Our Top Homebased Franchises, No Office Space Required Lower startup costs -- sixty of these homebased companies can be started for less than $50,000 -- are just part of the reason for these businesses' popularity.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

What's better than working from home? For a picture of the rising popularity of homebased businesses, look no further than the franchise world. Almost one-third of the companies ranked in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500® offer possibilities for operating without an office or a retail space. The 100 highest-ranked among those make up our list of the Top Homebased Franchises, which you'll find on the following pages.

Sixty of the homebased companies listed here can be started for less than $50,000, a few for less than $10,000. But low startup costs are just part of the reason for their popularity. Homebased businesses typically offer greater flexibility in terms of work environment and hours than companies that require an office or retail space, and the variety of franchises available--from advertising to security services to children's enrichment programs--should put to rest any fears about limited options.

This list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company. Always conduct your own careful research. Read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to as many franchisees as you can to determine whether the business is right for you.

Click here for the full listing of homebased businesses "

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

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

Side Hustle

This 31-Year-Old Spends 2 Hours Per Week On His $3,000-a-Month Passive Income Side Hustle: 'Trust Your Vision'

Hansel Moore's home office "wasn't cutting it" — so he found another place to be creative.

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.

Science & Technology

The Artificial General Intelligence Revolution Is Coming — Here's What Every Leader Needs to Consider.

Here's what leaders need to know to shape an AGI world, ensuring it fosters progress, purpose and a future where technology enhances humanity.