by Kathleen

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2008

Many women are successful entrepreneurs. Each one has her own reason for venturing into business on her own. Some are mothers that want to make their own hours, some single women that want to control their destiny, some married and wanting to do more than just work outside the home.

Whatever her reason, the decision is huge. It is hard for anyone to take on a business and keep a company thriving. When choosing a franchise many women look for things that will click with them personally and emotionally. These women entrepreneurs have made a choice to do things their way and want to know their decision is going to be respected. If you don't believe in your business, how can your customers?

There are thousands of opportunities for entrepreneurial women and below are some of the best fits.

Curves:
The largest fitness franchise in the world, and largely a women's franchise is found in 60 countries. Curves is a gym providing 30-minute total body workouts specifically for women. They offer two ways to become a franchise owner. By opening a Curves in new territory, or by buying an existing one off another franchisee. Women owners can feel connected to a cause when helping other women find fitness when they open one of these franchises.

Once Upon a Child:
A great way to spend time with many women's two great loves, children and shopping! This franchise offers a breakdown of what the investment cost in collateral should be in comparison to the amount of assets a store will have. Their website will give you valuable information about royalty fees, support services, training, and a prequalification form. Their main customer base is women/mothers age 25-44. General locations are in strip malls and their key demographics are middle to upper-middle class households.

Kids Night Out Across America:
A lower investment franchise comparatively. Founded in 1991, KNOAA teams franchisees with local YMCA's, churches, schools, etc. and provides the blue print for the program. The idea is to have a place where children can get together without being in danger. While preteens are having dance contests and playing basketball, parents are getting one night off without worrying about the safety of their children.

Merry Maids:
In business for more than 25 years with franchises all over the U.S. and Canada. Merry Maids merged with ServiceMaster in the late 80's and has had much success being a part of this family of brands. Their franchise owners benefit from advertising efforts and cross-selling made on behalf of the brands. They boast the best marketing and advertising programs and ongoing training and support through websites, seminars, conventions, and newsletters. They are the most recognizable brand name for home cleaning businesses.

Puur Spa Mobile Day Spa:
Began in 2003, is found in the U.S.A., Canada, New South Whales, and Indonesia. Offers a low start up cost of about $2.5k and licensing opportunities. Currently a smaller franchise with about 150 licensees but offers online training, technical and phone support and sales leads, along with a startup CD that teaches strategies for starting your successful spa business. This business is based on traveling to the client's home to give facials, mani/pedicures or massages, hair styling and more.

Opening your own business is tough but, any one of these opportunities will be a wonderful franchise for women entrepreneurs.

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