by Donna M. Houston

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

By March of this year the unemployment rate in the United States had climbed to 8.5 percent. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, that's the highest it has been since 1983. Over 13 million people willing and able to work found themselves jobless! If this sinking economy has you struggling to stay afloat, now could be the perfect time to test the waters of business ownership. Instead of drowning in a sea of debt and career uncertainty why not swim towards independence? As a matter of fact owning a franchise could be a lifesaver. Included-in-the-price support systems are beacons that will help you navigate unfamiliar waters while the proven formulas can keep you from floundering, even in rough seas. Additionally, there are many profitable enterprises for sale that cost less than $25k!

Green industries are one of the fastest growing sectors today for economic growth. Pick an environmentally sensitive franchise and you could just ride the wave all the way to success. Six of the following ten franchises are considered Green companies. The remaining four, while not specifically designated Green, are environmentally benign. Check them out:

1. Filtafry Franchise Environmental kitchen solutions for restaurants an oil filtration business - $15,000 minimum capital investment www.filtafry.com 2. 2ABSAmerican Business Systems, LLC a medical billing service - $19,990 minimum investment required www.absystems.com . Another secure market in an uncertain economy: health-care and health-related industries. 3. Energy Doctor Distributor reduce heating and cooling costs saving energy - $15,000 cash requirement - http://www.americasbestfranchises.com/Energy-Doctor- Franchise-Opportunity-Categories-Franchises-for-Sale -investment-10,000-to-25,000 4. PURphora chemical free carpet cleaning - $12,450 - $24,900 cash requirement - www.purphora.com 5. Lapels Dry Cleaning environmentally friendly dry cleaning - $20,000 cash requirement www.lapelsdrycleaning.com 6. Rotobrush Service Solutions air duct system cleaning and energy efficiency services - $10,000 minimum cash requirement - www.rotobrush.com 7. Pro Energy Consultants provide residential energy auditing to determine wasteful energy use - $15,000 minimum cash requirement www.proenergyconsultants.com 8. Wave Home Solutions water, air quality & ventilation, energy solutions for the home - $25,000 minimum cash requirement www.wavehomesolutions.com

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