Think you need a mountain of cash to start a franchise? Well it depends on your definition of a mountain.

‍

Let's get this out of the way right now. Franchise opportunities below $75k really don't exist.

‍

And if they do, you sure as hell don't want to get into bed with that company.

‍

So when we say "low investment", keep the range of $75-125k in your mind.

‍

But luckily there are plenty of low-investment franchise opportunities out there that won’t (and SHOULDN'T) completely drain your bank account—and they still have serious profit potential.

‍

If you’ve got a budget of around $100,000 or more, there are businesses you can launch that’ll get you into entrepreneurship without taking on massive debt. But, as with any investment, you need to know where to look and what to expect.

‍

Franchises aren't just for the wealthy

‍

The biggest misconception people have about franchising is that it’s only for the wealthy. Sure, some franchise models require a hefty upfront investment (think restaurants or gyms), but there are plenty of service-based and mobile franchises that come in at a fraction of the cost.

‍

These are often home-based businesses or ones that don’t require a physical location, which means lower overhead and startup costs.

‍

Here's where to start.

‍

Home services

‍

Home services are a great example. Cleaning services, lawn care, pest control, handyman services—these are businesses with relatively low startup costs and steady, recurring demand.

‍

You don’t need a fancy storefront to run these operations.

‍

What you need is a solid plan, a reliable team, and the drive to get out there and market your services.

‍

Consulting and coaching

‍

Another low-investment category to consider is consulting and coaching franchises. If you’ve got professional experience in industries like HR, marketing, or finance, these franchises let you leverage your knowledge to help other businesses grow.

‍

They typically require minimal equipment (a laptop and a phone will do), making them some of the most affordable franchises to start.

‍

Mobile businesses

‍

Mobile franchises are also worth a look. These businesses don’t require a storefront, which saves you a ton on rent and utilities. Instead, you bring your service directly to your customers.

‍

Think mobile car detailing, pet grooming, or food trucks. These models keep overhead costs low while giving you the flexibility to work where your customers are.

‍

Low-investment doesn't mean low work

‍

The key to making a low-investment franchise work is hustle.

‍

Because you’re not spending a fortune upfront, you’ll need to put in time and energy to build your client base. These businesses aren’t usually about foot traffic—they’re about getting out there, building relationships, and making sure people know your name.

‍

Don’t let the lower price tag fool you into thinking these businesses are easy or passive. They still require work and dedication.

‍

You’ll need to wear many hats—marketing, operations, hiring—until you can grow enough to step back a bit.

‍

The upside? You can start lean, scale quickly, and often see returns faster than you would with a big, capital-heavy franchise.

‍

Pay attention to the fee breakdown

‍

When you’re evaluating low-investment franchises, pay close attention to royalty fees and ongoing costs.

‍

Some franchisors offer low startup fees but take a significant cut of your revenue through royalties. Others have minimal ongoing fees but require more marketing spend on your end.

‍

Make sure you understand the full financial picture before signing any agreements.

‍

‍Luckily we have a guide to understanding franchise net worth requirements here.

‍

Look for recession-resistant businesses

‍

Another tip: look at industries that are recession-resistant.

‍

People will always need cleaning, home repairs, tutoring, and other essential services, no matter the economic climate. Investing in a business with steady demand is a smart way to protect your investment and ensure long-term success.

‍

Don't forget your own strengths and interests

‍

It’s also important to consider your own strengths and interests. Just because a franchise is affordable doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.

‍

Choose something that aligns with your skills and passions.

‍

If you love working with people, a consulting business might be a great fit. If you prefer hands-on work, a home services franchise could be the way to go.

‍

Low-cost doesn't mean low-profit

‍

Finally, remember that low-cost doesn’t mean low-profit. Some of the most profitable franchises out there started with modest investments.

‍

The key is finding a franchise with strong systems, great support, and a proven track record.

‍

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We help potential franchise owners find the right opportunities based on their finances, goals, and lifestyle.

‍

Whether you’re looking to start small and grow or dive headfirst into entrepreneurship, we’ll guide you to a franchise that fits your needs.

‍

Let’s find your perfect match and get you on the path to business ownership.

‍