by P M Mitchell

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: July 06, 2008

The proliferation of home-based franchises around the globe has led to a substantial increase in opportunities for women to own their own businesses. No longer confined to food chains and dry cleaners, the franchise market now offers a bevy of possibilities from business services to child development and tutoring. Some franchises, however, stand out prominently for their strength, stability, growth and size. Such items as their start up costs, available financing and support services for women entrepreneurs are also worth noting.

Since its incorporation in 1947 Service Master has grown steadily into a family of franchises that include Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and Terminix. The three franchise members provide residential cleaning services, furniture restoration and pest control services, respectively. Total investment costs range from $21.1K to $111.1K with royalty fees from 4 to 10% of profits. Agreement terms are renewable after only five years allowing for a shorter time commitment. Service Master offers a wide range of financing including franchise fees, start up costs, equipment and inventory. Its marketing support provides noteworthy and memorable national media advertising for increased name recognition among consumers.

Home care and companionship services have also grown significantly over the past decade. And Home Helpers/Direct Link, founded in 1997, has stepped up to fill the niche. The company provides non-medical services for seniors, new mothers, and assistance to those confined by illness or injury including meals, housekeeping, transportation, and running errands. The company is affiliated with an in-home emergency monitoring system, Direct Link, adding to consumer appeal. Total investment costs range from $41.7K to $73.3K and cash liquidity requirements are a modest $20K. Royalty fees are limited to 4-6% with ten year renewable agreement terms. Ample training, marketing and ongoing support are available to the home based business woman with no previous care giving experience.

Business services, another growing segment, offers a wide range of niche markets just waiting for the savvy business woman to exploit. One in particular, Proforma, captures the spot light for modest start up costs, and franchise and royalty fees. Founded in 1978, Proforma provides mid-sized businesses and large corporations with documents, forms, promotional products, printing and other business-related services. Start up costs range from $2.5K-32K, and royalty fees range

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