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Are you hoping to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and become a business owner?&nbsp;As aspiring leaders search for increased flexibility and exciting opportunities to innovate and build a legacy, many drop their careers and opt to own a business. But there are several paths to becoming a business owner: you can start a business from scratch, buy an existing one or invest in a franchise.&nbsp;So, which path is right for you?<h4>The Benefits of Buying a Franchise</h4>Dave and Missie Carlile ran their own heating and cooling business in Indianapolis for 22 years before deciding they couldn’t continue. They would either need to change their business or quit. Their decision? To convert their business into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/heatingandairparamedics">Heating + Air Paramedics</a> franchise.“The struggle of trying to grow our company started to become too much for just the two of us to handle,” said Dave Carlile. “So Missie suggested we look into a franchising opportunity.”The couple quickly found the franchise model to be the solution to the issues they faced with their business.“Small referral companies like us aren’t what they used to be,” said Dave. “Google is the new phone book, and if you’re not heavily present there, you’re going to struggle. With the guidance from Heating + Air Paramedics, we get the support, marketing tools and presence that most larger companies have.”&nbsp;Franchises offer a tried and true model for opening a business. By investing in an existing, well-established brand, you can bypass many of the sticking points that independent owners face. You can also enjoy the added benefits of having a loyal customer base immediately upon opening, quickening the profitability of your business venture and increasing the likelihood of success.According to the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bls.asp?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=should-you-buy-a-franchise-or-start-your-own-business-2719240" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> (BLS), roughly 20% of small businesses close within the first two years of opening, 45% during the first five years and 65% within the first 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses survive for 15 years or more.&nbsp;Franchising offers a safer option for entrepreneurs that want access to guidance and support each step of the way.When you sign a franchise agreement, you pay the franchisor a fee to license the right to use the name and processes of the business. From then on, most franchisors will assist you with selecting your location, building your store, connecting you with suppliers, selecting and training your staff, and getting your business running.As a franchise owner, you won’t need to reinvent the wheel because the goal of the franchisor is to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for consumers across all of the brand’s units.&nbsp;<h4>The Benefits of Starting Your Own Business</h4>Owning a small business allows owners the freedom to engage their creativity. Building a business from scratch works best for those seeking financial and personal freedom who have a solid understanding of running a business and are honing a lucrative idea.If you have an innovative idea, you may be able to turn it into a business. Sam Walton did it with Walmart, Mark Zuckerberg did it with Facebook and Jeff Bezos did it with Amazon; many others have done the same. With startup costs as low as $10,000, having your own business — potentially even headquartered in your basement or the trunk of your car&nbsp; — can be significantly less expensive than the fees and recurring costs associated with franchising.If all goes well, your brand may someday become its own franchise. While the risks of starting a business may be greater than franchising, the potential ROI can be incredibly high. If you want a shot at the big leagues more than a steady paycheck, launching your own business may be the right move for your personality.&nbsp;Finally, and most critical for many budding entrepreneurs, building your own business makes you the boss in every way possible. You make every decision, create your schedule and run operations precisely to your liking.For the innovative entrepreneur willing to take a risk, there is limitless potential when starting a business.

Should You Buy a Franchise or Start Your Own Business?

1851 Franchise

While both options can be risky and rewarding, the answer ultimately depends on your risk appetite, entrepreneurial personality and financial ambitions.

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ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Strong Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

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Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

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petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

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Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

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Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

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Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

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Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

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Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

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Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

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The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

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From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

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Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

Should You Buy a Franchise or Start Your Own Business?

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