Cheap Franchise Startups to Buy Into

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 62% of U.S. adults say they'd rather be their own boss than work for someone else — and the most common reason they haven't made the leap is money: 60% cite the lack of capital needed to start a business as their top barrier. The good news: you don't need six figures in savings to become a business owner. Cheap franchise startups make ownership realistic for a lot more people than you'd think, and some of the best opportunities out there can be bought into for well under $100,000.

"Cheap" doesn't mean lower quality — some of the most affordable franchises below are also some of the best-reviewed in their categories. They span a range of industries, so there's a good chance one fits your interests, skills, and budget. Here are a few of our favorites.

Best Cheap Franchise Startups to Buy Into Right Now

360clean

Investment: $20,800–$29,000

360clean offers health-focused office cleaning services across the U.S. It's one of the most accessible picks here: cleaning is an always-needed service, and the low-overhead model keeps the initial investment small. One note: 360clean has reached its current franchise goals and isn't accepting new applicants at the moment — sign up on their site for updates if you want to be first in line when they reopen.

Amazing Athletes

Investment: $63,050–$96,500

If you're passionate about sports and enjoy working with kids, this is worth a look. Amazing Athletes runs a multi-sport program for children 18 months to 6 years old. It's mobile and runs year-round, which supports strong profit margins — though this one now sits closer to the $100k ceiling than it used to, with the franchise fee alone running $44,550–$49,500.

Surface Specialists Systems

Investment: $43,000–$56,000

Surface Specialists Systems has been repairing and refinishing kitchen and bath surfaces for over four decades, giving franchisees the benefit of established brand recognition and refined processes. It's one of the longest-running names on this list, and one of the most budget-friendly.

Complete Weddings + Events

Investment: $35,800–$71,900

The most flexible-cost option here, and one of the most profitable given how much people spend on weddings and events. It's also more hands-on — you'll be coordinating videography, lighting, DJ services, photo booths, and more — but a current franchise fee incentive (as low as $15,000, down from the standard $50,000) makes it worth a closer look right now.

Want more options? See our full list of franchises you can start for $100k or less.

Get the Funding You Need from Jumpstart Finance

Now that you've got a shortlist of affordable franchises worth exploring, the next step is figuring out how to fund one. Jumpstart Finance can help you get there — reach out to our team for guidance on financing and to see what you qualify for.

Franchise investment figures are drawn from each brand's public franchise disclosure information and are subject to change. Confirm current figures directly with the franchisor before applying.