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The idea of starting a franchise has the allure of many entrepreneurial-minded professionals. Having the systems, product fulfillment, and strategies already in place is nice. Having the flexibility to make the franchise work with your lifestyle is equally nice.
But let’s face it. Sometimes, leaving everything behind to start something new doesn’t seem exciting. Instead, it feels like a risk that might be too much to pursue. For more risk-averse professionals, franchises offer an excellent opportunity to dip your toe into business ownership without making the full leap.
If you’re looking for a franchise you can start as a side hustle instead of a full-time, income-replacing business, here are three franchise areas to look at.
1. Seasonal Franchises
If you’re looking for a side hustle that allows you to bring in extra money while freeing you up to take a vacation, you might want to consider seasonal franchises. Sometimes, these franchises stem from having doors open only during the holiday months. Still, other types of franchises work seasonally and can bring you a good chunk of change.
Photography franchises can work as a seasonal venture. You may opt only to offer seasonal photo shoots or work with schools and take photos twice per year for school picture days.
Likewise, some sports franchises only run on seasonal playtime. Few sports run year-round, so having a sports franchise that’s only open during the training and playing seasons allows you to work seasonally as a side hustle in the evenings without burn out.
2. Franchises That Let You Choose Your Hours
Many franchises can be started and scaled on your terms. You get to choose your hours. You get to decide your work schedule. And you get to do so while being backed by a reputable organization that has poured money and resources into developing the systems needed to manage your side hustle. If you’re in a part-time role, leaning into a franchise that will let you choose when and how much you work is ideal.
Cleaning franchises work well for this style of work. There are various cleaning franchises where you can start and work the hours that fit your schedule better than requiring you to only work during traditional operating hours. For example, many janitorial franchises only work after office spaces are closed. Residential cleaning services are needed seven days a week. There’s tremendous flexibility baked into this industry.
Another industry that works well for setting your hours as a side hustle is home services franchises. These franchises offer a variety of services for the home, such as painting, landscaping, roofing, blinds, and more.
3. Home-Based Franchises
Perhaps the best side hustle is the one that you can do from home. These side hustles allow you to unwind after a long work day but shift your focus to another venture that’ll bring in money and build wealth for your family.
Home-based franchises are excellent ways to pick your working hours and set up shop with minimal overhead fees. Because you can run them from the comfort of your den or kitchen table, you can get going faster and start bringing in revenue from your side hustle without lengthy buildouts.
No matter which franchise option you choose, from seasonal to flexible, starting a franchise can open new avenues of personal and professional growth for you. Starting a franchise as a side hustle allows you to dip your toe into this approach with less risk and more reward opportunities.
Kimberly Crossland is the founder of Roadpreneur and Cruisin' + Campfires, two companies designed to keep families together and living in freedom through travel and entrepreneurship. The goal of both businesses is to inspire meaningful change through the power of a strategic, thoughtful approach to life and business. In her free time, you can find her looking for a new adventure together with her two boys.