You Can Start These 10 Franchises for $10,000 or Less

By temporary On Dec 3, 2024 3 0

Are you dreaming of owning your own business but worried about the initial investment? Fear not, because there’s a world of franchise opportunities waiting for you — and many can be started for $10,000 or less. These budget-friendly franchises allow aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their fantasy into reality without breaking the bank.

With a smaller upfront cost, entrepreneurs can test the waters of business ownership without putting all their savings on the line. Additionally, many low-cost franchises come with built-in support systems, including training, marketing assistance and ongoing guidance from the franchisor. This support can be invaluable for first-time business owners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

So, if you’ve been holding back on your entrepreneurial ambitions due to financial concerns, consider exploring the world of low-cost franchises. With the right opportunity and a can-do attitude, you could be well on your way to owning a successful business and achieving your goals.

1. Stroll

Founded: 2004
Franchising since: 2016
Initial investment: $2,000-$12,000
Number of units: 517
Change in units: -17% over 3 years
Leadership: Duane Hixon, Cofounder & CEO
Parent company: N2 Franchising Inc.

Stroll offers a prime opportunity for franchisees to join a trusted brand that has been the premier publisher of affluent neighborhood magazines since 2004. As a franchisee, you’ll connect with millions of upscale homeowners, delivering high-quality, community-focused content. These tailored magazines foster strong local engagement and loyalty, reflecting the unique character of each neighborhood. With Stroll, you’ll have the support and marketing strategies needed to build a successful franchise while making a meaningful impact in prestigious communities.

For information about franchising with Stroll, click here.

2. Dream Vacations

Founded: 1991
Franchising since: 1992
Initial investment: $3,000-$22,000
Number of units: 2,078
Change in units: +39.6% over 3 years
Leadership: Brad and Jeff Tolkin, Co-CEOs/Chairmen
Parent company: World Travel Holdings

Dream Vacations, founded in 1991 and franchising since 1992, is a business travel agency offering vacation, cruise, and travel services using a proprietary system. They provide deals for individuals and groups, including couples, business associates, and families, often including hotel deals, travel insurance, and grand tours. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dream Vacations is known for its high customer ratings and repeat business. Franchisees may benefit from customizable websites, access to resources, and networking opportunities like conventions at sea.

For information about franchising with Dream Vacations, click here.

3. Jazzercise

Founded: 1969
Franchising since: 1982
Initial investment: $2,000-$41,000
Number of units: 7,141
Change in units: -10% over 3 years
Leadership: Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder & Executive Chair
Parent company: Jazzercise Inc.

Established in 1969, Jazzercise offers a dynamic fitness program combining dance and music. With adaptable classes and a focus on community outreach, it’s known for its calorie-burning workouts and commitment to fighting childhood obesity. Franchisees can offer various classes and benefit from discounts on attire and support from local managers. Ideal for those passionate about dance and fitness, Jazzercise provides a modern workout experience while maintaining a sense of fun and community engagement.

For information about franchising with Jazzercise, click here.

4. Cruise Planners

Founded: 1994
Franchising since: 1999
Initial investment: $2,000-$20,000
Number of units: 2,962
Change in units: +11.4% over 3 years
Leadership: Michelle Fee, CEO
Parent company: CP Franchising LLC

Cruise Planners is a travel agency franchise offering vacation planning services both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1994, it has grown into the largest home-based travel agent network in the U.S. Cruise Planners welcomes franchisees with a positive attitude toward travel and a commitment to growth. With a family-friendly environment, the brand appeals to a diverse range of individuals, from retirees to young professionals seeking an alternative career path.

For information about franchising with Cruise Planners, click here.

5. Buildingstars

Founded: 1994
Franchising since: 2000
Initial investment: $2,000-$53,000
Number of units: 1,201
Change in units: +24.6% over 3 years
Leadership: Chris Blase, President
Parent company: Facility Brands Inc.

Buildingstars, founded in 1994 and franchising since 2000, offers cleaning services with more than 1,000 franchises across the US. The brand provides initial customer base, training, billing, collection, marketing and customer service support to help franchisees focus on quality service delivery and client satisfaction. Plus, the Rising Star Management program guides franchisees through three levels, starting as technicians, then managers, and finally joining the corporate program.

For information about franchising with Buildingstars, click here.

6. Sign Gypsies

Founded: 2014
Franchising since: 2020
Initial investment: $4,000-$10,000
Number of units: 661
Change in units: -10% over 3 years
Leadership: Jason Hess, Franchise Development Officer
Parent company: Sign Gypsies LLC

Sign Gypsies is for the creative who enjoys the business behind yard signs. As a franchisee, you will have constant access to the corporate team as you provide signs to your local customers for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other yard sign needs.

For information about franchising with Sign Gypsies, click here.

7. Stratus Building Solutions

Founded: 2004
Franchising since: 2006
Initial investment: $4,000-$80,000
Number of units: 3,641
Change in units: +73% over 3 years
Leadership: Doug Flaig, CEO
Parent company: SBS Franchising LLC

As a popular, inexpensive franchise to open, Stratus Building Solutions specializes in commercial cleaning and disinfection services. As a franchisee, you will offer commercial, carpet, post-construction and even medical-grade cleaning services, all while using healthy and environmentally friendly products. At Stratus, you can open a small business franchise, but for those who are executive types, you can even open your own mini-franchise system as a master franchisee.

For information about franchising with Stratus Building Solutions, click here.

8. Mint Condition

Founded: 1996
Franchising since: 1996
Initial investment: $5,000-$32,000
Number of units: 428
Change in units: +4.4% over 3 years
Leadership: Jack Saumby, President
Parent company: Mint Condition Franchise Group

With a focus on perfecting operational systems, Mint Condition has become a well-regarded franchise in the commercial cleaning sector. Opening a Mint Condition franchise offers the benefits of investing in a lucrative market with a strong customer retention rate, supported by comprehensive training and headquarters support. Franchisees can choose from various options, including additional profit centers and the “master franchisee” program.

For information about franchising with Mint Condition, click here.

9. Singers Company

Founded: 1994
Franchising since: 2011
Initial investment: $5,000-$32,000
Number of units: 61
Change in units: -12% over 3 years
Leadership: Kathryn Parker, Founder/CEO
Parent company: Bloomfully LLC

Singers Company offers a non-competitive space for girls to perform, build confidence, make friends and share joy through music and dance. Girls develop lifelong skills and talents through weekly practices and 2-3 performances each season. As a franchisee, you’ll enjoy the benefits of running a rewarding business with comprehensive training, ongoing support and a proven curriculum.

For information about franchising with Singers Company, click here.

10. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting

Founded: 1991
Franchising since: 1992
Initial investment: $5,000-$58,000
Number of units: 11,266
Change in units: +7.5% over 3 years
Leadership: Gary Bauer, Brand President
Parent company: Empower Brands

Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting specializes in commercial cleaning in places like daycares, dealerships, offices, schools and healthcare facilities. The brand has become a leading franchise in the commercial cleaning sector through efficient processes, support systems and excellent customer service.

For information about franchising with Jan-Pro, click here.