Starting a business does not mean the sky-high startup cost. In fact, some of today’s top franchise opportunities are also the cheapest fleeting models, underlying support and offering room to grow. Whether you are complementing your income or building a long -term business, these brands provide a proven system that makes it easier to start and scale at your speed.
Each of this list earned a place in our 2025 franchise 500 list, thanks to strong growth, solid financial and standout support for the franchise. From commercial cleanliness to travel plan, these businesses prove that low cost does not mean low capacity.
Related: Consideration of franchise ownership? Start now to find your personal list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
1. Stratus Building Solutions
- Established: 2004
- Since franchising: 2006
- overall rank: 23
- Number of units: 4,182
- Changes in units: 73% in +3 years
- initial investment: $ 4,450 – $ 79,750
- Leadership: Doug Flag, CEO
- Original Company: SBS franchising LLC
Stratus Building Solutions provides an affordable route in the rapidly growing commercial cleaning industry-one which proves to be flexible even in economic recession. The franchisees are equipped to help them scale with eco-friendly tools, branded marketing resources and continuous support from the beginning. With a unit increase of 73% in the last three years, the brand shows strong speed, especially for entrepreneurs who are looking to start part -time and expand into full -time enterprise.
Related: Vice President of Franchise Development Vice President of Stratus Building explain the benefits of being an essential business
2. Dream holidays
- Established: 1991
- Since franchising: 1992
- overall rank: 41
- Number of units: 2,078
- Changes in units: +39.7% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 2,590 – $ 21,870
- Leadership: Brad and Jeff Tolkin, Co-CEO/Chairman
- Original Company: World travel holdings
Dream vacation offers a flexible, home-based opportunity for entrepreneurs to turn on a side hustle or full-time business love-based love-no storefront is required. The franchise has top level training, strong operations and access to special travel deals for customers. The brand also offers a concessional franchise fee for military giants and the first respondents, making it even more accessible to those entering the industry.
Related: This journey converts your passion into an opportunity to earn money for franchise holidays
3. Cruise planners
- Established: 1994
- Since franchising: 1999
- overall rank: 70
- Number of units: 2,961
- Changes in units: +11.4% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 1,945 – $ 20,465
- Leadership: Michelle Fee, CEO
- Original Company: CP franchising LLC
For dreamers of a flexible, travel-centered career, cruise planners become easy to start-no pre-industry experience is required. It allows home-based franchise owners to sell everything from all-cost gateways to custom holidays and excursions. Powerful marketing and booking tools include, it is ideal for anyone to earn additional income or create a business around his lifestyle.
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4. Public cleaning and disinfected
- Established: 1991
- Since franchising: 1992
- overall rank: 77
- Number of units: 11,266
- Changes in units: +3 7.5% in the year
- initial investment: $ 4,830 – $ 58,070
- Leadership: Gary Bauur, Brand President
- Original Company: Strong brand
Recurring revenue, flexible hours and an inherent customer base create mass-cleaning and disinfect an attractive option for new ones for commercial cleaning space. With over 11,000 units and frequent increase, the brand provides a well-installed passage for entrepreneurs that are looking at the scale-thick part-time or full-time. Franchise are equipped with training, professional-grade tools and ready-to-go contracts, creating a well-organized entry into a flexible industry.
Related: 64 million American homes have a pet. It is reported here that this top ranked franchise is making the lives of busy owners easier.
5. Korvus geneorial system
- Established: 2004
- Since franchising: 2004
- overall rank: 78
- Number of units: 2,253
- Changes in units: +47.7% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 7,575 – $ 32,500
- Leadership: Brainnan Randquist, Cum-CEO
- Original Company: Korvus holdings LLC
Established in 2004, the Korvus Janitorial Systems provides a low cost, home-based entry in the commercial cleaning industry-an area known for its stability and recurring revenue. With the initial investment starting at $ 7,575, Carvus provided access to a network of comprehensive training, ongoing support and nationwide more than 2,200 units. The brand’s impressive 47.7% unit growth in the last three years earned it #78 entrepreneur2025 franchise 500 list, it is an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and scalability in a recession resistant industry.
Related: How Shake Papa is bringing John’s back
6. Buildingstar
- Established: 1994
- Since franchising: 2000
- overall rank: 269
- Number of units: 1,201
- Changes in units: +24.6% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 2,445 – $ 53,200
- Leadership: Chris Blaze, Chairman
- Original Company: Facility brand ink.
Entrepreneurs can grow at their own pace with buildingstars, 2025 franchise at #269 at 500, thanks to investment options that support both part -time and full -time commitments. Specialization in office cleaning – a region known for stability and repeating business – provides brand flexible scheduling and low overhead. With 1,200 units and continuous multi-year growth, it is a practical option for those who want to earn a stable income without their day job.
Related: The ‘favorite’ interview of this founder is only 1 correct answer to the question
7. Johnitize america
- Established: 1988
- Since franchising: 1988
- overall rank: 305
- Number of units: 107
- Changes in units: 1% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 8,200 – $ 49,000
- Leadership: Brett Zbek, CFO
- Original Company: Dorpharesim Inc.
Jantize The US offers a flexible, scalable path in the commercial cleaning industry – an essential service with frequent demand and recurring revenue capacity. Lower as $ 8,200 with startup options, jantize provides several entry points to suit various entrepreneurship goals. Unit franchises can only focus on service distribution, contracts are provided and no sale requires, while hybrid franchisees take more hand approaches, managing both relationships and operations.
Related: Walmart is paying some delivery drivers to verify its identity. here’s why.
8. Jaizerize
- Established: 1969
- Since franchising: 1982
- overall rank: 392
- Number of units: 7,141
- Changes in units: -10% in 3 years
- initial investment: $ 2,140 – $ 40,735
- Leadership: Connected Shepard Mrs., Founder and Executive Chairman
- Original Company: Jazzercise Inc.
Fitness-lovers will get a dynamic opportunity with Jezeris looking to turn their passion into a business. This dance-based workouts allow franchise trainers to teach classes in shared places such as gym or community centers, which eliminates the requirement of an expensive studio lease. With several revenue currents, including square fees and branded goods, franchisees can create a flexible, energetic business that inspires others while keeping the overhead low.
Related: See who made this year’s franchise 500 Hall of Fame
