The Best Outdoor Businesses to Start in 2021

Are you sick and tired of working inside all day while glued to a computer in a stuffy office? Guess what, you’re not alone. Research shows that most Americans would prefer to work outdoors. An L.L. Bean study from 2018 found that while 87 percent of indoor Americans enjoy the outdoors, and 65 percent felt that their job was the biggest barrier. 

Spending time outdoors has proven to be healthy. It has a positive effect on the brain and body. Of the many benefits of being outdoors, the most significant include: 

  • Memory improvement
  • Blood pressure reducer
  • Mood enhancer
  • Energy booster
  • Stress reducer
  • Depression reliever

But the advantages don’t stop there. Being outdoors has proven also to be an effective sleep aid, with exposure to natural light potentially providing an average of 46 more minutes of sleep a night. Sunlight provides 166 times more light than office light, preventing sunlight deprivation and seasonal depression. Studies show exposure to outdoor light can also reduce inflammatory levels and overall body pain, and decrease your annual sick leave.

The good news is there are plenty of businesses today that demand outdoor activity. And many of them even offer great opportunities to earn a good living while representing well-established brands. Franchise Business Review has identified 15 outdoor-focused franchises that score well on their all-important Franchisee Satisfaction Index. They include a variety of in-demand services in landscaping, travel and cruise planning, food trucks, wildlife appreciation, summer camps, fitness and more. 

“With my job I was working from home, so I wasn’t really getting outside or getting much exercise or anything of that nature. I was kind of just at home every day working. It was an adjustment for me to actually start getting out and moving around and having a lot more responsibilities,” said Justin Sapp, a NaturaLawn of America franchise owner in Oxford, Mississippi.

“I have always loved being outside. I love seeing the resulting from hard work,” Sapp said.

If you’re a lover of the outdoors and are looking to invest in a business that feeds your passion, a franchise business opportunity offers you a proven model for success, including training and support and the power of a recognized brand.

But, before you invest in any franchise, it is critical to do your research. Compare brands side by side and carefully consider feedback from existing franchisees. A great place to start is Franchise Business Review’s List of Top Franchises.

To help you get you started in your journey to franchise ownership and want to work in or promote the outdoors lifestyle, here are some of the top outdoorsy brands to consider in 2021.

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Amazing Athletes

Investment: $58,050 - $91,500 Cash Required: $50,000
Clean Air Lawn Care home services franchise opportunity franchise owners in front of company vehicle

Clean Air Lawn Care

Industry: Services
Investment: $65,431 - $112,126 Cash Required: $50,000

Critter Control

Investment: $63,525 - $169,525 Cash Required: $8,075
Cruise ship on water city lights
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Cruise Planners

Investment: $2,295 - $23,465 Cash Required: $10,995
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Dream Vacations-CruiseOne

Investment: $1,795 - $21,000 Cash Required: $3,500
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Kona Ice

Industry: Food & Beverage
Investment: $149,995 - $189,300 Cash Required: $20,000
Mosquito_Joe-11

Mosquito Joe

Investment: $102,850 - $137,150 Cash Required: $50,000

NaturaLawn of America

Investment: $47,500 - $112,650 Cash Required: $50,000
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Pinch A Penny

Investment: $471,425 - $745,200 Cash Required: $150,000
Precision Concrete Cutting franchise

Precision Concrete Cutting

Investment: $155,000 - $181,500 Cash Required: $72,000
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Soccer Shots

Investment: $42,950 - $54,300 Cash Required: $20,000
truly nolen franchise

Truly Nolen of America

Investment: $50,421 - $122,207 Cash Required: $50,000
wild birds unlimited
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Wild Birds Unlimited

Industry: Pet Services, Retail
Investment: $209,425 - $350,037 Cash Required: $40,000
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts

Investment: $63,000 - $10,000,000 Cash Required: $250,000

Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Kona Ice

Industry: Food & Beverage
Investment: $149,995 - $189,300 Cash Required: $20,000
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Snap-on Tools

Industry: Automotive, Services
Investment: $201,433 - $465,436 Cash Required: $44,121
Cruise ship on water city lights
Includes owner satisfaction report
out of 100

Cruise Planners

Investment: $2,295 - $23,465 Cash Required: $10,995