100 Franchises You Can Start For Less Than $150,000 Be the boss for $150K.
This story appears in the March 2017 issue of Start Up.
Interested in finding a franchise that fits your budget? The following are the top franchises that can be started for less than $150,000, ranked based on the scores they received in the 2017 Franchise 500.
This list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company. To find the right opportunity for you, regardless of cost, it's important that you do your due diligence. Carefully read the company's franchise disclosure document, consult with a franchise attorney and an accountant, and talk to existing and former franchisees about their experiences.
For more budget-friendly franchises, check out our other lists here.
5. Express Employment Professionals
Staffing, HR solutions
Startup cost: $120K-$196K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 749/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 749/0
7. Spherion Staffing
Staffing, recruiting
Startup cost: $100.4K-$167.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 184/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 184/0
8. Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
Medical/nonmedical home care
Startup cost: $99.7K-$188.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 113/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 113/1
9. Waxing the City
Facial and body waxing
Startup cost: $121.9K-$451.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 55/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 55/1
11. Mac Tools
Automotive tools and equipment
Startup cost: $103.2K-$255.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 883/37
Total franchises/co.-owned: 883/37
12. Storm Guard Restoration
Exterior restoration
Startup cost: $148.4K-$292.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 41/4
Total franchises/co.-owned: 41/4
13. CMIT Solutions
IT and business services for small and midsize companies
Startup cost: $128.3K-$176.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 159/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 159/0
14. Snap Fitness
24-hour fitness centers
Startup cost: $118.8K-$294.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,358/78
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,358/78
16. 101 Mobility
Mobility and accessibility equipment sales and services
Startup cost: $114.1K-$210.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 140/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 140/2
17. Labor Finders
Industrial staffing
Startup cost: $122.99K-$210.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 162/24
Total franchises/co.-owned: 162/24
18. College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors
Nanny placement, babysitting, tutoring
Startup cost: $149K-$224.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 111/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 111/1
19. AtWork Group
Temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing
Startup cost: $99.5K-$174.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 62/28
Total franchises/co.-owned: 62/28
20. Seva Beauty
Threading, eyelash extensions, waxing, spa services, and products
Startup cost: $107.5K-$276K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 182/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 182/0
22. Global Recruiters Network
Executive search services
Startup cost: $107.2K-$165.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/0
23. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Asian-American food
Startup cost: $130.2K-$520.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 184/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 184/0
24. College Hunks Hauling Junk/College Hunks Moving
Junk removal, moving, and labor services
Startup cost: $83.3K-$208.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 192/10
Total franchises/co.-owned: 192/10
25. Wild Birds Unlimited
Bird-feeding supplies and nature gift items
Startup cost: $125.98K-$199.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 303/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 303/0
26. AdvantaClean
Environmental services
Startup cost: $124.8K-$226.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 223/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 223/0
27. Minuteman Press International
Printing, graphics, and mailing centers
Startup cost: $62.2K-$161.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 956/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 956/0
28. Instant Imprints
Embroidery, signs, banners, promotional products
Startup cost: $139.8K-$193.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 50/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 50/2
29. Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Startup cost: $103.7K-$250.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 209/64
Total franchises/co.-owned: 209/64
30. milliCare
Flooring, carpet, and textile maintenance
Startup cost: $118.1K-$165.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 78/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 78/0
31. Line-X
Spray-on truck-bed liners, truck accessories, protective coatings
Startup cost: $118K-$279.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 552/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 552/2
32. Image360
Signs, graphics, displays, digital imaging
Startup cost: $141.5K-$272.99K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 312/4
Total franchises/co.-owned: 312/4
34. Bin There Dump That
Residential-friendly dumpster rentals
Startup cost: $60.2K-$108.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 103/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 103/0
35. Glass Doctor
Auto/residential/commercial glass repair and replacement
Startup cost: $111.8K-$281K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/0
36. Tint World
Auto accessories, audio/video, security, window tinting, appearance services
Startup cost: $108.2K-$199.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 50/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 50/0
37. Multivista
Visual documentation services for the construction industry
Startup cost: $121K-$538.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 52/8
Total franchises/co.-owned: 52/8
38. Any Lab Test Now
Health, drug, alcohol, and DNA testing
Startup cost: $103.1K-$162.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 157/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 157/0
39. TFL Franchise Systems
Locksmith and security services and products
Startup cost: $112.5K-$356.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 19/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 19/1
40. Trend Transformations
Residential and commercial remodeling
Startup cost: $104.8K-$357.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 157/3
Total franchises/co.-owned: 157/3
41. Steamatic
Insurance/disaster restoration, cleaning, mold remediation
Startup cost: $74.4K-$173.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 176/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 176/0
42. HobbyTown
General hobbies and supplies, toys
Startup cost: $147K-$317.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 158/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 158/0
43. Interim HealthCare
Medical home care, medical staffing
Startup cost: $123.5K-$196.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 557/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 557/0
44. Tailored Living
Home organization products and services
Startup cost: $131.1K-$269.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 182/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 182/0
45. Precision Tune Auto Care
Auto repair and maintenance, tires, engine diagnostics
Startup cost: $127K-$253.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 284/40
Total franchises/co.-owned: 284/40
46. Good Feet Worldwide
Arch supports, related products
Startup cost: $114.97K-$173.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 108/4
Total franchises/co.-owned: 108/4
48. Cost Cutters Family Hair Care
Family hair salons
Startup cost: $139.6K-$287.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 391/260
Total franchises/co.-owned: 391/260
49. Philly Pretzel Factory
Soft pretzels
Startup cost: $132.3K-$367K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 161/14
Total franchises/co.-owned: 161/14
50. CertaPro Painters
Residential and commercial painting
Startup cost: $134.8K-$169.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 474/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 474/0
51. Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
Physical therapy, balance and vestibular therapy, preventative wellness services
Startup cost: $82.3K-$380K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/17
Total franchises/co.-owned: 175/17
52. Amramp
Wheelchair-ramp rentals and sales
Startup cost: $130.5K-$215.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/2
53. Apricot Lane
Women's clothing, accessories, gifts
Startup cost: $130.5K-$404.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 73/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 73/0
54. Fox's Pizza Den
Pizza, sandwiches, wings, salads
Startup cost: $129.6K-$228.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 245/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 245/0
55. City Wide Maintenance
Commercial cleaning, building maintenance
Startup cost: $103.4K-$186.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/1
56. Dippin' Dots Franchising
Specialty ice cream, frozen yogurt, ices, sorbet
Startup cost: $112.2K-$376.95K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 134/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 134/1
57. Rosati's Pizza
Pizza, Italian food
Startup cost: $134.2K-$975.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 115/16
Total franchises/co.-owned: 115/16
58. Zerorez Franchising Systems
Carpet and surface cleaning
Startup cost: $108.2K-$184K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/0
59. Freedom Boat Club
Membership boat clubs
Startup cost: $144.2K-$178.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 95/17
Total franchises/co.-owned: 95/17
60. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition
Sports nutrition products, weight-loss consulting, athletic apparel
Startup cost: $114.6K-$281.3K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 136/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 136/0
61. Le Macaron French Pastries
Macarons, pastries, gelato, chocolates, specialty coffee and tea
Startup cost: $126K-$353.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 37/6
Total franchises/co.-owned: 37/6
62. Bricks & Minifigs
Lego resale stores
Startup cost: $104.1K-$227.2K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/2
63. Floor Coverings International
Flooring
Startup cost: $148.5K-$209.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 132/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 132/0
64. Advanced Maintenance
Commercial fleet maintenance
Startup cost: $117.7K-$174.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 15/2
65. Home Instead Senior Care
Nonmedical senior care
Startup cost: $109.3K-$117.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,072/5
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,072/5
66. Closets By Design Franchising
Custom closet and home/office organization systems
Startup cost: $126K-$296.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 43/6
Total franchises/co.-owned: 43/6
67. Snip-Its
Children's hair salons, party services
Startup cost: $124.6K-$220.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 61/3
Total franchises/co.-owned: 61/3
68. Meineke Car Care Centers
Auto repair and maintenance
Startup cost: $129.6K-$576.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 964/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 964/2
69. Fresh Healthy Vending
Snack and beverage vending machines
Startup cost: $122.5K-$205.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 244/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 244/0
70. Hoodz
Commercial kitchen-exhaust cleaning
Startup cost: $100.9K-$178.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 125/10
Total franchises/co.-owned: 125/10
71. Brightway Insurance
Property and casualty insurance
Startup cost: $115.2K-$181K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 121/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 121/2
73. Gymboree Play & Music
Parent/child play and learning programs
Startup cost: $120.9K-$279.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 732/6
Total franchises/co.-owned: 732/6
74. Ben's Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels, dipping sauces, beverages
Startup cost: $118.5K-$332K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 57/15
Total franchises/co.-owned: 57/15
75. Sanford Rose Associates International
Executive search and recruiting
Startup cost: $108.3K-$143.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 72/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 72/0
77. Mighty Auto Parts
Wholesale distribution of auto parts
Startup cost: $134.1K-$302.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 102/5
Total franchises/co.-owned: 102/5
78. Mr. Handyman International
Home maintenance and repairs
Startup cost: $106.5K-$138.1K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 191/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 191/0
81. A-1 Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling and repairs
Startup cost: $115.5K-$145.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 48/0
82. Fleet Clean Systems
Mobile commercial-fleet washing
Startup cost: $100.9K-$346.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 14/11
Total franchises/co.-owned: 14/11
83. Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers
Auto repair and maintenance
Startup cost: $130.8K-$313.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 27/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 27/0
84. Figaro's Pizza
Pizza, take-and-bake pizza
Startup cost: $111K-$546K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 53/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 53/0
85. Wow 1 Day Painting
One-day residential and commercial painting
Startup cost: $104.5K-$142K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 40/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 40/0
86. CKO Kickboxing
Kickboxing fitness classes
Startup cost: $108.3K-$363.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 64/2
Total franchises/co.-owned: 64/2
87. Schakolad Chocolate Factory
European-style chocolates, coffee, gelato
Startup cost: $121.5K-$153.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 22/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 22/0
88. Handyman Connection
Home repairs, remodeling
Startup cost: $103.9K-$157.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 71/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 71/0
89. Sharkey's Cuts For Kids
Children's hair salons
Startup cost: $102.4K-$137.99K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 44/1
90. The Great Frame Up
Custom framing and wall decor
Startup cost: $111.97K-$182.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 84/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 84/0
91. Paciugo Gelato Caffe
Gelato, pastries, beverages
Startup cost: $101.5K-$455K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 30/7
Total franchises/co.-owned: 30/7
92. GolfTEC
Indoor high-tech golf instruction
Startup cost: $125.3K-$470.4K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 107/93
Total franchises/co.-owned: 107/93
93. Deck The Walls
Custom framing and wall decor
Startup cost: $111.97K-$182.6K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 10/0
Total franchises/co.-owned: 10/0
94. Planet Beach Franchising
Spray tanning, spa services, hot yoga
Startup cost: $104.3K-$248.9K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 148/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 148/1
95. Color Me Mine Enterprises
Paint-your-own-ceramics studios
Startup cost: $134.3K-$174.8K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 132/8
Total franchises/co.-owned: 132/8
96. The Lash Lounge
Eyelash extensions, cosmetic products, apparel, accessories
Startup cost: $136.95K-$311.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 12/3
Total franchises/co.-owned: 12/3
97. Yogen Fruz
Frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream
Startup cost: $123.2K-$459.7K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,226/6
Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,226/6
98. Vapor Shark
Electronic cigarettes and related products
Startup cost: $118.8K-$200K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 21/9
Total franchises/co.-owned: 21/9
99. Hard Exercise Works
Fitness programs
Startup cost: $102.2K-$403.5K
Total franchises/co.-owned: 16/1
Total franchises/co.-owned: 16/1
