $122.99K–$210.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 162/24
Link Staffing Services
Staffing, HR solutionsStartup cost: $99.5K–$174K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 33/7
MRINetwork
Executive and professional staffingStartup cost: $66.6K–$99.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 555/0
Patrice & Associates
Hospitality recruitingStartup cost: $84.95K–$93.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 55/1
PrideStaff
StaffingStartup cost: $141.3K–$217.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 66/3
Redwood Healthcare Staffing
Healthcare staffingStartup cost: $136.7K–$179.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 2/1
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
StaffingStartup cost: $151.8K–$258.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 133/0
Sanford Rose Associates International
Executive search and recruitingStartup cost: $108.3K–$143.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 72/0
Spherion Staffing
Staffing, recruitingStartup cost: $100.4K–$167.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 184/0 
Tracy Stapp Herold
Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.
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