Are you a new entrepreneur looking to jump into business opportunities, but you live in a small town and don’t know what to do? Well, don’t worry, because some of the best franchises have actually made their way to small towns. This isn’t surprising when you find out that, according to Webfx, a new franchise opens every 8 minutes on a business day.
There are plenty of opportunities out there for you, and great franchises for small towns are one of them! In this post, we’ll go over 11 different ideas to help inspire you to start your own business, covering initial costs, franchise fees, and any other important details you should know.
Why Should You Bring a Franchise or Any Business to Your Town?
As we’ll talk about later, starting a business in a small town, whether it’s your own brand or a new franchise, has its own pros and cons. For example, you get more visibility because the town is smaller, but there might be lower demand to balance it out.
It’s essential to carefully research which services would benefit your town the most. Let’s take a look at some of the best franchises for small towns to help guide your decision!
11 Great Franchises for Small Towns
Small towns often don’t have all the same services that a typical city offers. This means there are always opportunities to fill empty market niches. Here are some great franchise ideas for small towns, along with key facts to help you understand how much money you may need:
1. Merry Maids
Cleaning services are needed everywhere, not just in big cities. Merry Maids is a cleaning franchise which can be adapted for small towns. This franchise specializes in both residential and commercial cleaning. With a presence in North America, Merry Maids cleans thousands of homes and apartments each month.
- Initial Investment: $126,880
- Net-Worth Requirement: $90,000.
- Franchise Fee: $55,000.
Check out How to Get Leads for Cleaning Businesses and discover the top tips to grow your client base!
2. Seeking Sitters
In small towns, reliable childcare professionals are often hard to find. In that case, bringing over a franchise willing to provide expert services will help those families in need of trustworthy babysitters, such as Seeking Sitters.
Established in 2004, this company’s babysitters have 3+ years experience babysitting from newborn up to 12 years. The sitters are at least 18 years old, certified in First Aid, and have passed an in-depth background screening performed by our in-house private investigators.
- Initial Investment: $59,200–$91,000.
- Net-Worth Requirement: Information unavailable online.
- Franchise Fee: $39,500–$46,500.
If you’re interested in sitting but prefer pets and homes over children, check out our TrustedHousesitters Review to see how house sitting could be a great fit for you!
3. Patrol Services International
Although it is generally believed small towns are safer than cities, the fact is violent crime has increased by up to 38% in some of America’s towns, according to Forbes. As a response, families will search for security measures to protect themselves and their businesses.
Patrol Services International is a private security business that offers armed and unarmed security services, including vehicle patrols, background investigations, and personal transport. This franchise is ideal for small towns looking to fight criminal activity with high-quality security services.
- Initial Investment: $109,500–$233,500 for a single-unit franchise.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000.
- Franchise Fee: $39,000 for the first unit.
4. Visiting Angels
In small towns, seniors are often better cared for than those living in urban areas, according to a study published in the Journal of Rural Health. Families will want professionals to take care of the eldest members of their families, especially those that require assistance with daily tasks, such as showering or cooking.
Visiting Angels offers in-home care, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. This senior care franchise is a valuable asset in small towns with aging populations.
- Initial Investment: $77,985–$102,285.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $100,000.
- Franchise Fee: $43,950–$67,950.
5. NEPAT Transport (Non-Emergency Transportation)
As said in the previous section, small towns require better health care for their elderly population. Fewer community members means that chances of a non-emergency transportation agency will be slower, making this a prime market opportunity.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services are in high demand in small towns, particularly with an aging population. NEPAT Transport provides safe and reliable transport for seniors, accident victims, and patients needing non-emergency services, such as getting routine blood tests done.
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- Initial Investment: $150,000–$350,000.
- Net Worth Requirement: $40,000–$80,000.
- Franchise Fee: $30,000.
6. Dunkin’ Donuts
No small town can ever be completed without a town that satisfies everyone’s cravings, and that includes donuts and other sweet foods. A classic in American breakfast culture, Dunkin’ Donuts offers a franchise opportunity perfect for small-town community members looking for a familiar coffee and a renowned donut shop.
- Initial Investment: $250,000.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000.
- Franchise Fee: $40,000–$90,000.
8. HealthSource
Health care options, especially for emergencies and other branches, are often limited in small communities. Their residents usually have to travel long distances to the nearest city to get appointments with chiropractors or for physical rehabilitation.
Chiropractic and wellness services are typically in demand in small communities, where healthcare options may be limited. HealthSource is the world’s largest chiropractic franchise, offering opportunities for health professionals to establish wellness clinics in small towns.
- Initial Investment: $118,078– $541,847.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000.
- Franchise Fee: $60,000.
9. Great Clips
Hair salons are an evergreen necessity, and Great Clips is an excellent option for small towns, with over 4K of small franchises throughout the USA and Canada. The franchise is known for its flexible hours and no-appointment-needed policy, making it convenient for busy residents who may want to feel pretty on the way to another appointment or event.
- Initial Investment: $136,900 – $258,250.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000.
- Franchise Fee: $20,000.
10. Tutor Doctor
Unfortunately, as painful as it is to say it, educational opportunities in small communities are limited. A study by the American Educational Research Association shows that urban students do better in middle school than rural students, specially in math.
In such cases, giving alternative educational resources for families who wish to make their kid have better lessons, Tutor Doctor is a great opportunity. The personalized approach makes this a great addition to any rural community, helping students succeed academically.
- Initial Investment: $68,500–$101,700.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $150,000.
- Franchise Fee: $44,700–$49,700.
Explore Best Lead Generation Strategies for 2024 and learn how to attract more students to your tutoring services.
11. Critters Control Inc.
Cities are nests for pests of all kinds, either rats, cockroaches or any other small animal. However, they can hit small towns as well, especially if it’s an area where its residents are dedicated to agriculture and farming. Cropland production drops, nearby forests and rangelands being infested as well, according to the USA National Resources Conservation Species.
Critter Control Inc. is a company that offers its customers personalized, and environmentally safe, approaches to dealing in pests. The company offers home improvements projects as well, such as pest damage repair, attic restoration and insulation.
- Initial Investment: $23,725–$94,575.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $50,000.
- Franchise Fee: $11,000–$47,000.
Advantages of Starting a Franchise in Rural Areas
Starting a business in a small town, comes with advantages that urban competitors don’t have, making it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs who wish to start small before growing. Some of these include:
- Lower Costs: Operating in a small town typically means more affordable labor, materials, and rent, which can lower your overall startup expenses.
- Community Support: Small towns are known for their tight-knit communities, often leading to connections and partnerships with other local businesses.
- Increased Visibility: In a smaller market, it’s easier to establish yourself as a recognized figure, helping your business attract attention and become a key player in the community.
Challenges of Starting a Franchise for Rural Areas
On the other hand, starting a business—even as a franchise—comes with challenges. While visibility might be easier in a small community, it can also work against you. Some of these challenges include:
- Limited Market Demand: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring there’s enough demand for your product or service. Thorough market research can help you understand the needs of the community and identify potential gaps.
- The Importance of Planning: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a new business. Without a well-thought-out plan, businesses may struggle to maintain cash flow, marketing efforts, or supply chains. A solid business plan covering marketing, staffing, and financial strategies is crucial for long-term success.
Best Small Business Franchises: Find Your Own Niche!
This article gives you a bunch of franchise opportunities that could work great in your small town, especially if no competitors are already filling the market. These open niche markets are a great chance to bring new energy into small communities.
But before investing big money, we recommend taking the time to look at each market carefully and figure out which one would benefit your town—and you—the most. And if a small town franchise feels too challenging to begin with, you can always start an online business to lay your first foundations.
Photos via Pexels.
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