1851

Micro-franchises, sometimes defined as “<a href="https://www.msaworldwide.com/about-franchising/social-franchising/social-and-micro-franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014#:~:text=Micro%2DFranchising%20is%20defined%20as,lift%20themselves%20out%20of%20poverty" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a small business whose startup costs are minimal and whose concepts and operations are easily replicated</a>,” have risen to the forefront of the industry as more hopeful entrepreneurs seek business models that most align with their current circumstances and future goals.<a href="https://frannet.com/resources/blog/could-a-micro-franchise-be-your-ticket-to-passive-income/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FranNet</a> explains that micro-franchises “rely upon scalability and a reasonable price-point.” With all of the traits of a standard franchise, a micro-franchise combines affordability, scalability and franchisor support to allow entrepreneurs a scalable business opportunity for a lower initial investment.&nbsp;Often, these traits lend themselves to mobile or at-home models.Home-based concepts offer a lower cost of entry, largely because the franchisee does not have to secure real estate and account for other related charges. Rather than paying utilities on a whole new building, the owner might expect their home power bill to increase slightly each month, for example.Though some franchisees may feel a bit concerned about the value they’re receiving for such a low investment, Drew Daly, senior vice president at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dream Vacations</a>, explains that this hesitancy can often be resolved.“From my perspective, I do think there’s an initial hurdle: ‘Well, why is it such a low cost? What am I really getting?’” he said. “The truth is, you’re getting a tremendous value.”Like any other business, the capital infusion at the foundation of the concept is just one small factor. Even with a smaller initial investment, business owners can unlock a ton of potential; the other crucial inputs are time and passion.“Like any business, it’s about what you do to grow your business,” Daly added. “This means as an owner, you have to invest time, energy and money to get your business off the ground, regardless of which franchise brand you bought. Because if you don’t have a plan, and if you don’t work your plan, you’re not going to be successful. And that’s with anything.”In the micro-franchising space, lower initial costs and the flexibility for owners to work from home or on a mobile basis leads to additional flexibility in investments and creates a highly appealing work-life balance.“As a home-based franchise, we want our franchisees to invest all that extra money in their marketing and their promotions,” Daly said. “That way, they strive to grow their database of consumers.”As the trend becomes even more popular, it is creating space for a more diverse group of entrepreneurs to get into business for themselves. While giant franchise concepts have their own merits, gone are the days when an investor absolutely must invest a million dollars or more just to get off the ground.Here are some of the top micro-franchises in the industry today:<a href="https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Showhomes Home Services</a>Showhomes is a home-staging concept that supports homeowners and agents in preparing a home for market. The initial investment to start a Showhomes business can be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/investment/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as low as $77,400</a>.<a href="https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dream Vacations</a>Dream Vacations is a travel-planning concept. The initial investment to start a Dream Vacations business can be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/travel-franchise-cost/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as low as $3,500 down</a>, and owners can easily work from home.“At Dream Vacations, what we offer in terms of being a franchise, but also within the travel space, is a very unique concept,” Daly said. “The work-life balance allows people to do business while having the luxury of being at home, or maybe they’re working from a cruise ship, an island or as they travel Europe.”<a href="https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cruise Planners</a>Cruise Planners is a home-based travel advisor concept. The standard franchise fee for a Cruise Planners business is $10,995, but the franchisor is currently advertising a $2,000 discount, meaning franchisees can currently invest for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/the-investment?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as little as $8,995</a>.<a href="https://joinunitedcountry.com/real-estate-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Country Real Estate</a>United Country Real Estate is a franchise concept that supports agents in running a successful real estate business. While the franchisor does not publish investment information,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/united-country-real-estate/335302?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a> reports an initial investment as low as $10,480.Find Entrepreneur’s Top Home-Based &amp; Mobile Franchises Ranking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/home-based-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry-2722014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a> for even more low-cost franchise options.

The Rise of Micro-Franchising: Low-Cost and Mobile Concepts that are Changing the Industry

1851 Franchise

The micro-franchise model makes business ownership more accessible for entrepreneurs in need of a lower-cost, higher-flexibility option.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

the-rise-of-micro-franchising-low-cost-and-mobile-concepts-that-are-changing-the-industry

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Rise of Micro-Franchising: Low-Cost and Mobile Concepts that are Changing the Industry

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS