Photo credit: SYNERGY HomeCare
Franchising makes the dream of business ownership possible for everyone regardless of past work experience, race, gender, religion, or nationality. Not only that, but due to the popularity of the franchise business model, franchise concepts now cover nearly every sector, offering an opportunity for every interest.
In 2021, the International Franchise Association (IFA) created the Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC) to help increase business ownership and generational wealth among Black families and communities. The Council aims to “eliminate education gaps and barriers to accessing capital, working towards a level playing field for Black entrepreneurs in franchising.”
Today, the IFA reports that 26% of franchise owners are people of color compared to 17% of non-franchised businesses. While that number has risen over the past decade, there’s tons of opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to build wealth through franchise ownership.
Black Entrepreneur magazine and Franchise Business Review rank the Top 20 Franchises for Black Owners. See which brands made the list.
Breaking Down the Barriers to Diversity in Franchising
Toni Harris Taylor, franchise success partner at Drastic Results and a dynamic franchise leader, is a fierce advocate for breaking down the barriers to diversity in franchising. Toni was a guest on FBR’s podcast, From A to Franchisee, where she spoke about the need for greater awareness and inclusivity, debunking myths about financial barriers for minorities entering franchising.
According to Toni, she often asks people what they know about franchising. The typical answer? “[P]eople know that it’s a proven system. They know that they get support. They just think they can’t afford it.”
That’s due to a lack of awareness, says Toni. She adds that many of the people she meets are also unaware of the variety of industries franchises operate in—not just food. And many are affordable. “So many of them are less than $150,000. They are home based. They are easily accessible. The SBA gives you loans and all you’ve got to do is come up with 10% down,” she explains.
We encourage you to take a listen and check out these Resources for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Exploring Franchising.
Top-Rated Franchises with the Highest Percentage of Black Business Owners
At Franchise Business Review, we survey thousands of franchise owners and franchise brands every year to determine the best opportunities for those considering a franchise as a path to business ownership. Every January, we recognize the 200 top-rated franchises based solely on franchisee feedback.
In honor of Black History Month, we combed through the data to shine a light on the award-winning brands that also had the highest percentage of Black business owners. These brands span multiple industries and investment levels and all of them have a minimum of 10% of Black owners, with the top brands on the list at 20% and even higher.
360clean
360clean is a unique commercial cleaning franchise that specializes in offering a health-focused office cleaning service. Most office cleaning service companies view clean based on how an area looks. At 360clean, they take it a step further. The goal of each 360clean is to provide a clean, yet germ and infectious-free environment. With low startup costs and the ability to operate from a home-based office, it’s an accessible model designed for flexibility and long-term growth.
Learn more about 360clean and download a free franchisee satisfaction report.
Truly Nolen of America
Truly Nolen is a pest control franchise that delivers innovative services to both residential and commercial customers. With proven pest control protocols in a recession-resistant industry, Truly Nolen offers year-round, comprehensive and environmentally friendly options. Known for its famous yellow mouse cars, Truly Nolen franchisees benefit from being part of a recognizable brand in a billion dollar market.
Learn more about owning a Truly Nolen franchise.
GrassRoots Turf
GrassRoots Turf is a lawn care company that focuses on long-term customer relationships. Its monthly installment billing model ensures steady cash flow for franchise owners. With comprehensive training, and the ongoing support of a built in sales funnel and automatic payment process, franchisees are able to focus on stellar customer service and growing their business.
Learn more about owning a GrassRoots Turf franchise.
i9 Sports
As the nation’s first and largest youth sports league franchise, i9 Sports offers a proven business model focused on fun, safety, and convenience for families. i9 Sports is dedicated to fostering positive experiences for children, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and a love for sports. If you’re looking for a flexible, low-cost opportunity that will make a meaningful impact on your community, i9 Sports is a franchise to consider.
Learn more about owning an i9 Sports franchise.
SYNERGY HomeCare
SYNERGY HomeCare offers compassionate care and support for families and seniors who want to age in place. Senior care is one of the fastest-growing and most resilient segments in franchising given the aging population in the United States. Startup costs for a SYNERGY HomeCare franchise are relatively low with $50,000 in liquid capital required. No medical background is needed—just a passion for helping others and serving the community.
Learn more about owning a SYNERGY HomeCare franchise.
Spoiled Rotten Photography
Spoiled Rotten Photography is a high-end children’s portraiture franchise that specializes in portraits for preschool students. In addition to marketing support, Spoiled Rotten offers a robust business software platform to manage workflow, accounting, customers, online sales, website, blog, and automated email and text marketing. In addition, a strategic partnership with a national preschool brand can help you get up and running faster.
Wingstop
What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas now boasts 3,000 restaurants open across the globe. Their proprietary recipes, outstanding food, and superior customer service created a demand that has resulted in one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country. As they say, “We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business.” Wingstop requires multi-unit restaurant ownership and development experience.
Learn more about owning a Wingstop franchise.
MassageLuXe
MassageLuXe, a fast-growing nationwide spa franchise, delivers top-tier massages, facials, and waxing services. Licensed therapists and estheticians provide relief for chronic pain and skin issues in a tranquil setting. Offering a variety of different spa services and membership types, MassageLuXE focuses on providing personal health and wellness solutions for each customer.
Learn more about owning a MassageLuXe franchise.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a universally appealing menu of fresh, southern-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. With a loyal following, the upscale cafe has more than 70 cafes located in 14 states and is continuing to grow. The majority of existing franchisees own and operate more than one cafe or have plans to open additional locations.
Learn more about owning Another Broken Egg Cafe franchise.
Liberty Tax Service
Liberty Tax Service provides accessible, affordable tax preparation through a nationwide franchise network, combining expertise, personalized service, and community-focused support for individuals and small businesses. No CPA or tax experience is required. Liberty Tax is a low-cost, low-overhead business, with more than 4,000 locations across the US.
Learn more about owning a Liberty Tax Service franchise.
Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a fast-casual concept serving up health-conscious smoothies, wraps, bowls, flatbreads, and sandwiches. With over 1,600 locations currently operating, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is continuing to expand. They offer a variety of real estate options, including in-line traditional locations, end-cap locations with and without drive-thrus, freestanding locations, and non-traditional locations.
Learn more about owning a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise.
Real Property Management
Real Property Management is the nation’s leading residential property management company. As a Real Property Management franchise owner, you’ll gain access to comprehensive training that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage properties and capitalize on the growing rental market.
Learn more about owning a Real Property Management franchise.
Home Helpers Home Care
Home Helpers Home Care is a non-medical in-home care business that serves seniors, new and expectant mothers, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or injury regardless of age. Franchisees hire and manage caregivers and build referral networks. Services include companionship and personal care, and 24/7 monitoring using Home Helpers’ proprietary technology solutions that offer a comprehensive care experience round-the-clock care even when a caregiver is not in the home.
Learn more about owning a Home Helpers Home Care franchise.
Is Franchise Ownership for You?
Franchising’s greatest strength is its community. And the more diverse that community is, the better off everyone in franchising will be. If you’re interested in franchise ownership, these franchises and this year’s list of the Top 200 Franchises are great places to start.
As you learn more about the different franchise concepts available, be sure to do thorough research by examining third-party data and reviews (like those provided by FBR), talking with current franchisees about their experiences, and looking closely at the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) of the brands you’re interested in. Thanks to the array of concepts available, there’s a franchise perfect for nearly every aspiring entrepreneur.
