As Franchising.com reports, “Franchising has matured since Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s in 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois. First-day sales at that restaurant were $316.12. In 2008, McDonald’s annual sales topped $23.5 billion at more than 32,000 restaurants in over 100 countries – with about 80 percent of those stores owned by franchisees. Daily sales per franchised store today? You do the math!”

Owning a franchise is an opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs to to participate in an established business concept. This type of startup includes proven marketing strategies and techniques for day-to-day operations, support, access to expertise, and team coaching. Forbes writer Kevin Harrington explains, “When you break it down, franchising is simply a proven method of distributing products or services. But franchising happens to be a business approach that is booming at a time the rest of the U.S. economy is treading water.”

So, if you’re looking to break into franchising this year, here are several franchises you may want to consider:

1. Digital Doc

   Digital Doc is a unique franchise concept that takes advantage of a digital market that’s definitely not going anywhere. Their business concept specializes in the repair of cell phones, smartphones, iPods, laptops, cameras, personal computers and other electronic devices. It’s a low cost, high growth business venture in an upward trending market. Think about it, most people can’t go more than a few hours without their cellphone or laptop. Initial investment range: $65,000 – $77,000.

2. Human Healthy Vending

   The healthy vending industry is tackling America’s obesity problem with hi-tech vending machines that stock healthier snack options. Human Healthy Vending, is a rising player in the space that offers socially responsible vending machines. This little gem was started in 2008 and has received high marks from Forbes and others.  The company provides nutritious food options, drinks and locally sourced fruits and veggies. They target schools, hospitals, businesses, gyms and other venues. Their brand name is strong and they offer tons of help to get new franchisees going. Initial investment range: $71,495 – $108,995.

3. Anytime Fitness (24 Hour Gym)

   Every year nearly a million people join a health club, and Anytime Fitness is a franchise that aims to give its customers convenience and affordability. By fitting their business model to their customer’s busy lifestyles they offer 24 hour access to thousands of gym locations worldwide; giving patrons the opportunity to exercise even when the club isn’t staffed. They’re able to pull this off by utilizing proprietary software, security and surveillance technology. Some gyms even offer 24-hour tanning and certified personal training. Initial investment range: $25,001 – $50,000.

4. Visiting Angels (Senior Home Care)

   Visiting Angels is a leading senior home care agency offering private duty home care throughout the United States. To date the company has established more than 450 franchised senior home care agencies.They specialize in a wide range on non-medical services on an hourly basis. They provide franchise owners with high quality home care leads monthly, advertising, training and support. Initial investment range: $62,935 – $84,685.

5. Local Car Wash

   Opening a car wash may seem like something that is outdated but, if done right, it can be a great investment. People are always looking to get their car cleaned after a storm. To equip your car wash you will need great car wash equipment. Companies like Pro Tech Car Wash Service offer the equipment your business may need, including fully conveyorized systems & components, rollover/cloth/foam, high-pressure automatic, vacuum systems and more. Getting your car wash franchise set up can be relatively cheap with a quick return in the right market. Initial investment range: Variable.

6. Pure Barre

   “One of the hottest trends in fitness is barre, a workout designed to create long, lean muscle mass much like that of a ballet dancer. Barre studios are opening up across the country and multi-purpose gyms are installing ballet bars so they can host barre classes at their facility and stay on trend… Barre workouts combine a bit of dance, pilates, and yoga.” (Source: Yahoo! Shine) Enjoy the benefits of a growing national brand and a strong corporate team to support you in this popular niche. Pure Barre is a great business opportunity for franchisees, given the multiple revenue streams within each studio, including trendy barre classes, and high end retail apparel and accessories. Initial investment range: $111,500 to $182,500.

Operating a business franchise takes hard work and dedication, but it can be very rewarding. For many entrepreneurs, franchises can be easier to start. Meanwhile, there are many opportunities out there just waiting to be discovered. Becoming a franchisee may be just the right elixir to boost your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.

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