by Michele Marie Friend Metiva

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 05, 2010

Investing in a franchise is particularly easy for women now through the abundance of federal funding and government grants. The Small Business Association is a website and organization full of information and help for women planning to become entrepreneurs. Every state has an office with the opportunity for hands-on business training through retired volunteer corporate officers. The government grant program is available for all women interested in start up fees or long-term grants. The website

Government Grant Programs directs women on how to use the generosity of the program.

Women make excellent entrepreneurs and will succeed in franchises because of their communication skills. They pay strict attention to detail and have well-defined imagination combined with a lot of sincerity. There are so many opportunities for women to become successful entrepreneurs and one of the best ways is to invest in franchising.

According to a 2002 U.S. Census Bureau survey, the number of women owned businesses in the United States grew at twice the national rate for all privately held companies from 1997 to 2002.

'Franchising is a vehicle that appeals to people of all ages, and diverse business backgrounds, it has come to be especially so for women as it does not have the limitations that women so often face in the business arena.' franchisesforwomen.com

Here are four diverse opportunities for women to enter the world of franchise business.

HOUSEWARMERS is a rewarding franchise that helps your community while providing you with a low investment, home-based business in which you can work flexible hours. Quickly becoming a premier brand in the greeting market. It is currently expanding throughout the country. Minimum Investment: $15.200 Home-Based: Yes

COMPUTER EXPLORERS (CE) is a turnkey educational technology franchise. A home-office based business providing educational technology for a range of clients. Minimum Investment: $15,731 Financing Assistance: Yes, through a third party Training Provided: Yes Home-Based: Yes

INTERIORS by DECORATING DEN is rated number one in the country and is the largest Interior Decorating Franchise in North America. Become an Interior Decorator, while maintaining the balance between your personal life and your career. Training available in all aspects of Interior Decorating including design principles, product knowledge, sales, marketing and business management. Minimum Investment: $30,000 Full Time: Yes

MEDICAL STAFFING CONSULTANTS specializes in helping individuals and companies start up independent medical staffing businesses. No experience necessary. Turnkey on-site training. Capitalize on the severe shortage of health-care professionals with a high-demand business. The severe shortage of nurses and other health-care professionals has created an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs to start medical staffing companies. MSC provides assistance with insurance, license/registration, as well as financing. In addition, you will not pay franchise fees or royalties, and will have the freedom to grow your business to meet your goals. Minimum Investment $20,000 Total Investment: $20,000-$60,000 Full Time: Yes Home-Based: Yes

The internet is the perfect place to begin your search for women franchises. There are so many opportunities for women to become successful entrepreneurs and the best way to start is to invest in women franchise.

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