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Yes, women own franchises. Yes, they are successful. And yes, you will find it a good choice too. Within franchising, female-owned businesses start out with specific advantages that are not as available in solo start-ups.
I spent years in the corporate world, but it takes its toll, especially on women. The hours were long, and the travel was toxic to a family—those difficulties led to dreams of entrepreneurship and managing my income and private life in some sort of balance. And franchising became one of them.
Any business, however, is very demanding, and franchises are no different. However, they offer attractive features because franchises allow women to make female-first decisions that will improve several aspects of your business and your personal life.
Women Want and Need Flexibility
A flexible work schedule is one of the most-requested benefits in a traditional job. For many, it is due to commuting times, traffic, and the desire to work from home occasionally. For women, flexibility is particularly important for success. Pew Research data shows that more women are in the labor force than ever before and that one-fourth of them are single parents. Juggling children’s schedules is not easy, but franchising provides kinder options for work hours and locations.
For example, a franchisee might be able to work half-time on the business while a unit manager runs the day-to-day operations. Franchise flexibility attracts women regularly who have multiple responsibilities because the work, the kids, and daily responsibilities meld together more easily.
Women Desire Freedom from Private-Sector Limitations
There is no disputing that women are still subject to pay gaps based on gender as traditional employees. Because we are under-represented in many types of work, owning our own business goes a long way to leveling the playing field. Women are better educated than men overall and are generally known for personal characteristics that blend well in franchises that appeal to us more often: service, community, education.
Franchising is especially appealing because women can build and succeed with a model that is already proven to work. Within franchising, there is no glass ceiling or unwritten limitation on how far you will rise in your chosen franchise field. Opportunities are not limited by the business; instead, the opportunity is greater because it is based on your ability and effort.
Financial and Business Support is Part of the Franchise Package
Getting start-up funds is always a challenge, but women are a bit more conservative. With a franchise, funding is sometimes available through the franchisor. Because the franchisor understands what exactly is needed, funding may be less risky for you, and women-owners are treated equitably. Plus, any initial funding comes a bit easier with an established franchise brand.
Training, support, and business expertise are significant reasons for anyone to consider franchising. Remember, the franchisor wants you to succeed too, and has a vested interest in making that happen. Female or not, you will embark on your franchise journey with supportive business partners. Since women are more collaborative, this support team means you are not alone.
Women may choose franchising for many of the same reasons as men, but with so many franchise options for women, the added benefits that keep women’s specific preferences foremost make franchising a wise option.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.