Franchise Forecast Continues Strong for 2013 The number of franchise establishments in the U.S. is expected to grow by 1.3 percent this year.

By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Thinking of buying a franchise this year? If so, you will have company. Nearly 11,000 new franchise units are expected to open doors in 2013 in the U.S., according the International Franchise Association.

The number of franchise businesses in the U.S. is expected to grow this year to 757,438 from 747,359, an increase of 1.3 percent, according to the IFA's first quarter update to its economic outlook, released Wednesday. The IFA, a Washington D.C.-based advocacy organization, commissioned economic analysis company IHS Global Insight, to prepare the report. Franchise businesses are expected to employ 8.3 million people in the U.S. by the end of this year and generate $802 billion in revenue, the report says.

Related: Business Owners Fed Up With Washington, But Many Are Optimistic on Their Prospects

Franchises in the business, commercial and residential service industry are expected to grow the most quickly both in the number of employees and the number of establishments, according to the report. Shipping-giant The UPS Store and graphic signs and exhibit franchise Fastsigns are examples of business-service franchises. Commercial and residential business services include moving company Two Men And A Truck, landscaping business Lawn Doctor and plumbing-service franchise Mr. Rooter.

As far as sales, real-estate franchises are expected to see faster growth than any other franchise sector this year, IFA reports. House-inspection company WIN Home Inspection and painting company Fresh Coat Painters fall into the real-estate sector. Many people don't realize that real-estate agencies, including RE/MAX and Century 21, are franchise businesses, too, IFA spokesperson Matthew Haller says in an email.

Related: 100 Things You'll Need to Know About in 2013

By dollar volume, the quick-service restaurant category, which includes Subway and Dunkin' Donuts, shows the most sales, with more than $200 billion in revenue expected in 2013.

While the forecast for the franchise industry is strong for the remainder of 2013, it could be better, IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, says in a statement. Business owners are anxious about the possibility of higher taxes and costs associated with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Caldeira says.

Related: Small-Business Owners Still Confused About Health-Care Reform

Have you thought about opening a franchise business in the coming year? If so, what industry are you most interested in and why? Leave a note below and let us know.

Catherine Clifford

Senior Entrepreneurship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior entrepreneurship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at Entrepreneur.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Want to Be the Next CEO of Jack in the Box? You Have to Be Really Good at Fortnite.

The fast food giant and Fortnite have a simple question: Do you have what it takes to be Jack in the Box's next CEO?

Social Media

Learn How to Become a Successful Online Content Creator for Only $35

Discover ways to use AI to make viral videos, a successful blog and more, plus the principles behind freelancer and entrepreneur success.

Leadership

I've Seen 25 Years of Change in My Career — These 3 Lessons Every Business Owner Should Know

The business world moves fast, and you're already behind if you're not keeping up!