7 Franchise Opportunities Ideal for Young Franchisees

Investing in a franchise is a big decision, especially for people in younger generations or those who may be a bit less established in their careers. 

Adam Wasch, a franchise attorney with Greenspoon Marder LLP who does a substantial amount of work with younger generations, shared some of the things that younger entrepreneurs seek in a business opportunity, including flexibility, passion and affordability. These seven franchises incorporate those fundamental aspects, presenting an ideal investment option for young franchisees.

Scenthound

“They’re in the dog health and wellness industry. They are sort of a brick-and-mortar option, but on the lower investment side,” Wasch explained. “One of the things that I really like about this brand for young people is their tech stack and social media. They put a lot of effort into that.”

This brand provides an innovative model that young entrepreneurs will be interested in. It is consistently working to refine its offerings and processes — like mobile-app appointment booking — to make the brand more appealing to clients.

Further, Wasch noted that Scenthound is great about donating revenues to local pet organizations, giving franchisees an additional sense of purpose.

Unishippers

Unishippers is a franchise in the shipping space, allowing small and medium businesses better control over their logistics.

Though business owners cannot take an absentee approach, the B2B nature of Unishippers allows franchise owners to protect their time on the evenings and weekends. And, there is little to no work travel.

With a relatively small initial investment, opportunities for women, veterans and minorities and a place in a highly lucrative industry, young franchisees have easy access to an industry that is almost always in demand.

Smash My Trash

“Smash My Trash is popular with the younger crowd because they’re able to, more or less, sign up, get a truck and start-up,” Wasch explained. “We’ve got some clients in our repertoire that are in that mindset of not needing the brick-and-mortar space, and that attracts the crowd on the lower investment side.”

Smash My Trash is another opportunity with a lower initial investment and is situated in an industry that is almost always in demand. People are going to have trash, and it has to go somewhere. Further, the mobile nature of the business provides young franchisees a bit more flexibility.

The Patch Boys

The Patch Boys is a great mobile business that provides the service aspect many young franchisees are searching for. The home services industry as a whole has been on a steady climb since the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone inside, and home services franchisees are realizing just how fulfilling it can be to work with a client on something so personal and important — the home.

The Patch Boys places franchisees in the middle of this hot market with specialized training, a flexible, mobile model and a lower initial investment.

Chefs For Seniors

Chefs For Seniors is an example of a franchise opportunity that provides flexibility to its owners while creating a business model for those truly passionate about people.

According to the franchise’s website, “95% of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, and the service your franchise provides helps clients remain independent. Studies show loneliness can be as dangerous to seniors' health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, and over 30% of seniors who visited an ER last year were considered malnourished or at risk.“

Franchisees can build a business while providing much-needed support and acquaintance to seniors in the area, fulfilling the purpose requirement so many young prospective franchisees are searching for. 

The initial investment to start a Chefs For Seniors business can be less than $13,000, making it far more affordable than other franchise opportunities.

Jantize America

With three types of franchise options, prospective franchisees can choose between a Unit Franchise, Hybrid Franchise or Area Developer, allowing them to invest for as little as $5,000 or as much as $150,000.

At the low end of the investment, franchisees receive pre-established contracts, sales and marketing support, a flexible schedule, complete training and more. There is also unlimited growth potential, meaning that franchisees who do have their sights on something bigger don’t have to wait to get started until they have $150,000 in liquid assets.

3Natives

Young franchisees are interested in joining a business that aligns with their values. 3Natives has found itself in an interesting cross-section of specialty health and wellness foods (acai bowls and juices) and the social media era. Franchisees who care about their wellness can invest in a brand that aligns with their ideals while having the reassurance that the corporate team is committed to up-to-date marketing and growth strategies.

“One thing that I think is attractive about this particular brand for young people is that they’ve done a nice job of using social media influencers,” Wasch said. “One of their influencers is a gentleman by the name of Tyler Cameron, who was on The Bachelorette. He has a very strong presence on social media, and they do a really nice job of showing the young beach crowd enjoying the food. It does attract a younger franchisee that is turned on to the brand through Instagram or other social media outlets.”