1851

The franchise business model has proven itself to be an attractive route to ownership for budding entrepreneurs. Rather than trying to start a business entirely alone, franchisees receive support and knowledge from experts while still participating in the strategy and daily operations of building a successful business.The other variable for many new franchisees, however, is money. Depending on the brand, a new franchisee may rack up a multi-million dollar initial investment, which can be difficult to collect or finance and, logically, presents an even larger risk.Fortunately, plenty of franchise concepts pride themselves on being accessible to new owners or those who simply are not interested in putting up a huge initial investment.&nbsp;Here are the top 10 franchises you can invest in for $50,000 or less, ranked based on the order in which they appeared in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/franchise-500?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur’s 2022 Franchise 500</a>.<ol><li><a href="https://jan-pro.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting</a></li></ol>Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting touts its status as the number one commercial cleaning franchise. After a rise in diligence surrounding cleaning and disinfecting during the pandemic, Jan-Pro continues to allow franchisees access to a lucrative industry.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $5,000 to $58,000. There are currently 10,418 franchised locations.<ol start="2"><li><a href="https://www.stratusclean.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stratus Building Solutions</a></li></ol>Stratus Building solutions is another janitorial concept that cleans offices, schools, religious establishments, gyms and fitness facilities, banks, daycare centers, industrial buildings, and more.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $4,000 to $80,000. There are currently 2,900 franchised locations.<ol start="3"><li><a href="https://www.anagocleaning.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anago Cleaning Systems</a></li></ol>Anago Cleaning Systems offers commercial cleaning and janitorial services for other buildings like auto dealerships, restaurants and retail establishments. Anago offers two franchising models: Unit Franchises and Master Franchising. Master franchisees mentor unit-level franchisees and handle administrative work while the unit owner focuses intently on servicing their accounts.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $11,000 to $68,000. There are currently 1,791 franchised locations.<ol start="4"><li><a href="https://www.goosehead.com/franchise-owner/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Goosehead Insurance</a></li></ol>Goosehead Insurance franchise owners are able to break into the insurance space with the support of an experienced franchisor. The brand advertises homeowners, car, landlord, renters, condo, motorcycle, boat, RV, flood insurance and more. It says franchisees are set up for success as they’re selling something that everyone needs.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $40,000 to $119,000. There are currently 1,344 franchised locations.<ol start="5"><li><a href="https://franchising.realtyonegroup.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Realty One Group</a></li></ol>Realty One Group advertises itself as “a modern, lifestyle real estate brand.” The franchisor recognizes that the real estate space is really a people business. Rather than a traditional brokerage concept, Realty One Group supports franchisees as they work to build a successful brokerage with no limits.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $43,000 to $225,000. There are currently 344 franchised locations and 12 company-owned locations.<ol start="6"><li><a href="https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/rooterman/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RooterMan</a></li></ol>RooterMan is a plumbing and drain cleaning concept that offers franchisees a low cost-of-entry opportunity that has long-term benefits. With low overhead costs, exclusive partnerships and a spot in a market with consistent demand, RooterMan presents an opportunity with a lower barrier to entry and strong potential for return.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $45,000 to $82,000. There are currently 749 franchised locations.<ol start="7"><li><a href="https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dream Vacations</a></li></ol>Dream Vacations is a work-from-home, vacation-planning concept. With no required inventory or equipment outside of basic office supplies, new franchisees are able to get into business for very little money. The franchisor also says its owners receive “100% of the travel industry’s highest-paid commissions.”According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $2,000 to $21,000. However, the franchisor’s website notes a $10,500 franchise cost with possible discounts to bring the minimum investment to $3,500 down.There are currently 1,618 franchised locations.<ol start="8"><li><a href="https://www.nexthome.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NextHome</a></li></ol>NextHome is another real estate franchise meant to support its owners as the industry continues to change. The concept options one- and five-year franchise agreements, and it promotes flexibility throughout its model by offering growth resources without requiring a certain expansion pace.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $16,000 to $220,000. There are currently 578 franchised locations.<ol start="9"><li><a href="https://www.chesterschicken.com/franchise-with-us?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chester’s</a></li></ol>Chester’s is a quick-service fried chicken concept that serves its marinated, double-breaded fried chicken in convenience stores, truck stops and more. In 2021, the concept underwent a thorough brand refresh, bringing its logo, store design and packaging to modern day.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $16,000 to $228,000. There are currently 1,098 franchised locations.<ol start="10"><li><a href="https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cruise Planners</a></li></ol>Cruise Planners promotes itself as the number one travel agency franchise. Franchise owners run a home-based travel advisory business, supporting their clients in planning vacations like cruises, land tours, all-inclusive resort trips and more.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under50k-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less-2721733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, startup costs can range from $2,000 to $23,000. According to the Cruise Planners site, however, there is a $4,000 discount on its $10,995 franchise fee, indicating that the minimum initial investment would be far above Entrepreneur’s listed $2,000 by nature of the franchise fee alone.There are currently 2,585 franchised locations.

The Top 10 Franchises You Can Buy for $50,000 or Less

1851 Franchise

Breaking into business ownership doesn’t have to break the bank. These 10 concepts are a great place to start.

the-top-10-franchises-you-can-buy-for-50000-or-less

The Cleaning Authority

Franchise Journal Magazine: The Cleaning Authority Sets the Standard in Residential Cleaning

cleaning-authority-franchise-journal-feature

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Build a Business That Supports Your Lifestyle Goals With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

 trublue-home-service-ally-lifestyle-franchise-success

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant with "Now Open" inflatable on roof

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Opening Blueprint Drives Success From Day One

franchise-opening-playbook

Right at Home

Veterans, Army, Navy, Right at Home franchisees, Veterans Day

Veterans Excel as Right at Home Franchisees: Here's Why

veterans-in-franchising-right-at-home-success

Why This Corporate McDonald’s Rep Decided To Open His Own Franchise With The Cleaning Authority

kent-lewis-franchise-success

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 Development Website Builder

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

houses, Why Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

Why the Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

how-franchises-outperform-independent-business-2025-tech-data

Photo of Happinest Brands teams standing together in front of branded vehicles

Happinest Brands Continues Strong 2025 Trajectory With Major Q3 Growth and Strategic Wins

happinest-brands-q3-franchise-growth

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown

franchise-community-support-shutdown

Slim Chickens Opens R&D Center at World Headquarters To Drive Menu Innovation

slim-chickens-rd-center-fayetteville

Nearly 40% of Americans Are Eating Out Less as High Prices Redefine Dining Habits

nearly-40-of-americans-are-eating-out-less-as-high-prices-redefine-dining-habits

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Photo of Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza franchisee Lily Wilford

Entrepreneur: This 18-Year-Old Saved Babysitting Money for College — Then Decided to Buy a Business Instead

18-year-old-franchise-owner-lily-wilford

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

The Top 10 Franchises You Can Buy for $50,000 or Less

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS