Franchising continues to gain momentum as a strategic move for entrepreneurs and investors who want their capital to generate more than just passive returns. As markets shift and new business models emerge, the demand for affordable, high-impact opportunities has never been higher.
For those seeking accessible entry points or portfolio-friendly expansions, the best franchises under $200k strike the perfect balance between lower initial investment and strong growth potential. While every investment level comes with trade-offs, the $200k threshold opens the door to numerous well-supported, reputable brands that still offer room to scale.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve highlighted 5 of the best franchises under $200k—each selected based on the following parameters:
- Initial Investment Cost
- Earning Potential
- Training and Franchisor Support
- Scalability and Growth Potential
- Operational Simplicity
Best Franchises Under $200K
| Best Franchises Under $200K Compared | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise | Best For | Initial Investment | Franchise Fee | Industry |
| Kona Ice | Budget-conscious buyers seeking a seasonal, mobile, low-maintenance business | $165K–$200K | $15K | Mobile Food & Beverage |
| JAN-PRO | Entrepreneurs wanting recurring revenue with the ability to scale a low-cost service business | $1,250–$50K | Varies | Commercial Cleaning |
| TSS Photography | Creative self-starters who want flexible work with built-in demand through schools and sports | $19K–$39K | $8.5K | Photography & Events |
| Soccer Stars | Owners focused on community impact, youth development, and a mobile, scalable service | $70K–$100K | $50K | Youth Sports & Education |
| Zoomin Groomin | Animal lovers seeking a mobile, flexible, and passion-driven business | $53K–$150K | $40K | Mobile Pet Grooming |
Kona Ice
Kona Ice offers a compelling opportunity for budget-conscious franchisees looking for a business that’s both affordable and low-maintenance. As a mobile shaved ice operation, it boasts low overhead, flexible hours, and strong visibility at community events, fundraisers, and seasonal gatherings. With over 1,600 franchises and 13.8% unit growth from 2022 to 2024, it’s a proven model with national momentum.
The business typically generates seasonal revenue with an average annual income of $45K–$65K and an EBITDA margin of 20–25%, leading most franchisees to breakeven within 3–5 years. Its simple product range and lack of a fixed location mean operations stay streamlined and stress-free.
Kona Ice also provides robust onboarding, detailed manuals, and ongoing marketing support, setting up new owners for success from day one. It’s an ideal fit for energetic, community-driven entrepreneurs who value freedom, connection, and lifestyle flexibility.
| Initial Investment | Franchise Fee | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| $165K–$200K | $15K | Mobile Food & Beverage |
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting
JAN-PRO offers franchisees a recession-resistant opportunity built on recurring revenue and scalable territory growth. Its flexible structure allows owners to start solo or create a team over time, keeping startup costs and risk relatively low.
Franchisees typically earn $50K–$80K annually with 40–60% net profit margins, often reaching breakeven within 1–2 years. JAN-PRO handles all client sales and provides a five-course cleaning and operations training program, making it ideal for self-motivated, detail-oriented entrepreneurs. It’s a smart fit for those who want a low-cost franchise with the freedom to scale independently, whether as a hands-on operator or as a leader managing multiple accounts.
| Initial Investments | Franchise Fee | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| $1250-$50K | Varies by Market and Plan | Commercial Cleaning |
TSS Photography
TSS Photography stands out by offering franchisees a unique, creative alternative to the typical franchise model. Specializing in school, sports, and event photography, it comes with built-in contracts and the potential for high-volume client interactions, making it both profitable and dynamic.
It’s a strong fit for owners who want a more flexible, hands-on business with room for creativity and consistent demand.
| Initial Investments | Franchise Fee | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| $167K–$212K | $15K | Mobile Food and Beverage |
Soccer Stars
Soccer Stars offers franchisees a fresh alternative in the children’s sports space. As a well-established program operating in schools, parks, and community centers, it eliminates the need for a physical location—keeping overhead low and scalability high.
Its proven curriculum and broad community reach make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to build a flexible, impact-driven business without the burden of brick-and-mortar expenses.
| Initial Investments | Franchise Fee | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| $70K-100K | $50K | Youth Sports & Education |
Zoomin Groomin
Zoomin Groomin delivers a mobile pet grooming concept with an incredibly flexible business model and a low barrier to entry. Franchisees can set their own schedules, operate without a physical storefront, and benefit from comprehensive training and support provided by the brand.
It’s an ideal option for animal lovers who want to build a business around their passion—combining low overhead with the joy of working with pets every day.
| Initial Investments | Franchise Fee | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| $53K-$150K | $40K | Mobile Pet Grooming |
Benefits of Franchises Under $200K
Choosing one of the best franchises under $200K comes with serious advantages. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned franchisee, opportunities at this investment level offer a rare mix of affordability, flexibility, and growth potential.
They’re ideal for those testing the waters, working with limited capital, or looking to diversify with a lower-risk addition to an existing portfolio.
Here are the most prominent benefits of starting a franchise from one of the options under $200K
- Lower Financial Risk: Lower upfront investments mean less personal or borrowed capital is at stake. Additionally, it’s easier to recover from rookie mistakes or slow starts compared to high-cost franchises.
- More Accessible to First-Time Entrepreneurs: Many of these options are home-based or mobile, eliminating the need for purchasing or leasing real estate. The entry-level pricing also opens the doors to franchising for young professionals, career switches, or retirees.
- Faster Path to ROI: Lower startup costs mean franchises often break even faster than expected. With less capital sunk into initial expenses, franchisees can start profiting sooner.
- Scalable and Flexible Business Models: Many of these options are specially designed to grow with franchisees. They can start solo and expand to multiple units or staff as needed.
- Simplified Operations: Lower-cost franchises typically require fewer employees, less inventory, and have generally simpler logistics. This makes operations easier to manage and less prone to mistakes and disruption.
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Now that you know more about the best franchises under $200K and the benefits of franchises with lower initial costs, you’ll need a partner who can guide you through the complex world of franchising.
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With our powerful search tools, filters, and real-time updates, you can become the next success story with Franchise Ventures in your corner–from first click to final decision.
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