Women in Franchising: Female Franchise Owners Rate the Top Franchises for Women

Women entrepreneurs possess distinct qualities that empower them to thrive as female franchise owners, particularly in building teams, giving back to their communities, and striking a harmonious work-life balance. Women often excel in fostering a sense of community, which is pivotal for any successful business venture. Their skill for creating culture, nurturing relationships, and instilling loyalty helps set them apart. By prioritizing a solid team dynamic, female franchise owners can cultivate an environment where every member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. We asked thousands of women to provide feedback on their experiences as female franchisees and rate the Top Franchises for Women in 2024.

It’s no secret that female entrepreneurs are adept networkers and communicators. Successful women in franchising leverage these skills to forge connections within their communities and build relationships with clients, employees, and fellow franchisees. Whether providing valuable feedback to their franchisors, collaborating with other local businesses, engaging with customers, or mentoring employees, women have a natural ability to build rapport and foster trust. These qualities strengthen the brand’s reputation, the franchisee network, and the entire franchise system.  

Additionally, female franchise owners often demonstrate a keen sense of empathy and understanding, making them effective communicators, people managers, and mentors. Their ability to listen attentively, empathize with concerns, and collaborate on solutions fosters a supportive work environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive. This inclusive approach boosts morale and encourages innovation and creativity within the organization.

Furthermore, female entrepreneurs often champion work-life balance, recognizing the importance of prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional success. By modeling a healthy equilibrium between work commitments and personal life, they inspire their team members to do the same. This enhances productivity and job satisfaction and contributes to a more positive workplace culture overall.

8,500 Women in Franchising Rate Their Experiences as Female Franchise Owners

Each year, Franchise Business Review invites actual female franchise owners to share their insights and experiences in owning and operating their franchise businesses. FBR asks women in franchising 33 benchmark questions about owner satisfaction, culture, diversity, leadership, training, support, and more. Franchisees are also asked questions about work-life balance, day-to-day operations, and profitability to understand female franchisees’ experiences and perspectives. This data determines a Franchisee Satisfaction Index (FSI) score. FSI is the industry standard by which the health of any franchise company is measured and tracked over time.  

8,500 female franchise owners representing 350 franchise brands shared their insights and experiences as franchisees. The brands on our Top Franchises for Women list have the highest female franchise owner satisfaction ratings. Our data shows:

  • 89% of female franchisees surveyed said they enjoy being part of their franchise organization.
  • 88% said they enjoy operating their franchise business.
  • 85% respect their franchise brand leadership.
  • $92,000: The average annual income for female owners of the brands on this list.
  • $1M: 30% of female franchisees surveyed generate over $1M annually.
  • 33% of respondents are multi-unit franchise owners.

Women Empowering Women in Franchising2024 Top Franchises for Women Award

FBR’s latest release of the Top Franchises for Women celebrates the brands that offer exceptional investment opportunities, thorough training, ongoing support, strong financial opportunities, and other key facets of entrepreneurship where women can thrive and support one another as franchisees.

Female entrepreneurs’ ability to build cohesive teams, foster community engagement, and maintain a healthy work-life balance lays a strong foundation for sustainable success in the franchising industry. By harnessing these strengths, female entrepreneurs can achieve their own entrepreneurial goals and meaningfully impact their communities.

An eye for detail is also key to crafting and consistently maintaining an exceptional brand experience. Flexibility, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking are essential for adapting on the fly and finding innovative solutions. Female entrepreneurs are accustomed to juggling various roles in their daily lives—whether as professionals, partners, mothers, daughters, friends, caregivers, or managers of our households. Balancing multiple responsibilities is second nature to women. Additionally, being financially prudent while prioritizing sales growth and keeping an eye on cash flow are crucial qualities for small-business success.

Franchising offers a distinct blend of entrepreneurial freedom alongside the backing of a seasoned parent company’s support and systems. It’s an attractive avenue for women confronting obstacles and biases in conventional corporate settings. Embracing franchising grants women a tried-and-tested business framework, including training, support, advertising and marketing assistance, and access to a community of fellow franchisees, mitigating the usual uncertainties of independent entrepreneurship.

The variety of industries in franchising is a big draw for women entrepreneurs. Many options exist, from traditional retail and food to more specialized areas like pet care and home healthcare. This lets women match their business ideas with their passions and the market’s needs.

Find Your Franchise Fit with the Top Franchises for Women in 2024

The Top Franchises for Women spotlight the vast opportunities available for female entrepreneurs. These franchises offer lucrative business ventures and empower women to lead with strength, creativity, and compassion. Celebrating these brands, we recognize female entrepreneurs’ pivotal role in enriching the franchising industry and beyond.

If you’re a woman looking to embark on a franchise journey, let these success stories inspire you. The world of franchising is vast, and the opportunities for women to thrive as franchisees are boundless. Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and discover how to make your mark in today’s franchising world.

See All Top Franchises for Women.

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