Last week, Hannah Kramer, published an article sharing some insights on women in franchising from an interview she did with the Chair of the International Franchise Associations (IFA) Women’s Franchise Committee, Nancy Bigley. Nancy has been a part of the franchise industry for 25 years and has experienced firsthand how the industry has transformed. She reported that franchising has evolved by adding more business opportunities that appeal to women, which in turn gives women the confidence they need to take risks. The more we identify and connect with something, the less risky it feels. I couldn’t agree more with Nancy that franchising is a natural fit for women who want to be their own boss and run their own business, because it provides the ability to be “part of a community of like-minded business owners, share ideas and collaborate. These are all things women do fairly naturally,” says Bigley in the 1851Franchise.com article.
That article caused me to reflect on the women involved in franchising I have had the privilege of profiling over the last several months for BlackEnterprise.com. From Angela Williams, co-founder of the DetailXperts franchise to Dawna Kelley, top-performing franchisee for the Abrakadoodle franchise, and most recently Tanisha Patterson attorney turned Tropical Smoothie franchisee. If you haven’t had the chance to read these articles I encourage you to go back and read their stories as they are both insightful and empowering.
In honor of Women’s History Month, here are just a few great franchise opportunities I frequently recommend to my female clients:
Best In Class Education
Founded in 1988, Best In Class (BIC) educational centers focus on educating students of all ages and offers tailored teaching material that encourages them to learn at their own pace. Their proprietary curriculum includes math and English enrichment programs, private tutoring, gifted test preparation, ACT, SAT, and college preparation courses. By offering numerous courses that target a broad audience, franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams and maintain high levels of student retention.  Total Investment Range:  $61,500 – $99,900
CareBuilders At Home
CareBuilders at Home provides non-medical care to the elderly and others who require limited assistance with their daily living needs. Services include personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) and are typically paid for privately as an out-of-pocket cost and are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. CareBuilders At Home is the “ONLY senior care franchise that provides its franchisees with complete back office support,” including payroll funding and processing, billing of accounts and collection of receivables. CareBuilders at Home is also the employer of record for all of their franchisees’ direct care staff and assumes all employer responsibilities for them. Total Investment: $87,000 – $115,800
Cinnaholic
A one-of-a-kind retail bakery concept featured on Shark Tank in 2014, serving gourmet, vegan cinnamon rolls that are dairy-free, egg-free, and mouth-watering! To top it off, over 50 flavorful frostings and specialty toppings are added to the bun giving the customer the ability to create their own personal custom cinnamon roll. Baking experience is great, but not mandatory. This is a simple operational concept in the food category, with manageable business hours. Total Investment: $173,000 – $269,500
Kitchen Solvers
Kitchen Solvers is the premiere kitchen and bathroom remodeling franchise. It is a home-based business where no showroom is required. This is a cash-based business where you receive 50% down payment on jobs; 40% paid when materials are delivered to the job site and 10% upon completion. The Kitchen Solvers system is cutting edge. From the job quoting tools and the internal state-of-the-art marketing platform to the sales process, installation, and suppliers, they offer the “complete package.†No prior remodeling or installation experience and you’ll never need to swing a hammer. Total Investment: $87,700 – $128,285
Seva Beauty
Ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine‘s Top 100 Fastest Growing, Top 25 New, & Top 500 Franchise categories, Seva is the pioneer of the fast-casual spa, with nationwide locations that maximize one-stop-shop convenience and price points everyone can afford. Services include Brow threading/waxing/tinting, facials, lash extension, makeup application, body waxing, and a line of skincare products. Total Investment $107,500 – $276,000
Nancy Williams earned a degree in sociology from UCLA with a specialization in urban studies and business. Her first business was a partnership in a small record label right out of college. After working with a few tech startups, she concluded her career in the corporate world with 14 years at Sprint, a majority of that tenure as a director of customer and sales operations. Nancy started NValuable Franchise Consulting, in order to provide free consultation, relevant insight, pertinent and candid feedback to her clients, so they are able to confidently purchase the right franchise. As a result, her clients achieve financial independence and a positive, enduring impact on their families and local communities.
Follow her on Twitter, and check out her website for more information.