As an entrepreneur, there’s a huge chance that you were once an employee, but working for other people has already lost its appeal to you. What you want now is to achieve the goals that you have set for yourself, follow your dreams, and work on projects that you care about.
This is definitely what almost all of us want, but starting your own business can be expensive and risky. In order to mitigate problems, we sought out to compile a list of ten highly rated franchises that are not only affordable but have proven to provide tremendous support and growth potential.
1. Cruise Planners

Initial investment: USD$2,095 to USD$22,867
Initial franchise fee: USD$495 to USD$10,495
New units for the year 2016: 361
You may have already guessed what the company provides. This franchise opportunity is excellent in letting you dip your toes in the water while having crucial guidance and assistance as you do so. Cruise Planners is a home-based travel agent network that provides full-service travel packages.
2. Dream Vacations
Initial investment: USD$3,245 to USD$21,850
Initial franchise fee: USD$495 to USD$9,800
New units for the year 2016: 80
Dream Vacations, just like Cruise Planners, is a home-based travel agency network. The travel agency offers discounted investment prices to those who have served military service. If you are a military veteran, we suggest you research whether the company can offer you a discounted price.
3. Chester's
Initial investment: USD$8,639 to USD$296,598
Initial franchise fee: USD$3,500
New units for the year 2016: -1 unit
Chester's offers a wide range of initial investments. You can choose to invest as low as $8,000 or as much as $300,000. Depending on your plans and current assets, there’s a chance that you will be allowed to open a franchise in a new location with only cashing out four or five figures.
4. Property Management Inc.
Initial investment: USD$19,850 to USD$86,800
Initial franchise fee: USD$15,000 to USD$45,000
New units for the year 2016: 49
Property Management Inc. processes rent payments, finds tenants for many rental properties, and provides inspections among others. Basically, you will work as a landlord who's flexible and can collaborate with several real estate agents, property owners, etc.
5. Dale Carnegie Training

Initial investment: USD$19,700 to USD$174,500
Initial franchise fee: USD$10,000 to USD$30,000
New units for the year 2016: 4
Are you passionate about education and teaching? If yes, then a franchise of Dale Carnegie Training will be a good investment for you. This franchise will help build leaders as it will teach them important business subjects such as sales, investment, leadership, and self-improvement.
6. Buildingstars International
Initial investment: USD$2,245 to USD$53,200
Initial franchise fee: USD$995 to USD$46,995
New units for the year 2016: 41
Buildingstars International offers three investment paths, namely the technician who will work part-time, the corporate manager who'll take on a much greater share of revenue and responsibility, and the on-site manager who'll oversee a big team and large buildings.
7. SuperGlass Windshield Repair

Initial investment: USD$9,910 to USD$31,000
Initial franchise fee: USD$9,500 to USD$28,500
New units for the year 2016: 6
The company concentrates on three aspects: scratch removal, headlight restoration, and windshield repair. If you want to work with cars, then this is definitely a good idea for you.
8. Coffee News
Initial investment: USD$9,750 to USD$10,750
Initial franchise fee: USD$8,500
New units for the year 2016: -1 unit
Coffee News, a weekly publication, is distributed among coffee shops, local restaurants, and hotels. The publication contains jokes and news stories. The company makes money by contacting local businesses and convincing them to purchase ad spots.
9. Padgett Business Services
Initial investment: USD$20,200 to USD$99,975
Initial franchise fee: USD$15,000 to USD$56,000
New units for the year 2016: -7 units
This franchise offers business advice, tax advice, and payroll solutions. If you are an accountant and you are looking to work for yourself, we recommend you consider this as an investment.
10. Christmas Decor
Initial investment: USD$19,550 to USD$62,250
Initial franchise fee: USD$11,400 to USD$31,900
New units for the year 2016: 10
Christmas Décor offers holiday decorating services. This franchise focuses only on one holiday - Christmas - therefore, it’s seasonal. This may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you are looking for on an investment.