These Five Booming Sectors Are Attracting Female Franchisees

Females are taking the franchise industry by storm. Statistics show that the number of females in the franchise industry has increased 45 percent over the past five years. Now, more than ever, women are drawn to the business ownership opportunity that the franchise industry presents--especially as new concepts emerge and specific sectors grow.

According to Katie Fagan, a consultant of FranNet of San Jose, San Francisco, Tri-Valley & East Bay markets, many women are drawn to franchises that involve a great deal of customer support. They enjoy concepts in which customers are not just necessarily placing an order and walking out the door, but will instead rely on a brand’s services month after month, and year after year.

“The one-on-one work with clients is something that many women whom I have placed are drawn to. The opportunity to continue building a relationship over time is extremely appealing,” Fagan said.

In these franchise sectors in particular, women are emerging as the leaders.

1. Boutique Fitness

Innovation in the fitness industry is happening at a sprinting speed. Groundbreaking concepts like GYMGUYZ, which brings the fitness to the client in the form of a van, or the practice of Barre exercise with franchises like Barre Code, are drawing fitness-focused females in as franchisees. That’s because, for many, they’re intrigued by the opportunity to share their expertise and improve client lifestyle.

2. Senior Care

The senior care sector of the franchise industry is booming, and it presents another great opportunity for that one-on-one client consultation that many women are drawn to. Sharlotta Connally of Right at Home*, the in-home senior and adult care provider, was drawn to the opportunity to help others.

“Being able to help seniors and adults in my community during a time of need has been extremely rewarding for me. Working with Right at Home allows me to help others to continue living their lives to the fullest, and face a new day with a smile on their face knowing they have the support they need,” Connally said.

3. Retail

Retail franchises, too, present the opportunity for customer relationship development. When a consumer enters a store front, they are looking to receive one-on-one consultation in the shopping experience. Fagan mentioned that she has seen an increase in women taking on ownership of retail franchises. Emerging brands in this sector include everything from Edible Arrangements to GNC and Pet Supplies Plus.

4. Healthy Food

Fagan also noted that over the past year, she has seen an increase in the number of women wanting to operate franchises that serve healthy food options. She explained that many women franchisees have often spent years working within a corporate structure, and know the struggle of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is why, when searching for a new business opportunity, they are drawn to something they themselves would have found beneficial, such as one on one fitness and healthy food options that can be grabbed on the go. She noted that concepts like Vitality Bowls have garnered much interest as of late.

5. Staffing

Helping companies to build a team and helping clients find their dream job is another opportunity that many women in franchising have been drawn to. According to Fagan, the staffing sector is growing exponentially, and so is the number of women getting involved. Leaders in this sector have been Express Employment Professionals and Spherion Staffing.