When it comes to building something of your own, minorities often face roadblocks that others don’t. From tougher access to funding to finding brands that truly back diverse ownership, franchising is no exception. But the good news is that things are changing. Today, more and more established brands are stepping up. They’re offering targeted incentives, financial support, and mentorship programs to level the playing field.
We’ve put together this guide to the top franchise opportunities for minorities. Each brand featured here was selected for its commitment to diversity, strong support systems, and potential for long-term success. If you’re looking for a franchise that aligns with your goals and gives you the tools to grow, this list is a great place to start.
Disclaimer: 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 Minorities
| Franchise | Startup Costs (est.) | Franchise Fee | Training Provided | Why it Stands Out | Average Gross Sales (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Doctor | $150,070 – $177,052 | $50,000 (reduced by 10% for minority owners) | 5 days in NJ + mentorship; covers agronomy, equipment, sales, and optional holiday lighting program | Territory-based with recurring revenue; steady, scalable, and hands-on | *$361,541 |
| ServiceMaster Clean | $104,300 – $179,750 | $32,500 (reduced by 10% for minority owners) | 2-week AOS Training (80+ hrs) in Memphis or online; includes prework, hands-on, and ongoing regional events | Institutional clients and repeat business with structured systems | $753,140 |
| Bojangles | $2,650,870 – $3,829,400 | $35,000 (reduced by 50% for first two restaurants for minorities), royalty fees reduced for first three years (3% yr 1, 2% yr 2, 1% yr 3) | Extensive training: 600+ hours, including Bojangles University and in-store coaching; covers leadership, financials, systems, and customer service | A legacy food brand with serious brand power | $2,351,232 |
| AlphaGraphics | $295,789 – $378,689 | $49,750 (10% off initial franchise fee for minority owners) | 2 weeks (64–68 hrs) at HQ + extended 1st-year support, mentorship, and optional staff training | Strong B2B positioning and robust training with tools and mentorship | $1,450,559 |
| America’s Swimming Pool Company | $84,395 – $210,121 | $40,000 (reduced to $35,000 for minorities) | 11 business days of classroom and hands-on training in Macon, GA. Covers sanitation, marketing, customer service, and operations | A niche trade with strong recurring revenue and no storefront; great for women who want to lead a crew and manage logistics in a high-demand, underserved industry | $1,272,571 |
| Wetzel’s Pretzels | $183,000 – $712,450 | $40,000 (25% off initial franchise fee for minority owners) | 80 hours total; classroom + hands-on at regional centers; required convention attendance | Simple operations and strong mall/stadium presence with high visibility | $826,381 (Bakery Locations) |
Lawn Doctor
Lawn Doctor is a lawn care franchise built around territory ownership and repeat business. Services range from fertilization and weed control to pest management and seasonal holiday lighting. It’s a hands-on, local business with the backing of a national brand, great for minority owners who want to stay active and build something steady.
Here’s what training looks like:
- Initial training runs for five days and covers the essentials:
- Agronomy, sales, marketing, equipment use, and business planning.
- Held in New Jersey with instructors who’ve been in the system for years.
- You’ll also go through a mentorship program with an experienced franchisee: real-world guidance before you open.
- If you plan to offer Holiday Lighting Heroes services, there’s a separate 2–3 day training for that.
- Covers everything from estimating and installation to customer service and sales.
Training is thorough, and there’s virtual and refresher support if you need it down the line.
Risk profile: Moderate. Success depends on your ability to market locally and deliver consistent service, but with recurring revenue and seasonal upsell opportunities, there’s a solid path to strong returns.
ServiceMaster Clean
ServiceMaster Clean is a storied commercial cleaning franchise. It’s a strong pick for minority entrepreneurs looking for structure, support, and a steady stream of business clients. With well-defined systems and national name recognition, you’re not starting from scratch.
Here’s what training looks like:
- AOS Training (2 weeks, 80+ hours) in Memphis, TN or online
- Covers everything from startup planning and bidding jobs to hands-on equipment use
- Led by franchise veterans and industry experts with decades of experience
- Tuition for up to two trainees is included in the franchise fee for new owners
- Online prep work through ServiceMaster Brands University (must be completed before training)
- Ongoing training includes:
- Regional workshops, certifications, and annual conventions
- Attendance is mandatory for at least one rep per franchise each year
Risk profile: Moderate. The model is built on institutional clients and repeat business, but success will depend on leadership, staffing, and local expertise.
Bojangles
This southern-style fast-casual brand boasts a loyal customer base and strong unit volumes. Bojangles demonstrates a clear commitment to increasing diversity in franchise ownership through substantial incentives for minority franchisees.
Through its Development Incentive Program, qualified owners receive 50% off the franchise fee on their first two restaurants, plus reduced royalty fees for the first three years, an uncommon and ongoing cost break that directly supports long-term success.
Here’s what training looks like:
- 600+ total hours of training
- Hands-on experience at company-run stores
- Classroom curriculum focused on operations, leadership, and profitability
- In-store performance coaching and support through Bojangles University
Risk profile: Moderate to high. Bojangles requires a larger investment than any other on this list, and larger restaurants come with many moving parts.
AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics is a print and marketing solutions franchise designed for entrepreneurs who see themselves running a business with structure, proven systems, and a real B2B staying power. With national brand backing, strong training, and good incentives, it’s a great fit for minority owners looking to step into a high-potential market with support at every step.
Here’s what training looks like:
- Initial Owner Training (2 weeks, 64–68 hours classroom)
- Held at HQ and covers operations, workflow, production, sales, marketing, and finance
- Includes product-specific tools like PrintSmith Vision and agXsell
- Pre-training e-learning modules done remotely before attending in-person sessions
- Extended training and support during year one:
- Includes virtual coaching, in-center visits, peer performance groups, and PrintSmith certification
- Mentorship program pairs new owners with experienced franchisees (often local)
- Staff-level training is also provided for sales and production roles
Ongoing training:
- Required attendance at annual conventions and optional workshops
- Refresher training available ($800–$1,500/day), plus travel and lodging at your expense
Risk profile: Moderate. It’s a full-time, hands-on business with strong upside potential in commercial printing and market services, but success will depend on local relationship building.
America’s Swimming Pool Company
ASP gives minority franchisees a solid chance to lead in a skilled trade that’s often overlooked: professional pool maintenance and repair. With no storefront, strong recurring revenue, and proven systems, it’s a hands-on business that scales well in the right markets.
To make ownership more accessible, ASP offers $5,000 off the franchise fee for qualified minority owners, lowering the barrier to entry without sacrificing support.
Here’s what training looks like:
- 11 business days of instruction in Macon, GA
- Classroom and in-the-field training
- Topics include pool operations, safety, customer service, logistics, and marketing
- Led by instructors with decades of pool industry experience
Risk profile: Moderate. While ASP offers steady income potential, success will depend on team reliability and seasonal preparation.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Wetzel’s Pretzels is a rapidly growing snack franchise known for its eponymous pretzels. Mostly located in high-traffic mall and stadium locations, it’s a good fit for minority owners looking to step into a well-known brand with steady foot traffic and manageable operations.
Training includes:
- 80 total hours split between classroom and hands-on instruction
- Operations, recipes, POS system, staffing, and customer service
- Delivered in Pasadena, CA, or other company-owned training locations in Las Vegas, Denver, Orlando, or Southern California
- Virtual training is available when in-person isn’t feasible
- Tuition is covered for up to three management team members (additional trainees: $750 each)
- Franchisees must complete training before opening and may receive follow-up training at their location if needed
- Attendance at the bi-annual franchise convention is mandatory (registration fee: $1,500)
Risk profile: Low to moderate. With a streamlined product line, it’s an operationally simple model. However, the challenge lies in staffing and the dependence on foot traffic.
What Potential Franchisees Should Look for in a Franchise
| Factor | Look For | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Commitment |
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| Training & Support |
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| Financial Transparency |
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| Brand Strength |
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| Operational Fit |
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The most successful minority franchisees choose opportunities that not only offer meaningful incentives and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, but also align with their personal goals, strengths, and long-term vision.
Your Path to Ownership Starts Now
From high-visibility brands to skilled trades with recurring revenue, the top franchises for minorities go beyond financial incentives; they open doors to ownership, independence, and lasting impact.
At Franchise.com, we help minority entrepreneurs find franchise opportunities that align with their goals, resources, and vision for the future. Whether you’re launching your first business or scaling up, we’re here to connect you with models built for long-term success.
Ready to find a franchise that fits your path?
