Top Franchise Opportunities for Women

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating an industry that hasn't always been particularly accommodating for women entrepreneurs. The good news? The path to franchise ownership has become more equitable, and more women than ever are choosing franchise ownership as their route to financial independence and professional fulfillment.

We've examined dozens of financial documents and franchises to highlight the top franchise opportunities for women to help you pick the right path.

The information presented is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) we were able to access at the time of writing. In some cases, this may not reflect the latest available version filed by the franchisor. Where applicable, data has been summarized or approximated to represent average gross sales for comparison purposes. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Top Franchise Opportunities for Women

CoolVu

CoolVu is a woman-owned franchise brand offering mobile services in window film, surface enhancement, and custom graphics. With no storefront, low startup costs, and flexible scheduling, it's an excellent option for women looking to launch a service-based business on their own terms.

The franchise fee is reduced to $9,950 for women owners, lowering the barrier to entry without cutting corners on support.

Training spans four days and covers everything from sales and installs to business planning, taught by CoolVu's founding team and field experts in Marietta, GA or online.

Moderate; growth will depend on local outreach, but lean operations and a rising market for energy-conserving products may provide real upside. While the lack of transparency of the average gross sales is a red flag, the low cost can be seen as a risk moderator.

Woofie's

Woofie's is a women-led pet care franchise that offers grooming, walking, and sitting services to our furry little friends with a mobile-first model that brings pet care directly to the customers' doorsteps. With a mobile setup and home-based model, it's a great fit for women who want to build something of their own without the cost or hassle of a brick-and-mortar storefront.

To support women in franchising, Woofie's offers $5,000 off the franchise fee for women owners, making franchise ownership more accessible.

Training includes online prep and a week of in-person sessions in Ashburn, VA, covering everything from pet CPR and daily ops to team building and customer service. After launch, Woofie's sends trainers directly to you for on-site van and grooming support.

Moderate; success will depend heavily on building local relationships, but strong brand backing and recurring services can make it a smart, family-friendly business to grow. However, risk may be offset by the low cost of ownership.

Bojangles

Bojangles brings Southern flavor and strong systems to the table for women franchisees ready to run with a high-volume, fast-casual concept. It has a loyal customer base and offers the backing of a legacy brand with modern growth momentum.

To support early expansion for women, Bojangles cuts the franchise fee in half for the first two restaurants. This makes it an excellent option for multi-unit operators looking to scale smart from the start.

It's worth noting that while comprehensive and structured, training is extensive and demanding. There are 600+ hours of hands-on instruction in company-run locations and a classroom curriculum focused on leadership, operations, and profitability. From Bojangles University to in-store performance coaching, franchisees gain deep experience before day one.

Moderate to high; Restaurant ops come with complexity, and Bojangles is on the more expensive side of franchise ownership. However, brand support, recognition, and operator-focused incentives make it a serious contender, especially for seasoned or well-prepared owners.

Merry Maids

Merry Maids is a nationally recognized residential cleaning franchise designed for franchisees who want to run a structured business built on repeat revenue with a household name behind them. For women looking to lead, Merry Maids offers a service model that is both proven and scalable.

To encourage more women to become entrepreneurs, Merry Maids offers 10% off the franchise fee for women owners; a meaningful discount from one of the most well-established names in its respective industry.

Training includes online pre-launch modules and a week of in-person instruction in Memphis, TN. New owners dive into everything from OSHA safety and in-home pricing to team management, customer care, and financial tools. Post-launch coaching continues with regular calls and optional annual conferences.

Low to moderate; The brand's long-standing reputation, strong support systems, and recurring customer base provide a steady foundation. However, growth depends on smart local hiring and strong service delivery.

While residential cleaning businesses can face challenges during economic downturns, they typically require lower upfront investment, making them more accessible even in uncertain times for new franchisees.

America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP)

ASP offers women entrepreneurs a chance to lead in an often overlooked skilled trade: professional pool service. With recurring revenue, no storefront, and strong brand systems, it's a smart entry point for women ready to build something hands-on and scalable to make a splash in their own community.

To support women entering the business, ASP offers $5,000 off the franchise fee for prospective women owners, making diving into business ownership more accessible.

Training is held over 11 business days in Macon, GA, combining classroom sessions with in-the-field instruction. Topics range from health and safety to customer service, operations, and marketing, and instructors with decades of industry experience teach them.

Moderate; ASP's success depends on technician performance and effective seasonal planning. However, women with strengths in logistics, team leadership, or customer service can excel in this model. The relatively low cost of entry also helps reduce overall risk, making it a manageable path for first-time franchisees.

Resources That Help Women Get Involved in Franchise Ownership

While franchising offers a pathway to ownership, women may face extra barriers around capital, mentorship, and industry access. Thankfully, there are several programs and resources designed to close that gap and help women franchise owners thrive.

SBA Loans for Women

While the US Small Business Administration doesn't explicitly offer loans for women, it does offer microloans, 7(a) loans, and community lending programs that can be great for first-time women owners. SBA-affiliated lenders also offer lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and guidance throughout the application process.

SCORE Mentorship

is a free, nationwide nonprofit supported by the SBA that connects aspiring business owners with experienced mentors, many of whom are successful women in business. Mentorship often covers business planning, marketing, operations, and funding.

Kiva Microfunds

with no credit score or collateral requirements. This is an especially great option for women starting home-based or service franchises with lower startup costs.

Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant for Women awards $10,000 monthly (and a $25,000 annual grant) to women-owned businesses in all stages of development. Its application process is super simple, making it a great option for women in franchising who may need a financial boost.

What Makes These Franchises Great for Women

Having reduced fees for women is a massive step in the right direction, but there's more to it than that. The best franchise opportunities for women don't just lower the barrier to entry; they need to be built to support long-term success through strong systems, flexible models, and real-world training.

Here's what we looked for when choosing these standouts:

1. Supportive, Accessible Entry Points:

   Whether it's a lower franchise fee or not requiring a storefront, these franchises often make it easier for women to get started without sacrificing professionalism.

2. Targeted Incentives:

   Each of these franchises offers a financial incentive for women owners.

3. Thorough Training:

   A solid onboarding process sets the foundation for operation. The best franchises offer in-depth, hands-on training covering business operations and service execution.

4. Scalability:

   Whether mobile or brick-and-mortar, these models are built to grow. Some emphasize recurring revenue, while others offer strong multi-unit potential. But all of them allow you to scale on your terms.

5. Real Earning Potential:

   You shouldn't have to guess. Many of these brands offer strong average gross sales figures and proven performance data to help guide your decision.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

From mobile service brands to recognized names, today's best franchise opportunities for women offer more than discounted fees; they offer pathways to ownership, flexibility, and long-term success.

At Franchise.com, we help aspiring and established women entrepreneurs cut through the noise and find franchise models that match their budget, lifestyle, and growth potential. Whether you're starting fresh or expanding your portfolio, we're here to guide you.

Ready to take the first step towards owning a business on your terms?