Looking to become your own boss without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! We’ve researched the franchise market to bring you ten of the best franchises to own with low investment that won’t drain your savings account. Each of these franchises is a low-cost franchise to get started yet offers impressive growth potential, solid support systems, and strong market demand.
1. Retreva
Industry/Type
Sales prospecting services (B2B) you can run completely virtually from your home office (or anywhere with internet!). Retreva specializes in lead generation and business development solutions that help other businesses grow.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: One of the most wallet-friendly options out there with no physical infrastructure or inventory required – your startup costs stay remarkably low
- Franchise Fee: Contact Retreva directly for specifics, but know they’ve structured fees to be accessible even for first-time business owners
- Ongoing Fees: Their royalty and marketing fees are designed to scale with your success – they win when you win
Ideal For
People with sales experience who love building relationships and solving problems for business clients. If you’re a self-starter who dreams of a flexible work-from-anywhere business with serious income potential, this could be your perfect match. Don’t worry if your B2B sales experience isn’t extensive – Retreva provides comprehensive training to fill any knowledge gaps. This opportunity shines for professionals ready to leverage their existing network or anyone transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
Why It Stands Out
Work from literally anywhere – your home office, a coffee shop, or even while traveling! With zero inventory and no physical location needed, your overhead stays incredibly low compared to traditional businesses. Retreva’s proprietary sales methods and technology give you an immediate competitive edge, while their business model helps you convert professional connections into revenue quickly.
Perhaps best of all, their support team handles many administrative headaches, freeing you to focus on what really matters – growing your client base and income.
Growth Potential
Retreva is experiencing rapid expansion across the country in 2025, particularly in metropolitan areas dense with business opportunities. The growing trend of companies outsourcing specialized sales functions puts you in the perfect position to capitalize on this evolving market. Early franchise owners report impressive customer retention and recurring revenue streams – the holy grail of sustainable business success.
Retreva continually refines its technology platform and sales methodologies to keep you ahead of industry trends.
2. Stratus Building Solutions
Industry/Type
Commercial cleaning services for businesses of all sizes – a recession-resistant industry you can operate from home without a storefront.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: $3,450-$53,800, varying based on your territory size and ambitions
- Franchise Fee: Master franchise starts at $75,000, but unit franchises begin at just a few thousand dollars – truly accessible for first-time entrepreneurs
- Royalty: A reasonable 5% of gross revenue that funds your ongoing support
Ideal For
Hands-on entrepreneurs looking for a stable business model in an essential service industry. Many owners start part-time while keeping their day jobs, then scale up as their client list grows. The best part? No cleaning experience is needed – their training program covers everything you need to know.
Why It Stands Out
Stratus leads the industry in eco-friendly cleaning, offering proprietary Green Seal-certified products that environmentally-conscious businesses increasingly demand. Their master franchise system means even small franchisees benefit from bigger-company advantages like client leads, billing support, and administrative help. With 90% of revenue coming from recurring contracts, you’ll enjoy predictable, steady income month after month.
Growth Potential
With over 3,700 franchisees across 70+ markets in the U.S. and Canada, Stratus’s growth speaks for itself. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked them #23 on their Franchise 500 (2024) and #1 in commercial cleaning. They’ve been named the “Fastest-Growing Franchise” for two consecutive years (2023-2024), reflecting both their explosive expansion and high franchisee satisfaction. For a modest investment, you gain entry into the massive $50+ billion janitorial industry with a respected brand behind you.
3. Dream Vacations (CruiseOne)
Industry/Type
A home-based travel agency specializing in cruises and vacation packages – perfect for travel enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into profit.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: Surprisingly affordable at $3,000-$22,000 all-in, covering everything from your franchise fee to training and initial marketing
- Franchise Fee: Standard fee is $10,500, but substantial discounts are available – military veterans, for example, can start for significantly less
- Royalty: Just 1.5%-3% of commissions (not total sales), plus a small monthly fee for technology and marketing support
Ideal For
Travel lovers with good people skills who enjoy helping others create memorable experiences. If you’re a natural networker who thrives on building relationships and are looking for a flexible home-based business, this could be your ticket to entrepreneurial success. Many owners start part-time while maintaining other work, making it perfect for those seeking a gradual transition to self-employment.
Why It Stands Out
This is truly a work-from-anywhere business – run it from your home office with just a laptop and phone. Dream Vacations provides powerful marketing tools, lead generation programs, and even personal coaching to help you succeed from day one. Their connection to parent company World Travel Holdings gives you access to exclusive travel deals and higher commissions that independent agents simply can’t match. Start solo and add associate agents later as you grow, without major additional investment.
Growth Potential
Dream Vacations holds the #1 spot for travel franchises and ranks #41 overall on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. With over 2,000 locations and an impressive 40% growth in just three years, the momentum is undeniable. International tourism is booming again in 2025, approaching pre-pandemic levels, and Dream Vacations owners are capitalizing on travelers’ renewed enthusiasm. The company continues investing in cutting-edge booking technology and marketing tools to keep you competitive in the evolving travel landscape.
4. JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting
Industry/Type
Commercial cleaning services with flexible business models – operate from home focusing on everything from office buildings to medical facilities.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: Start small with just $2,000-$38,000 for a unit franchise
- Franchise Fee: As low as $2,500 for starter packages, with various levels available as you grow
- Royalty: 10% of gross revenue, which includes substantial operational support
Ideal For
A remarkably diverse range of entrepreneurs – from first-time business owners seeking affordable entry to experienced executives building larger operations. The tiered system lets you match the investment to your goals and resources. No cleaning experience? No problem – their training covers everything you need to know to deliver professional results.
Why It Stands Out
JAN-PRO’s proprietary cleaning systems, including their hospital-grade EnviroShield® disinfection technology, give you immediate competitive advantages in specialized markets. Their unique structure means regional offices handle many backend functions like finding clients and administrative tasks, allowing even newcomers to run a polished operation. Many owners appreciate the flexibility to run their business part-time while maintaining other commitments – the system handles many routine tasks for you.
Growth Potential
With over 8,000 franchises globally (including 8,400+ in North America alone), JAN-PRO has proven its model works across diverse markets. The commercial cleaning industry enjoys steady, recession-resistant growth, with increased demand for professional disinfection services creating new revenue opportunities. Many unit franchisees eventually expand to multiple territories or even become regional master franchisees, showing the clear pathway from modest side business to substantial enterprise.
5. Cruise Planners
Industry/Type
Home-based travel agency focused on cruises and comprehensive vacation planning – turn your travel passion into a profitable business.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: Budget-friendly at $2,295-$23,617, making it one of the most affordable franchises in the travel sector
- Franchise Fee: $6,995-$10,995, with frequent discounts bringing many new owners in at just $3,000-$6,000
- Royalty: A modest 1.5%-3% of commissionable fares (effectively about 10% of your actual commissions)
Ideal For
Travel enthusiasts with a customer service mindset who enjoy creating personalized vacation experiences. Perfect for work-from-home parents, active retirees, or professionals looking for a career change with flexibility. Even without travel industry experience, their comprehensive training program will prepare you to succeed – passion for travel matters more than prior experience.
Why It Stands Out
The American Express Travel Representative status gives you instant credibility that independent agents can’t match. Cruise Planners invests heavily in technology, providing you with a state-of-the-art CRM system, personalized website, and mobile app that streamline your operations. Their famous “Cruisiversity” training program is unmatched in the industry, with intensive initial training plus ongoing education. While “cruise” is in the name, you’ll earn commissions on all travel products – resorts, tours, travel insurance – creating multiple revenue streams.
Growth Potential
Being named the #1 travel agency franchise for 20 consecutive years speaks volumes about Cruise Planners’ success formula. With 2,500+ franchisees nationwide, you join a powerful network with collective buying power and shared expertise. Travel demand continues surging in 2025, particularly in the cruise sector, where new ships and itineraries create fresh selling opportunities. Many successful owners eventually add associate agents under their umbrella, creating additional income without proportionally increasing costs.
6. Soccer Shots
Industry/Type
Children’s education and sports programming providing soccer instruction for ages 2-8, operated from home with classes held at partner locations.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: $42,950-$54,300 covers everything you need to start – equipment, training, and initial marketing
- Franchise Fee: $34,500 for a protected territory sized based on local child population
- Royalty: 7.5% of gross revenue plus modest marketing contributions
Ideal For
People passionate about child development, education, and sports who want to make a positive community impact while building a sustainable business. Former coaches, teachers, athletes, and involved parents often thrive in this system. Many owners start by coaching some sessions themselves before transitioning to managing a team of coaches as they grow.
Why It Stands Out
Soccer Shots has earned its reputation as “the #1 Children’s Fitness franchise” by going beyond basic sports instruction to integrate character development and life skills into age-appropriate soccer activities. Their comprehensive curriculum makes it easy to deliver quality programs even without extensive coaching experience. With no facility costs (classes happen at partner locations) and national partnerships with major daycare chains, you gain built-in venues and credibility. Parents typically pay for 8-12 week sessions upfront, creating healthy cash flow from the start.
Growth Potential
Since 2005, Soccer Shots has expanded to over 300 territories across 43 states and Canada, demonstrating the concept’s broad appeal. With an impressive 560,000+ enrollments in 2023 alone, the financial potential is substantial. Parents continue investing more in structured early childhood activities, creating expanding market opportunities. Many successful owners progressively acquire adjacent territories, leveraging existing staff and systems for efficient growth.
7. Goosehead Insurance
Industry/Type
Property and casualty insurance agency with a revolutionary model combining local client relationships with centralized service operations.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: $40,000-$118,500, with the lower end achievable for streamlined operations
- Franchise Fee: $25,000-$60,000 depending on territory size
- Fees: Unique commission-split model (20%-50%) rather than traditional royalties
Ideal For
Sales professionals who excel at relationship building and consultative selling. While many come from insurance or financial backgrounds, successful franchisees can come from any industry with transferable sales skills. The ideal owner enjoys networking with realtors, mortgage brokers, and community organizations to generate leads. This is a business for someone committed to full-time client development – not an absentee investment.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike traditional insurance agents representing just one carrier, Goosehead gives you access to 25+ insurance companies through one platform, allowing you to truly be a client advocate rather than just a policy seller. The game-changing difference is their centralized service model – after you make the sale, Goosehead’s corporate team handles policy servicing, claims, and renewals, freeing you to focus exclusively on bringing in new business. Their proprietary technology dramatically reduces quote generation time, while their public listing on NASDAQ (GSHD) provides brand recognition that most insurance agencies can’t match.
Growth Potential
Goosehead has grown explosively since beginning franchising in 2011, expanding to over 2,000 agents nationwide. The property and casualty insurance market represents a massive opportunity – everyone needs home and auto insurance – with high retention rates and recurring revenue through policy renewals. Their innovative pairing of local agents with centralized service consistently outperforms traditional insurance models in both growth and retention. Many franchise owners build substantial residual income streams as their book of business matures, creating valuable long-term assets.
8. Proforma
Industry/Type
B2B marketing and print services providing promotional products, printing, and comprehensive branding solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: Up to $35,000 (often much less for industry veterans)
- Franchise Fee: $0-$14,000, with a unique policy of waiving the fee entirely for experienced professionals with existing clients
- Royalty: 5-8% of gross sales, with higher volume typically qualifying for lower percentages
Ideal For
Sales-driven entrepreneurs who enjoy consultative selling and creative business solutions. Many successful owners come from corporate sales, marketing, or printing backgrounds and leverage their existing networks. The business can be run from home, making it perfect for self-disciplined professionals who want to escape the corporate world but maintain business relationships.
Why It Stands Out
Proforma’s no-storefront, no-inventory model keeps your overhead minimal while giving you access to an extensive production network. Their 600+ preferred vendors provide bulk pricing and specialized capabilities that independent distributors simply can’t access. Their e-commerce platform allows you to create custom client ordering websites, generating automatic reorders and strengthening customer relationships.
Perhaps most impressive is their support system – from initial headquarters training to ongoing mentorship, and even handling complex aspects like vendor management and graphic design services for your clients.
Growth Potential
With 700+ franchise owners globally since beginning in 1986, Proforma has established itself as a leader in the promotional products and print industry. Demand remains strong as businesses continue investing in branded merchandise and marketing materials. Their ongoing technology investments help you sell more effectively and expand your service offerings beyond traditional print. Many owners grow by adding sales representatives or acquiring client books from retiring distributors, creating multiple expansion paths without proportional increases in overhead.
9. MaidThis Cleaning
Industry/Type
Residential and vacation rental cleaning with a fully remote, tech-enabled business model – particularly focused on the booming Airbnb and short-term rental market.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: $49,000-$70,000 covering franchise fee, training, territory launch, and operating capital
- Franchise Fee: $39,000 for exclusive rights to a sizeable territory
- Royalty: 6% of gross revenue plus approximately 2% marketing contribution
Ideal For
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs who appreciate digital business models and the efficiency of remote operations. MaidThis calls itself “the franchise for millennials” for good reason – it’s designed for digitally fluent owners comfortable managing operations entirely online. You’ll never clean homes yourself; instead, you’ll coordinate independent cleaning professionals through their platform. Perfect for digital nomads, parents seeking flexible work, or professionals building a side business that could eventually replace corporate income.
Why It Stands Out
This isn’t your grandmother’s cleaning business – MaidThis revolutionizes the industry with a fully remote model where you never meet clients in person or inspect homes. Their Uber-like platform connects customers with pre-screened cleaners, with sophisticated software handling booking, scheduling, payments, and communications automatically. Their strategic focus on the vacation rental market alongside traditional home cleaning creates dual revenue streams, with Airbnb properties often needing multiple cleanings weekly. Their modern branding and tech-forward operations particularly appeal to younger homeowners and rental hosts who value convenience over traditional service models.
Growth Potential
Though newer to franchising (since approximately 2020), MaidThis is quickly becoming a standout in the home services sector. Their strategic positioning at the intersection of remote work and short-term rental growth creates exceptional market momentum. The founder’s story of building the Los Angeles location to seven figures while traveling globally demonstrates the lifestyle flexibility possible with this model. The operating structure produces remarkably high profit margins due to minimal fixed costs and efficient digital operations. As consumer preference for booking services online continues strengthening, MaidThis’s approach gains natural market advantages over traditional cleaning businesses.
10. Brown’s Pressure Washing
Industry/Type
Exterior cleaning services, including pressure washing, roof cleaning, and surface restoration – a mobile business with no facility requirements.
Investment & Fees
- Initial Investment: $30,000-$45,000, with equipment being the primary expense
- Licensing Fee: $20,000 flat fee
- Ongoing Fee: 10% of revenue
Ideal For
Hardworking, outdoorsy individuals who enjoy seeing immediate, visible results from their work. If you’re comfortable with physical activity or managing a small team of technicians, this business offers quick cash flow potential. Many owners come from construction, landscaping, or home service backgrounds, but career-changers can also succeed with the comprehensive training provided.
Why It Stands Out
Brown’s operates on a licensing model rather than traditional franchising, creating a more partnership-oriented relationship with the founder. The support is intensive – including boot camp training, extensive video courses, and weekly coaching calls directly with Joshua Brown and his team. Their focus on premium services like roof cleaning and specialty surface treatments allows you to command higher prices than basic pressure washing. The strong emphasis on professional branding, uniformed staff, and consistent service quality sets you apart from typical “guy with a pressure washer” competitors.
Growth Potential
Ranked #2 franchise under $50K in 2025, Brown’s is gaining serious attention in the home services sector. The founder’s personal success story – scaling his own operation to over $2 million annually while still in his twenties – provides a proven blueprint for franchisees to follow. Many owners report recouping their initial investment within the first year due to the combination of high-margin services and effective marketing strategies. The business model allows for straightforward scaling by adding trucks and crews as demand grows, creating a clear path from solo operation to substantial local enterprise.
Turn Your Entrepreneurial Dreams into Reality – Without Breaking the Bank!
Ready to take the first step toward business ownership? These great low-cost franchises we’ve highlighted offer something special: accessible entry points, proven systems, and the potential for genuine financial independence.
Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of virtual services, the stability of essential cleaning businesses, the passion of travel planning, or the satisfaction of helping children develop, there’s an affordable franchise opportunity waiting for you. The path to becoming your own boss has never been more accessible – all you need is the determination to begin the journey!
