These Franchise 500 names offer strong support for franchisors, a good work-life balance, and low start-up costs.
It doesn’t have to be very expensive to start a business. Some of the best business opportunities on the market right now are also some of the cheapest. This is because they offer flexible models, built-in support, and room to grow. These brands offer tried-and-true methods that make it easier to get started and grow at your own pace, whether you want to make extra money or build a business that will last.

1. Solutions for Building Stratus
• Set up in 2004; franchising since 2006; overall rank: 23; number of units: 4,182; change in units: +73% over 3 years; initial investment: $4,450 to $79,750.”
• Doug Flaig is the CEO
• SBS Franchising LLC is the parent business;
Stratus Building Solutions makes it easy and cheap to get into the commercial cleaning business, which is growing quickly and has been able to stay strong even during economic downturns. From the start, franchisees are given eco-friendly tools, marketing materials with the brand’s name on them, and ongoing support to help them grow. The brand has a strong drive, especially for people who want to start a business part-time and make it a full-time job. Unit growth of 73% over the last three years shows this.
2. Holidays of a Dream
• Launched in 1991; franchised since 1992; overall rank: 41; number of units: 2,078; change in units: +39.7% over 3 years; initial investment: $2,590 to $21,870; led by Brad and Jeff Tolkin, co-CEOS and directors; parent company: World Travel Holdings
Dream Vacations lets entrepreneurs with a love of travel turn their hobby into a flexible, home-based business. They don’t even need a shop. Franchisees get the best training, strong operational support, and special trip deals for their clients. Veterans and first responders can get a discount on the brand’s license fees, which makes it even easier for people to get into the business.
The business was founded in 1994 and has been franchising since 1999. It has an overall rank of 70, 2,961 units, and an increase of 11.4% in units over the past three years. The initial investment ranged from $1,945 to $20,465, and the CEO is Michelle Fee. The parent company is CP Franchising LLC.
3.Cruise Planners makes it easy to start a job that lets you travel and is flexible.
You don’t even need to have experience in the field before. People who own this home-based business can sell a wide range of vacations and cruises, as well as custom trips and vacations. It’s great for anyone who wants to make extra money or build a business around their lifestyle because it comes with strong marketing and booking tools.
4. Cleaning and disinfecting the company Jan-Pro
• Since 1992, they’ve been franchising
• They have 11,266 units
• Their number of units has changed by 7.5% over the last three years
• Their initial investment was between $4,830 and $58,070
Gary Bauer is the brand president. Empower Brands is the parent company.
Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting is a good choice for people who are new to business cleaning because it has recurring income, flexible hours, and a client base that is already there. The brand has sold over 11,000 units and is still growing. It’s a well-known way for businesses to grow, whether they want to do it full-time or part-time. Franchisees get training, professional-grade tools, and contracts that are ready to go, which makes getting into a strong industry easier.
5. Cleaning Company Corvus
Since 2004, the company has been franchising. It has an overall rank of 78, 2,253 units, and a change in units of +47.7% over 3 years. The initial investment ranges from $7,575 to $32,500.
Brennen Randquist is the co-CEO and the company’s leader. Corvus Holdings LLC is the parent company.
•Corvus Janitorial Systems has been around since 2004 and provides a cheap way for people to work from home in the industrial cleaning business, which is known for being stable and bringing in regular income. Corvus offers partners full training, ongoing support, and access to a network of over 2,200 units across the country for an initial investment as low as $7,575.
6. Building stars
• Started in 1994; franchised since 2000; ranked 269 overall; 1,201 units; change in units: +24.6% over 3 years; initial investment: $2,445 to $53,200; president: Chris Blase; parent company: Facility Brands Inc.
The brand specializes in office cleaning, which is known for being reliable and getting return business. They offer flexible scheduling and low costs. With 1,200 units and steady growth over several years, it’s a good option for people who want to make a stable income without quitting their day job.
7. Clean up America
When it opened in 1988, it became a franchise. It has 107 locations and has lost 1% of its units over the last three years. The initial investment ranges from $8,200 to $49,000.
Dorfercim Inc. is the parent company, and Brett Zabek is the chief financial officer.
Jantize America gives you a flexible and scalable way to get into the industrial cleaning business. This is an important service that is always in demand and can bring in regular income. With startup choices starting at as little as $8,200, Jantize gives entrepreneurs a lot of different ways to get started. Unit franchisees can focus only on providing services since they are given contracts and don’t have to make any sales. Hybrid franchisees, on the other hand, have to manage both client relationships and the business itself.
8. Dance fitness
Start date: 1969; franchised since 1982; overall rank: 392; number of units: 7,141; change in units: -10% over 3 years; initial investment: $2,140 to $40,735
• Judi Sheppard Missett is the founder and executive chair;
• Jazzercise Inc. is the parent company;
• Jazzercise is a great place for fitness fans who want to turn their hobby into a business. This dance-based workout franchise lets teachers hold classes in public places like gyms or community centres, so they don’t have to pay for expensive classroom rent. Franchisees can build a flexible, energetic business that inspires others while keeping costs low by making money from things like class fees and branded products.