Fitting the right franchisee to the right business opportunity can often mark the difference between success and failure. While women entrepreneurs certainly aren't limited to "women's franchises," there are particular franchise brands that cater heavily toward a female customer base and are therefore excellent gateways into the world of franchising for women seeking to become small business owners. Here are just a few potential franchise brands that a woman entrepreneur has to choose from.

Snap Fitness: A health club that emphasizes 24-hour access for its members, Snap Fitness utilizes a key access security system to reduce staffing requirements, thereby lowering membership fees. Ranked the "#1 Top New Franchise" in Franchise Market Magazine, Snap Fitness capitalizes on the growing baby boomer population, particularly older women, who are increasingly turning to strength training to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. (Initial investment: $250,000 or less)

The Maids: Offering in-home cleaning services, The Maids has been in business for nearly 30 years and operates in 40 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Since staff in the home cleaning industry tends to be overwhelmingly female, a franchise in this field offers a strong management opportunity for women entrepreneurs. The Maids' longevity in the market brings with it a solid reputation and an easily recognizable brand. (Initial investment: $117,000-170,000)

Edible Arrangements: Specializing in decorative fruit baskets, Edible Arrangements has more than 800 outlets worldwide. The franchise was ranked 27th in Entrepreneur Magazine's "100 Fastest Growing Businesses" in 2008, and has enjoyed positive publicity on The Today Show and the Rachael Ray Show, both of which have a strong female viewership. (Initial investment: $147,000-308,000)

Gigglemedia: An early-childhood focused business opportunity, Gigglemedia offers customized music CDs with well-known characters like Elmo, the Wiggles, and Barney singing songs that incorporate an individual child's name. Since Gigglemedia can be run from a retail outlet or as a home business, this offers a strong home-based opportunity for women entrepreneurs who are also parents. (Initial Investment: $900+)

Curves: A women's-only health club franchise, Curves offers an organized 30-minute strength-training program geared specifically toward busy moms and older women, who often prefer a more streamlined workout away from hectic, full-service health clubs. With 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves has a strong presence in the marketplace and is the largest fitness franchise in the world. The franchise features a fitness magazine available exclusively to members and a clothing line. (Initial investment: $35,000, not including facility space)

OccasionOgraphy: Offering personalized party favors, invitations and event take-aways, OccasionOgraphy was awarded the 2006 "Business Opportunity of the Year" by the International Association of Mothers Working at Home. Since an OccasionOgraphy business can be run from home and incorporates no franchise fees, it is a good entrepreneurial opportunity for women business owners seeking an opportunity with low start-up costs. (Initial investment: approximately $500 for start-up kit)

These companies represent just a few of the opportunities for women's franchises available. By matching your background and expertise with the right franchising opportunity, you can develop a recipe for success that will allow you to tap into the growing women's retail and services market.

Learn more about this author, Jayden Harlow.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best franchises for women?
We want to hear your view. Write now!