While most second-graders were learning to write their name in cursive, at age 7, Johnny Williams was busy cutting his grandfather's hair. Little did he know that this early experience would lead to a career he loves. After several years of perfecting his skills, he finally hit his stride. In 2006, after a stint as a regional director for Fantastic Sams, a hair care franchise with 1,400 locations, Williams used $179,000 in loans to acquire his salon. With the purchase, Williams, 30, turned his passion into profits. Projected sales at Williams' Matteson, Illinois, franchise are expected to reach $450,000. Williams has tapped into a bourgeoning $55 billion industry, driven by both the youth market, with its disposable income, and image-conscious baby boomers wanting to keep their look current. "The typical African American female gets her hair done weekly," Williams points out. "Weekly clients generate a lot of revenue for a hair salon." At Williams' location, 97% of the customers are African American. Ultimately, Williams' goal is to have three locations; plans are underway to open a second location in Englewood, Illinois, in late fall. "It's going to be a challenge because it's the first time a Fantastic Sams will open in a Chicago inner city. I really want to give back to the community and help grow the marketplace. I will reevaluate next year, look at the numbers, and determine when it's the right time to open a third location." Diversity among Fantastic Sams' salon and regional owners is a priority for the company. Scott L. Colabuono, president and CEO of Fantastic Sams International, explains, "Our [customers] represent a broad slice of the U.S. population; they are looking for quality hair cuts; coloring and styling services; a convenient location; a personable, certified stylist trained in both basic and trendy hair styles at a value-oriented price. Our diverse ownership group is driven to exceed clients' expectations." Williams is one of many African Americans succeeding in the franchising arena by collaborating with a franchisor that understands the need for diversity and has developed an effective minority outreach program. Franchising, which accounts for nearly 10 million jobs and a payroll of nearly $230 billion, has long been considered an avenue for black entrepreneurs to build and maintain wealth. Each year, BLACK ENTERPRISE identifies the best franchising opportunities for African Americans. This year, to spotlight the stars, BE has not only identified the hottest sectors poised to flourish in years to come, but also sought out franchisors with active minority recruitment programs. We've showcased franchises within high-growth categories with either low or moderate startup costs or a high number of black-owned units due to effective diversity initiatives. Diversity is a widespread business trend, and franchisors are recognizing the benefits. To remain competitive in the marketplace, franchised companies are making a concerted effort to expand their businesses to minority communities. As a result, the International Franchise Association, a trade organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, announced the launch of the MinorityFran program in February. Currently, MinorityFran includes 114 franchise companies and seven suppliers. Franchisee recruitment is the first initiative of the program, and participating companies receive training and information on diversity issues as well as access to contacts at participating organizations that have reach within minority groups. Through MinorityFran, franchisors receive the exposure, education, and contacts needed to increase the number of minorities within their systems. A VARIETY OF OPTIONS There is no such thing as guaranteed success within the franchise universe. A good way to stack the cards in your favor is to identify viable business concepts and pinpoint the underlying trends that lead to sustained growth. Here are six areas that fit the bill: Health and Beauty: In addition to spas and hair care franchises, fitness concepts, such as Liberty Fitness, and anti-aging specialists such as Sona MedSpa are franchises in this growth sector. Food and Dining: Consumers crave choice, quality, and affordable luxury. This has translated into growth for several food and dining niches. Casual restaurants like The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café offer busy families an alternative to fast food. Multiple brands under one roof such as YUM! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, etc.) fill this demand by offering an array of menu items. Juice It Up! serves up specialty beverages and smoothies -- great for health-conscious professionals and moms on-the-go. Business Services: Outsourcing has become big business as large and small companies search for ways to save on increased healthcare and payroll costs. Services franchises fill the outsourcing needs of various businesses regardless of size. This high-growth category also consists of staffing concepts such as Link Staffing and commercial cleaning brands like Coverall Cleaning Concepts. Technology consultants such as CM IT Solutions are also part of this group. Home Services: Interest rates may be rising but real estate remains a flourishing industry. Homeowners continue to invest in their homes, both to increase the value and to create a safe haven. The home services category caters to the needs of busy homeowners. Interior decorating franchises such as Décor & You, home inspection service providers such as WIN Home Inspection and maintenance specialists like Handyman Matters fit into this expanding category. Home services also include in-home senior care concepts such as Comfort Keepers and lawn care specialists like Lawn Doctor. Consumer Services: If you've ever dreamed of being a wedding planner, Sweet Beginnings wedding planning and consulting requires a low investment and offers flexible hours. If you've considered owning a pet grooming day care service, now is a great time to brush off your business plan. With Americans spending an estimated $38.4 billion on their pets this year, Happy Tails Dog Spa and Gulliver's Doggie Daycare take advantage of America's love of pets. For customers who want to capture personal memories with a family portrait, Grins 2 Go offers portrait photography; FastFrame provides expert framing services. Children's Services: Economic conditions necessitate dual incomes in many families. Children's services organizations have stepped in to fill the gap left vacant by working families. From supplemental education providers such as College Nannies to enrichment programs like Abrakadoodle, an after-school art program, opportunities are available in several investment categories. A SPLASH OF COLOR Michele Reed is a wife and mother of four children who range in age from 14 to 21. The Marietta, Georgia, resident is also a successful franchise owner. Reed, 37, combined her passion for interior decorating with her management skills to become one of Décor & You's top franchisees and its No.1 African American decorator. Formerly a manager at Verizon Communications, Reed wanted to plan her work schedule around her family's activities. While working at Verizon, she received a certificate in interior design and started her own business, Interiors by Michele. Due to a lack of quality vendors willing to work with small businesses, Reed's business failed to turn a profit. In 2004, when Verizon downsized, Reed was offered a sizeable severance. She used the money to purchase her franchise and saved the remainder to help support her lifestyle until her business became profitable. Décor & You has 88 franchisees, 11 of whom are African American. Décor designers help homeowners define and execute their decorating goals -- from reframing an old painting to doing a complete living room makeov er. Reed's investment totaled $30,000, including the franchise fee, tra ining, and samples. With an affordable investment and low overhead, her business rapidly grew, with first-year sales reaching $203,000. She has since purchased two additional territories and relocated from Maryland to Georgia. She has also moved into a retail location, hired one full-time decorator and a part-time administrative assistant, and aspires to employ multiple decorators in the near future. This year, Reed's projected revenues are $350,000. Reed relishes the supportive family atmosphere of her franchise. "The support is incredible and is especially helpful for anyone that does not have business experience. When I first bought my franchise, my regional director welcomed me with open arms. She took me in and helped me get started and is still available 24/7." Reed reaches out for guidance often, and still enjoys weekly coaching calls with her regional director. Offering consumers in-demand products or services is integral to your success as a franchisee. "Since 9-11, people seem to be traveling less and spending more time with their families. Homes have become a safe haven, and people are willing to invest in them." Reed has found that "there are more dual-income families with little time to decorate. There are also many second marriages. Couples are combining lives, and they need a decorator to give them a fresh start." GETTING STARTED The variety of opportunities and wealth of diversity initiatives within the franchising community make 2006 a great year to begin your business ownership journey. You can start your search online. Visit the IFA's MinorityFran page, www.franchise .org/minorityfran, or blackenterprise.com's Franchise Center (www.franchisesolutions.com/be). "Do your research and find a franchise that's right for you," says Reed. "Have faith in yourself and trust that you can make it on your own. Nothing in life is worth having without a challenge." B.E.'S 30 HOTTEST FRANCHISES FOR 2006 Business Services Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs CM IT Solutions 800-399-2648 www.cmitsolutions.com Onsite Technology Services $55,400–$104,900 Coverall Cleaning Concepts 800-537-3371 www.coverall.com Commercial Cleaning $6,200–$32,200 Liberty Tax Service 800-790-3863 www.libertytaxfranchise.com Tax Preparation Services $43,000–$54,900 Link Staffing Services 800-848-5465 www.linkstaffing.com Staffing Services $85,500–$156,000 RE/MAX International 800-525-7452 www.remax.com Real Estate $20,000–$200,000 Children's Services Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs Abrakadoodle 703-860-6570 www.abrakadoodleinc.com Children's Art Education $50,000–$100,000 College Nannies & Tutors 952-476-0613 www.collegenannies.com Child Care $40,000–$112,000 E.nopi 888-628-4776 www.enopi.com Math & Language Learning $5,000–$15,000 Ident-A-Kid 727-577-4646 www.ident-a-kid.com Child Identification $25,000 Kids 'N' Clay 866-543-2529 www.kidsnclay.com Children's Art Education $30,000–$45,000 Consumer Services Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs Sweet Beginnings 866-730-5553 www.asweetbeginning.com Wedding Consult. & Event Planning $25,000–$45,000 Candy Bouquet International 877-226-3901 www.candybouquet.com Designer Gift Bouquet $4,000–$30,000 FastFrame 888-863-7263 www.fastframe.com Expert Picture Framing $105,800–$150,300 Grins 2 Go 866-464-7467 www.grins2go.com Portrait Photography & Digital Prints $207,000–$254,000 Incredibly Edible Delites Inc. 866-203-7848 www.fruitflowers.com Edible Flower Creations $75,000–$100,000 Meineke Car Care Center 800-275-5200 www.meinekefranchise.com Car Maintenance $190,000–$350,000 Food & Dining Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs Chester's International 800-288-1555 www.chestersinternational.com Food Services $72,500–$416,000 The HoneyBaked Ham Co. 866-968-7424 www.honeybaked.com Food Services $266,500–$389,100 Juice It Up! 949-475-0146 www.juiceitup.com Food Services $235,517–$283,467 Williams Chicken 214-371-1430 www.williamsfriedchicken.com Quick Service Restaurant $285,000–573,000 Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell) 866-298-6986 www.yumfranchises.com Quick Service Restaurant LIGN="TOP">$928,000–$1,324,000 Health & Beauty Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs BrightStar Healthcare 877-689-6898 www.brightstarfranchise.com Medical & Non-medical Healthcare $65,900–$124,700 Fantastic Sams 978-232-5600 www.fantasticsams.com Hair Salon Services $88,000–$215,000 Liberty Fitness 888-521-2582 www.libertyfitnessfranchise.com Fitness & Wellness for Women $131,745 Sona MedSpa 615-591-5040 www.sonamedspa.com Medical Spa $409,215–$824,900 Home Services Franchise Telephone Web Address Type Startup Costs Comfort Keepers 800-387-2415 www.comfortkeepers.com Senior In-Home Care $44,000–$66,000 Décor & You 800-477-3326 www.decorandyou.com Interior Decorating $47,500 Handyman Matters 866-808-8401 www.handymanmatters.com Maintenance & Repair $48,000–$106,200 Lawn Doctors 800-452-9637 www.lawndoctorfranchise.com Landscaping Services $88,100–$108,300 WIN Home Inspection 800-967-8127 www.winfranchise.com Home Inspection $45,600–$57,600