by Lisa Townsend

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

Increasingly more and more women are becoming franchisees. What, then,
makes a good franchise opportunity for women entrepreneurs? Given the reality
of women's lives, it is important that women's franchises recognise the
complexity of their franchisee's commitments, and allows for flexibility in terms of
hours, knowledge, and experience. All of the opportunities listed have a web

presence.

Snap Fitness
This is a fast growing franchise that provides accessible and affordable fitness
training. It was rated the top new business opportunity by Franchise Market
Magazine in 2007. From the perspective of franchising for women, Snap Fitness
could be a viable proposition advertises itself as a very low maintenance
business, with a number of absentee managers and low employee requirements.
It is also well suited to women entrepreneurs as the franchise provides extensive
training and support as part of the package. Few assumptions are made about
knowledge and experience, which may be an advantage for women. Snap
Fitness's financial model is easy to understand and beneficial to the franchisee.

The Maids
The Maids is a professional level cleaning service that has164 franchises in the
United States and Canada and has been running for nearly 30 years. It offers
flexible working hours, extensive training that begins with a seven week course
after purchase, and continuing support. Assistance with marketing is included in
the price. Aspiring women entrepreneurs should note that The Maids
presupposes knowledge about the sector and business in general. This is
reflected in their franchisee base - 95% of which have worked in management.
Therefore, this may be suitable for a woman who wishes to combine her
business experience with a family friendly operation.

Edible Arrangements
This well established international business specialises in fruit and floral
arrangements, and in many ways is a conventional operation that does not tout
flexibility as an advantage to potential franchisees. However, it is notably
sympathetic to women franchisees - six out of seven franchisees featured on
their website are women. Previous experience in business or catering is
described as an advantage. Third party financial support, business software, and
marketing support is provided in the package, in addition to three weeks of
training after you buy into the franchise. The initial training is supplemented by
periodic visits by trainers.

OccasionOgraphy
This company provides one of the best opportunities for women entrepreneurs,
although

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