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The 50 Best Recession-Proof Businesses to Start in 2020

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

Our 2020 list of the Top 50 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

If you’ve thought about being your own boss and want control of your work, finances, and life, MaidPro can offer you two things: a business that fulfills the dream of being your own boss, of ...

Investment: $74,560
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: $170,382
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: $83,085
Cash Required: $57,950

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

Learn More of Fibrenew

Learn More About Kona Ice
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Kona Ice

Food

It’s the beginning of a new day and it’s time for a fresh start. In a year that had most businesses struggling to just survive, Kona Ice has thrived. Many may have felt like global even...

Investment: $134,850
Cash Required: $20,000

Learn More of Kona Ice

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 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 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: $172,076
Cash Required: $37,999

Learn More of Snap-on Tools

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., was founded in 1992 and began franchising in 1996. An industry leader, Office Pride is one of the most respected full-service ...

Investment: $59,500
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: $45,000

Learn More of Mr. Appliance

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 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 Nextaff
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Nextaff

Business Services

NEXTAFF franchisees help companies Identify, Evaluate and Acquire quality talent using our proprietary X-Factor process.

NEXTAFF was originally started as a traditional staffing company i...

Investment: $123,000
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Nextaff

Learn More About Mathnasium Learning Centers
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Mathnasium Learning Centers

Education

Our mission is to help every child to understand and master math, because it will change their world. Starting in 2002 with one Mathnasium Learning Center in Los Angeles, we've grown to over 1,...

Investment: $112,750
Cash Required: $112,000

Learn More of Mathnasium Learning Centers

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: $45,000

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: $50,000

Learn More of TeamLogic IT

Learn More About FirstLight Home Care
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FirstLight Home Care

Senior Care

FirstLight is the home care franchise that is setting a new industry standard. We don’t just say we put people first—we do it, every single day, through our Culture of Care.

Investment: $112,376
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of FirstLight Home Care

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 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: $64,300
Cash Required: $35,000

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: $59,900
Cash Required: $59,000

Learn More of Image One

Learn More About 30 Minute Hit
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30 Minute Hit

Fitness

The 30 Minute Hit is definitely not your typical gym. Not a typical women’s only gym. And certainly not a typical Kickboxing gym. The 30 Minute Hit is a special place, that inspires and empow...

Investment: $122,350
Cash Required: $45,000

Learn More of 30 Minute Hit

Learn More About Home Helpers Home Care
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Home Helpers Home Care

Senior Care

At Home Helpers, we have a mission that matters. Our goal is to be the most trusted & respected provider of comprehensive home care services & support for individuals who choose to remain i...

Investment: $84,450
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Home Helpers Home Care

NextHome

Real Estate
Investment: $14,750
Cash Required: $3,750

Home Instead

Senior Care
Investment: $108,900
Cash Required: $55,000

Weichert Real Estate

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

Aire-Master of America

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

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

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

Rhea Lana's

Retail
Investment: $19,050
Cash Required: $15,000

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Fitness
Investment: $61,250
Cash Required: $70,000 - $140,000

Assisting Hands

Senior Care
Investment: $80,050
Cash Required: $100,000

Brightway Insurance

Financial & Tax
Investment: $18,100
Cash Required: $25,000 - $200,000

Chicken Salad Chick

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

AtWork Group

Business Services
Investment: $154,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Just Between Friends Franchise System

Retail
Investment: $38,544
Cash Required: $43,178

Home Care Assistance

Senior Care
Investment: $77,775
Cash Required: $80,000

House Doctors Handyman Services

Home Services
Investment: $98,000
Cash Required: $50,000

Motto Mortgage

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

Paul Davis

Services
Investment: $215,390
Cash Required: $300,000

Sport Clips

Health & Beauty
Investment: $224,800
Cash Required: $200,000

HomeVestors of America

Real Estate
Investment: $96,000
Cash Required: $70,000

Homewatch CareGivers

Senior Care
Investment: $83,000
Cash Required: $50,000

FRSTeam

Services
Investment: $33,375
Cash Required: $33,375

U.S. Lawns

Services
Investment: $53,500
Cash Required: $50,000

Qualicare Family Homecare

Senior Care
Investment: $84,550
Cash Required: $50,000

Hungry Howie's Pizza

Food
Investment: $228,300
Cash Required: $100,000

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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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