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

Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

michael-mabry-franchise-growth

Lawn Squad

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad 

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad as a Treatment-Only Lawn Care Franchise

lawn-squad-franchise-opportunity

Jollibee

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

franchise-leadership-growth

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of guest checking in at Woodhouse Spas reception desk

franchise-questions-answered

Mellow Mushroom

How Mellow Mushroom’s Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Restaurant Portfolio

How Mellow Mushroom’s Flexible Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Growing Restaurant Portfolio

mellow-mushroom-brad-harper-restaurant-growth

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

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

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

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

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

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 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

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS