Starting a small business can feel daunting, especially when you factor in the upfront investment. But launching your own venture doesn’t have to break the bank. Many affordable franchise opportunities offer strong potential without the steep price tag.
From commercial cleaning and education to pet care and food services, a wide range of industries offer franchise options under $150,000. In this article, we’ll highlight some of top franchises under $150k, explain why they stand out, and break down their estimated startup costs, helping you identify the right fit for your goals and budget.
Why Choose a Franchise Under $150K?
For many individuals who aspire to business ownership, the cost of entry is one of the most significant barriers to getting started. But it doesn’t have to be. Today, many franchise models are intentionally designed to be affordable and accessible, requiring far less capital than you might expect. Some are home-based or mobile, helping you sidestep the high overhead costs of retail storefronts or office leases.
Beyond affordability, these low-cost franchises often come with streamlined operations, built-in training programs, and strong brand recognition, providing owners with a valuable head start and reduced risk. If you’re seeking flexibility, lower financial exposure, and a proven support system, a franchise under $150K can be a smart and strategic way to step into business ownership.
Our Top 10 Picks: Top Franchises Under $150K
We’ve researched and handpicked several franchises we believe are great opportunities for investment and fall under the $ 150,000 investment mark. These affordable businesses show stability, franchisee satisfaction, and growth potential.
They span different industries and business types, from essential services like cleaning and elderly care to youth sports and home improvement roles. Here’s a closer look:
| Franchise | Industry | Estimated Investment Range | Business Model | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360clean | Commercial Cleaning | $22,000 – $36,500 | Home-based | Ultra low-cost, 100% franchisee recommendation rate, recession-resistant service, avg revenue: $1,043,866.00, estimated owner earnings: $156,580.00. |
| Soccer Shots | Child Education/Sports | $42,950 – $54,300 | Mobile | High satisfaction ~ 98%, flexible operations, strong school partnerships, avg revenue: $885,902.00, estimated owner earnings: $132,885.00. |
| Fibrenew | Restoration | $100,000 – $121,000 | Mobile | Diversified clientele, 30+ years of success, top-rated support, low closure rate, avg revenue: $1,043,866.00, estimated owner earnings: $208,773.00. |
| FirstLight Home Care | Senior Care | $50,000 – $120,000 | Home-based | Fast-growing, Forbes-ranked, strong franchise development performance, avg revenue: $1,671,879.00, estimated owner earnings: $250,782.00. |
| Archadeck | Home Improvement | $86,000 – $110,000 | Home-based | Proven model, no manual labor, low litigation risk, avg revenue: $1,682,395.00. |
| Kitchen Solvers | Home Improvement | $99,700 – $134,000 | Mobile/showroom | Low-overhead remodeling concept, 30+ years in business, strong franchisor support, avg revenue: $198,479.00, estimated owner earnings: $29,772.00. |
| Mathnasium | Education | $113,000 – $149,000 | Learning center | High brand recognition, strong support, proven instructional system, avg revenue: $360,324.00, estimated owner earnings: $72,065.00. |
| Kumon | Education | $70,000 – $150,000 | Learning center | Global name, low franchise fee, high retention among students and parents, avg revenue: $300,000.00, estimated owner earnings: $60,000.00. |
| Dog Training Elite | Pet Services | $83,000 – $105,000 | Home-based | Top-ranked dog training brand, low overhead, strong industry growth, avg revenue: $318,737.00, estimated owner earnings: $47,811.00. |
| Pet Wants | Pet Services | $50,000 – $75,000 | Home-based/ mobile | Low-cost pet food franchise, fast-growing brand, part of a supportive franchise group, avg revenue: $424,860.00, estimated owner earnings: $63,729.00. |
What to Consider Before You Invest
While initial investment and fees are essential considerations, choosing the best franchise isn’t just about price. Potential franchisees need to consider their goals, personal and professional strengths, and the lifestyle they want to maintain.
Are you looking for a home-based business with low overhead and that provides you with greater flexibility over your schedule and work hours? Do you prefer something more mobile, active, and forward-facing? Are you comfortable with roles that require direct communication, or would you rather work behind the scenes? The answers to these questions will help you determine what business type and model is right for you.
Other practical business considerations include:
Franchise fees vs. total investment: The initial franchise fee is only part of your upfront costs. You also need to factor in equipment, training, and working capital.
Royalties: You need to understand how much you’ll pay your franchisor and how that will affect your profit margins.
Training and Support: Choosing a low-cost franchise doesn’t mean you’ll have less support. Many options we’ve listed come with excellent onboarding and operational support.
Market demand: You’ll want to research your local area to ensure a customer base and demand for the services and products you’ll be investing in.
Still on the Fence? Contact Franchise.com Today!
If you dream of owning your own business, the initial investment doesn’t have to hinder your success. You also don’t have to risk your life savings to get started. You can own a business with growth potential and a clear path to future profits with the right strategy. With the right tools and support, you could run your own successful business sooner than you think.
Our top franchises under $150k make it possible to get started without sacrificing quality, growth potential, or support. If you have questions about our top franchises under $150k, have further questions, or want to gain access to more detailed information, contact us today!
