Franchise Directory

Franchises under $100,000 initial investment

These 787 franchise brands report a starting initial investment at or below $100,000. Lower-cost franchises typically use home-based, mobile, or smaller-footprint formats that reduce build-out and lease commitments while preserving recurring-revenue economics.

All brands under $100,000

Sorted by lowest reported starting investment. Each link opens the full franchise overview, including FDD-derived investment breakdown, royalty percentage, training program, and ideal candidate profile.

By industry

Group the same brands by industry to compare service-based, food, retail, and home-services concepts at the same investment level.

Hospitality franchises under $100,000

Real Estate franchises under $100,000

Education franchises under $100,000

Uncategorized franchises under $100,000

Retail franchises under $100,000

Business Services franchises under $100,000

Holding Companies & Conglomerates franchises under $100,000

Construction franchises under $100,000

Consumer Services franchises under $100,000

Media & Internet franchises under $100,000

Organizations franchises under $100,000

Energy, Utilities & Waste franchises under $100,000

Finance franchises under $100,000

Healthcare Services franchises under $100,000

Insurance franchises under $100,000

Transportation franchises under $100,000

Telecommunications franchises under $100,000

Hospitals & Physicians Clinics franchises under $100,000

Manufacturing franchises under $100,000

Software franchises under $100,000

What "under $100,000" actually buys

A starting investment under $100,000 usually rules out full-service restaurants and large retail footprints. What it includes are mobile service brands, home-based consulting and tutoring concepts, single-bay retail, and smaller-footprint food formats such as ghost kitchens and kiosks. The investment number aggregates the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, initial inventory, training travel, and three months of working capital — Items 5 through 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Lower initial investment does not always mean lower total cost of ownership. Compare royalty percentages, brand fund contributions, technology fees, and minimum performance standards alongside the headline investment number. A brand with a $100,000 initial investment but a 12% royalty can produce lower owner take-home than a higher-investment concept with a 6% royalty if the unit volumes are similar.

Most franchises listed here qualify for SBA 7(a) financing, which typically funds 60–80% of the initial investment for qualified candidates. Personal liquidity, FICO score, post-closing reserves, and prior management experience drive lender approval. Always validate financing assumptions with at least two SBA Preferred Lenders before signing the franchise agreement.