Franchises

24 Top-Ranked, Affordable Franchises You Can Buy for $25,000 or Less
Franchise 500

24 Top-Ranked, Affordable Franchises You Can Buy for $25,000 or Less

These low-cost franchises are worth your time, energy and investment.
Matthew McCreary | 8 min read
McDonald's Is Acquiring AI Startup Apprente

McDonald's Is Acquiring AI Startup Apprente

Plus, there is a new self-checkout shopping cart making grocery shopping easier, and Google is using AI on its new baby monitor to help keep your baby safe.
Business Rockstars | 1 min read
How to Find Your Passion (If Your Passion Isn't Your Product!)

How to Find Your Passion (If Your Passion Isn't Your Product!)

Jonathan Barnett launched Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning as a way to support his true passions in life. But he found that supporting his employees is his greatest achievement.
Hayden Field | 4 min read
Why This Entrepreneur Went from Independent Business Owner to Franchisee

Why This Entrepreneur Went from Independent Business Owner to Franchisee

By joining FastSigns, Nikki Taheri found a new world of support.
Hayden Field | 4 min read
Jazzercise Still Thrives After 50 Years... and Its Startup Fee Is Only $1,250

Jazzercise Still Thrives After 50 Years... and Its Startup Fee Is Only $1,250

The workout franchise is still growing, still evolving and still dancing.
Molly Creeden | 13 min read

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Franchising is a way for companies to expand their business by licensing the rights to third-party retailers or individuals -- or franchisees -- who then can use the franchise's logo, name and business model.

There are three different kinds of franchises. They include:

  • Distributorships, such as withToyota, which licenses the right for a third party to sell the parent company product.

  • Trademark licensing, which allows companies to buy the right to use the parent company's trademark along with their own brand, such as what Coca-Cola licenses to other companies.

  • Business format franchises, such as Subway, which offer its franchisees the right to sell its goods and/or services using its business model.

Popular franchises: Some examples of popular and well-known franchise models are in the food industry -- many of which have gone international -- such as McDonald's, Subway and Pizza Hut. Starbucks, which is commonly thought to be a franchise, is not.

For more information about top franchise businesses, check out Entrepreneur's 2016 Franchise 500® Rankings, or get the Entrepreneur Franchise 500.