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The 100 Best Recession-Proof Businesses to Start in 2021

A look at today’s top franchise brands with the highest owner satisfaction and the greatest opportunity to perform in these historic times.

Our 2021 list of the Top 100 Recession-Proof Franchises includes award-winning franchise companies from many different industry segments, as well as a wide range of investment levels – including a number of businesses you can start with an initial investment (cash required) under $25,000.

At its core, franchising is about “being in business for yourself but not by yourself.” The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every business owner in some way. Over the past few months, the franchise community has pulled together during this crisis to support and help protect their franchise owners.

Independently-owned businesses don’t have this support and community behind them. That makes franchising uniquely positioned to survive, innovate, and recover much faster than other businesses.

We have surveyed thousands of franchise owners in our many years of research. From our perspective, franchisee satisfaction is one of the most important factors to consider before investing in any franchise opportunity. Not only do the following companies have outstanding satisfaction among their owners, but we feel they hold a strong advantage to out perform their competitors in the years ahead.

Clear Results
Learn More About MaidPro
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MaidPro

Cleaning & Maintenance

The home cleaning industry is growing fast, and MaidPro helps you capitalize on that growth. You’ll lead your team of cleaning professionals, be your own boss, control your future and attain ...

Investment: $77,560
Cash Required: $75,000

Learn More of MaidPro

Learn More About Wild Birds Unlimited
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Wild Birds Unlimited

Retail

With a proven business model over 35 years and over 340 locations, Wild Birds Unlimited is the #1, largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding and nature related products in North ...

Investment: $185,179
Cash Required: $40,000- $50,000

Learn More of Wild Birds Unlimited

Learn More About FASTSIGNS
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FASTSIGNS

Business Services

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS&...

Investment: $218,596
Cash Required: $80,000

Learn More of FASTSIGNS

Learn More About Visiting Angels
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Visiting Angels

Senior Care

We are America's Choice in Senior Home Care. We offer non-medical services to Seniors. Visiting Angels has been fine-tuning our systems throughout the past two decade...

Investment: $84,085
Cash Required: $59,950

Learn More of Visiting Angels

Learn More About Pinch A Penny
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Pinch A Penny

Retail

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa has grown from one store to more than 250 locations across the Southeastern U.S. and Texas. Priding itself on its superior customer service and experti...

Investment: $289,375
Cash Required: $70,000 - $150,000

Learn More of Pinch A Penny

Learn More About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Services

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the world, aiming to provide our customers with the highest level of service in both local and long-distance moving, a...

Investment: $179,000
Cash Required: $80,000

Learn More of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Learn More About Fibrenew
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Fibrenew

Services

Since 1987, we have built and refined a robust franchise business system. This includes the research and development of our proprietary product line, highly specialized techniques, exceptional trai...

Investment: $87,812
Cash Required: $15,000 - $25,000

Learn More of Fibrenew

Learn More About Precision Concrete Cutting
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Precision Concrete Cutting

Services

We are the world leader in uneven sidewalk repair. We make sidewalks safe.

...

Investment: $155,000
Cash Required: $72,000

Learn More of Precision Concrete Cutting

Learn More About Christian Brothers Automotive
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Christian Brothers Automotive

Automotive

Christian Brothers Automotive is more than just vehicle repair. Since its founding in 1982, their goal has been to change the way guests view automotive service. Now more than ever, consumers acros...

Investment: $461,250
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Christian Brothers Automotive

Learn More About Sandler Training
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Sandler Training

Business Services

At Sandler, we work with people every day who have decided to take control of their destinies. They’re excited about creating a new of kind lifestyle business on their own terms and looking f...

Investment: $113,525
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Sandler Training

Learn More About A&W Restaurants
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A&W Restaurants

Food

America’s first and oldest restaurant chain founded in 1919, A&W still makes Root Beer fresh in each restaurant and served in a frosty mug alongside 100% U.S. Beef burgers, Hand-Breaded c...

Investment: $276,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of A&W Restaurants

Learn More About Our Town America
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Our Town America

Advertising & Sales

Since 1972, Our Town America has been connecting local businesses with new movers and helping turn them into loyal, long term customers. As the leaders in New Mover Marketing, we use...

Investment: $63,300
Cash Required: $70,000

Learn More of Our Town America

Learn More About Payroll Vault
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Payroll Vault

Financial & Tax

A business to business service, Payroll Vault is a boutique-style full-service payroll company designed for small business. Payroll is ranked in the Top 3 Outsourced Business Services, and with ove...

Investment: $39,313
Cash Required: $31,500

Learn More of Payroll Vault

Learn More About 360clean
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360clean

Cleaning & Maintenance

Have you been searching for a franchise opportunity that offers high earning potential, low investment and the ability to run the business from home?  You should consider a 360clean franchise....

Investment: $15,800
Cash Required: $15,000

Learn More of 360clean

Learn More About Fish Window Cleaning Services
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Fish Window Cleaning Services

Services

Mike Merrick founded Fish Window Cleaning in January 1978. Based on growing demand and his success, Mike realized there was a need for this service in other markets. He used his 20 years of experie...

Investment: $87,300
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Fish Window Cleaning Services

Learn More About Snap-on Tools
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Snap-on Tools

Automotive

Snap-on Tools has the #1 market share position in the industry and our tools are universally recognized by professionals as the absolute highest quality tools in the industry. Snap-on franchisees a...

Investment: $169,223
Cash Required: $37,583-$55,545

Learn More of Snap-on Tools

Learn More About WOW 1 DAY PAINTING
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WOW 1 DAY PAINTING

Home Services

For the past 30 years, Brian Scudamore has been building one of the most successful franchise systems in North America. His concept 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is known for its amazing branding, award winning ...

Investment: $67,000
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of WOW 1 DAY PAINTING

Learn More About ActionCOACH
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ActionCOACH

Business Services

ActionCOACH is the World’s #1 business coaching firm. Currently, ActionCOACH has nearly than 1,000 coaches in more than 70 countries, and ActionCOACH delivers it's proven business develop...

Investment: $45,000
Cash Required: $45,000 - $125,000

Learn More of ActionCOACH

Learn More About The Joint
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The Joint

Health & Beauty

The Joint’s mission is to improve quality of life through routine and affordable chiropractic care. The Joint does this by offering a no insurance, no appointment, cash-based membership model...

Investment: $203,397
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of The Joint

Learn More About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
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DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Home Services

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a faith-based, full-service remodeling franchise that helps entrepreneurs and existing remodelers earn strong financial numbers while having a focus on improving th...

Investment: $186,901
Cash Required: $114,575 - $330,950

Learn More of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Learn More About Mr. Handyman
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Mr. Handyman

Home Services

Mr. Handyman® serves a much bigger purpose than providing home improvement and maintenance. Mr. Handyman’s independently owned and operated franchisees are the key to making people’...

Investment: $117,500
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mr. Handyman

Learn More About Pizza Factory
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Pizza Factory

Food

Founded more than 35 years ago, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots with hardworking owners, family-friendly dining and high-quality products (pizza, pasta, wings, sandwiches, salads, beer, ...

Investment: $308,000
Cash Required: $90,000

Learn More of Pizza Factory

Learn More About Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
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Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Cleaning & Maintenance

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services, based in Palm Harbor, Fla., is one of the most respected full-service commercial cleaning companies in the nation. Office Pride’s business was built...

Investment: $65,000
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Learn More About Mr. Appliance
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Mr. Appliance

Home Services

Mr. Appliance®, in operation since 1996, is North America’s largest appliance repair franchise. With longevity comes trust, a recognizable brand, and a loyal customer base. Whether you ar...

Investment: $65,800
Cash Required: $40,000

Learn More of Mr. Appliance

Learn More About Senior Care Authority
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Senior Care Authority

Senior Care

Senior Care Authority is a "feel good” business in the high demand senior industry that gives franchise owners the opportunity to build a business that is both financially and personally...

Investment: $57,500
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Senior Care Authority

Learn More About Soccer Shots
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Soccer Shots

Child Services

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-in-class coachin...

Investment: $41,034
Cash Required: $38,000

Learn More of Soccer Shots

Learn More About Assisting Hands
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Assisting Hands

Senior Care

Assisting Hands Home Care is one of the leading in-home care franchises, emphasizing exceptional customer service and personalized care, providing our franchisees with a proven and scalable busines...

Investment: $80,650
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Assisting Hands

Learn More About Right at Home
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Right at Home

Senior Care

Initially founded in 1995 by former hospital administrator Allen Hager, Right at Home provides in-home care services to allow seniors and people with disabilities to retain as much independence and...

Investment: $80,150
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of Right at Home

Learn More About Supporting Strategies
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Supporting Strategies

Business Services

Leslie Jorgensen founded Supporting Strategies in 2004 with the vision of becoming the go-to resource for outsourced bookkeeping and operational support services. Over time, she gradually added emp...

Investment: $77,930
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Supporting Strategies

Learn More About Critter Control
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Critter Control

Services

Critter Control® is a nationally recognized brand, the only wildlife management firm with offices coast-to-coast. When it comes to nuisance wildlife, homeowners, businesses and...

Investment: $63,525
Cash Required: $8,075 - $52,075

Learn More of Critter Control

Learn More About Mr. Electric
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Mr. Electric

Services

Since 1994, Mr. Electric® has specialized in electrical installation and repair for both residential and business customers. Mr. Electric® independently owned and operated franchisees now s...

Investment: $103,600
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mr. Electric

Learn More About TeamLogic IT
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TeamLogic IT

Technology

TeamLogic IT franchisees provide outsourced IT services and support to small- and medium-sized businesses. This support ranges from day-to-day computer repair and upgrades all the way to the installat...

Investment: $106,375
Cash Required: $60,000

Learn More of TeamLogic IT

Learn More About Window Genie
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Window Genie

Services

At Window Genie, our owners are excited about “Unleashing the Power of the Genie”

As the innovative leader in Home Services, we unleash the power every day around the country ...

Investment: $104,500
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Window Genie

Learn More About The Learning Experience
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The Learning Experience

Education

When you invest in a franchise opportunity with The Learning Experience, you are partnering with the leaders and innovators in the child care sector. Our Executive Team possesses a combined twelve ...

Investment: $544,419
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of The Learning Experience

Learn More About Dogtopia
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Dogtopia

Pet Services

Dogtopia is a unique dog daycare business which opened its first location in Virginia in 2002. At that time, dog daycare was very much a new concept, and the Dogtopia approach – to create &ld...

Investment: $757,253
Cash Required: $300,000

Learn More of Dogtopia

Learn More About The Glass Guru
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The Glass Guru

Home Services

The Glass Guru is the "Local Glass, Window, Door, and Shower Experts You Can Rely On!" We are the industry leader in glass REPAIR & REPLACEMENT services for both re...

Investment: $74,400
Cash Required: $74,400

Learn More of The Glass Guru

Learn More About FirstLight Home Care
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FirstLight Home Care

Senior Care

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of home care services, helping individuals achieve the quality of life they deserve. We are a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering fro...

Investment: $113,281
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of FirstLight Home Care

Learn More About Checkers & Rally's
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Checkers & Rally's

Food

For over 30 years, Checkers & Rally's has focused on bold and flavorful food, amazing value for our guests, and a price engineered menu that delivers profits to our franchise family. We hav...

Investment: $254,000
Cash Required: $250,000

Learn More of Checkers & Rally's

Learn More About Mosquito Joe
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Mosquito Joe

Services

Start Enjoying Your Work Life Again and be the Hero Your Community Needs

Make your dream of loving what you do a reality by owning your own business. Not only can you imp...

Investment: $102,850
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mosquito Joe

Learn More About Amazing Athletes
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Amazing Athletes

Child Services

Amazing Athletes is a mobile, year-round, educational sports and fitness program that introduces young children to the basic fundamentals of 10 different sports while helping them master 6 key area...

Investment: $27,500
Cash Required: $30,000

Learn More of Amazing Athletes

Learn More About BIGGBY COFFEE
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BIGGBY COFFEE

Food

At BIGGBY® COFFEE, we believe that owning a coffee shop is a higher calling. No other business brings so many people together and creates the potential to do exponential amounts of good in a co...

Investment: $189,550
Cash Required:

Learn More of BIGGBY COFFEE

Learn More About PuroClean
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PuroClean

Services

Founded in 2001, PuroClean has a comprehensive network of 300-plus franchise offices across North America. Known as the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” PuroClean provides fire and...

Investment: $78,805
Cash Required: $55,000 - $75,000

Learn More of PuroClean

Learn More About Aire Serv
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Aire Serv

Home Services

Aire Serv® is a need-based business, and is backed by Neighborly®, the world’s largest home-services franchise. As a Neighborly® company, Aire Serv franchisees benefit from a netw...

Investment: $87,600
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Aire Serv

Learn More About Image One
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Image One

Cleaning & Maintenance

Image One is a national franchise that has grown incredibly since it started to offer franchising opportunities in 2011. There are a few key aspects of the Image One franchise opportunity that are ...

Investment: $42,775
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Image One

Learn More About Any Lab Test Now
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Any Lab Test Now

Services

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers to take control of their health by empowering them to purchase lab tests with affordable, transparent prices. Common types of customers we serve include...

Investment: $133,600
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Any Lab Test Now

Learn More About Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts
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Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts

Travel & Hospitality

We work with REIT’s, current campground owners, and prospective franchisees on building, improving, or buying existing campgrounds. We are considered destination campgrounds, and not just a p...

Investment: $63,000
Cash Required: $200,000

Learn More of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts

Learn More About PIRTEK USA
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PIRTEK USA

Services

PIRTEK has been in the hydraulic hose repair and replacement franchise business for more than 40 years. Our franchisees own and operate stores and fleets of vehicles in order to provide hydraulic h...

Investment: $201,400
Cash Required: $100,000 - $500,000

Learn More of PIRTEK USA

Learn More About InXpress
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InXpress

Business Services

InXpress franchisees build a residual income business while working from home with no retail storefront and no employee requirements. InXpress is a business-to-business franchise in the global ship...

Investment: $85,600
Cash Required: $65,000

Learn More of InXpress

Learn More About British Swim School
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British Swim School

Child Services

British Swim School is a franchise dedicated to providing an opportunity for children to learn how to swim, no matter what age. Our classes have been proven to prevent child drownings by utilizing ...

Investment: $93,700
Cash Required: $75,000

Learn More of British Swim School

Learn More About Oasis Senior Advisors
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Oasis Senior Advisors

Senior Care

Oasis Senior Advisors is a home-based, scalable concept with high growth potential, recession resilience, and a low investment / low overhead business model that allows owners to control their own ...

Investment: $64,890
Cash Required: $40,000

Learn More of Oasis Senior Advisors

Learn More About Miracle Method Surface Refinishing
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Miracle Method Surface Refinishing

Home Services

At Miracle Method, we make ugly bathtubs, tile & countertops beautiful again. Join the #1 ranked Surface Refinishing Company in a Booming Industry! We have the strongest business model in the i...

Investment: $84,500
Cash Required: $85,000 - $90,000

Learn More of Miracle Method Surface Refinishing

NextHome

Real Estate
Investment: $15,250
Cash Required: $4,250

Keller Williams

Real Estate
Investment: $183,447
Cash Required: $150,000

Weed Man

Services
Investment: $69,490
Cash Required: $60,000

Home Instead

Senior Care
Investment: $125,000
Cash Required: $59,000

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Food
Investment: $430,200
Cash Required: $150,000

Anago Cleaning Systems Master Franchise

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $11,265
Cash Required: $1,000 - $23,500

Sotheby's International Realty

Real Estate
Investment: $194,650
Cash Required: $63,650 - $206,000

Weichert Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $62,500
Cash Required: $25,000

Kampgrounds of America

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $30,250
Cash Required: $500,000 - $3,000,000

Express Employment Professionals

Business Services
Investment: $150,000
Cash Required: $50,000

Fastest Labs

Services
Investment: $83,309
Cash Required: $75,000

Aire-Master of America

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $40,364
Cash Required: $50,000

Maid Brigade

Home Services
Investment: $108,066
Cash Required: $50,000

Auto Appraisal Network

Automotive
Investment: $16,700
Cash Required: $3,000-$10,000

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Food
Investment: $198,500
Cash Required: $125,000

Wingstop

Food
Investment: $376,300
Cash Required: $600,000

Rhea Lana's

Retail
Investment: $20,550
Cash Required: $15,000

Sanford Rose Associates

Business Services
Investment: $108,250
Cash Required: $108,250

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Fitness
Investment: $87,750
Cash Required: $100,000

Bin There Dump That

Services
Investment: $73,050
Cash Required: $75,000-$180,000

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $113,920
Cash Required: $50,000 - $100,000

MY SALON Suite

Health & Beauty
Investment: $664,738
Cash Required: $200,000

Mosquito Shield

Home Services
Investment: $92,850
Cash Required: $150,000

Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Services
Investment: $440,600
Cash Required: $200,000

United Country Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $16,690
Cash Required: $15,000

The Goddard School

Education
Investment: $697,100
Cash Required: $150,000

HouseMaster

Home Services
Investment: $61,100
Cash Required: $60,000

Donatos Pizza

Food
Investment: $386,500
Cash Required: $200,000

Freedom Boat Club

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $175,025
Cash Required: $38,000

Sola Salon Studios

Health & Beauty
Investment: $575,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Precision Door Service

Services
Investment: $81,480
Cash Required: $150,000

Fazoli's Restaurants

Food
Investment: $466,750
Cash Required: $500,000

Property Damage Appraisers

Services
Investment: $75,888
Cash Required:

Kitchen Solvers

Home Services
Investment: $91,584
Cash Required: $30,000

Monster Mini Golf

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $431,000
Cash Required: $30,00

Chicken Salad Chick

Food
Investment: $562,000
Cash Required: $200,000

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Services
Investment: $79,975
Cash Required: $50,000

AtWork Group

Business Services
Investment: $154,000
Cash Required: $100,000

We Insure

Financial & Tax
Investment: $27,500
Cash Required: $25,000 - $85,000

Signal 88 Security

Services
Investment: $59,200
Cash Required: $45,000

Green Home Solutions

Services
Investment: $51,595
Cash Required: $110,000

Motto Mortgage

Financial & Tax
Investment: $52,800
Cash Required: $12,000

Junk King

Services
Investment: $88,000
Cash Required: $50,000 - $75,000

Qdoba

Food
Investment: $475,500
Cash Required: $350,000 - $1,000,000

Goldfish Swim School

Child Services
Investment: $1,370,283
Cash Required: $600,000

Dash in Food Stores

Retail
Investment: $103,700
Cash Required: Varies

The Entrepreneur's Source

Business Services
Investment: $86,750
Cash Required: $75,000

Wireless Zone

Technology
Investment: $160,000
Cash Required: $75,000

Realty ONE Group

Real Estate
Investment: $44,000
Cash Required: $15,000 - $22,000

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DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and does not constitute any investment recommendation. A franchise investment requires a personal assessment of your objectives, financial situation, skills, goals, and many other factors. Before making any investment decision, you need to consider whether this information is appropriate to your situation and needs.

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