Best Franchises Under $1 Million

Compare franchise opportunities under $1,000,000 total investment. FDD-verified fees, royalties, revenue data, and SBA default rates from our 20,000+ filing corpus.

The sub-$1M investment bracket captures the vast majority of viable franchise concepts - over 3,500 brands in our FDD corpus fall within this range. This is the sweet spot for first-time franchise buyers and multi-unit operators building their initial portfolio.

What separates the best sub-$1M franchises from the rest isn't brand recognition - it's unit economics quality. Our data shows that franchises with Item 19 disclosures and SBA default rates below 5% in this tier consistently outperform on operator cash flow, regardless of whether they're QSR, service, or retail concepts.

Use this list to build your shortlist, then validate each brand against three data points: Item 19 median revenue, SBA default rate (the closest thing to an objective franchise quality score), and 3-year unit growth trend. A brand with strong numbers on all three metrics is worth serious investigation.

How to use this list

1. Start with total cash required

The franchise fee is only one line item. Compare the full investment range, build-out, equipment, opening inventory, and working capital before you shortlist a brand.

2. Check earnings disclosure

Prioritize brands with Item 19 data, stable unit growth, and transparent franchisee economics. A cheap franchise without revenue disclosure is not automatically a good deal.

3. Pressure-test risk

Use SBA default rates, royalty burden, and payback period to separate affordable franchises from fragile ones.

Find franchises by budget →Model ROI →Check SBA default risk →

6,154 franchises match·FDD-verified data·Updated 2026

#	Brand	Franchise Fee	Investment Range	Royalty	Total Investment
1	Dl Matlock Md Other Medium Confidence	$100	N/A	7.0%	$100
2	Action Duct Cleaning Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataLow Confidence	N/A	$3K – $4K	N/A	$3K
3	Absolute Results Training Systems Education/Tutoring No Item 19Low Confidence	$495	$895 – $5K	N/A	$3K
4	PBC Other Low Confidence	N/A	$385 – $7K	N/A	$4K
5	Muzak Technology Low Confidence	N/A	$3K – $5K	N/A	$4K
6	N2 Franchising LLC N2 Publishing Other Low Confidence	$570	$3K – $6K	N/A	$5K
7	Rr Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$500 – $9K	11.5%	$5K
8	N2 Franchising, Inc. (BELOCAL®) Retail Medium Confidence	$0	$925 – $9K	15.0%	$5K
9	LIONHEART FITNESS KIDS Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence	$989	$3K – $7K	8.0%	$5K
10	CG Growth Systems, LLC Education/Tutoring Low Confidence	$1K	$3K – $8K	N/A	$5K
11	N2 Franchising, Inc. / REAL PRODUCERS® Retail Medium Confidence	$0	$975 – $10K	15.0%	$5K
12	N2 Franchising INC N2 Publishing Stroll Or Greet Other Medium Confidence	$0	$975 – $10K	15.0%	$5K
13	N2 Publishing Stroll Or Greet Other Medium Confidence	$570	$1K – $9K	15.0%	$5K
14	Holy Yoga, Inc Fitness Low Confidence	N/A	$3K – $9K	N/A	$6K
15	Network In Action Intl LLC Area Rep Financial Services Medium Confidence	N/A	$4K – $9K	9.0%	$6K
16	BELOCAL® Technology Limited DataMedium Confidence	$735	$2K – $12K	15.0%	$7K
17	REAL PRODUCERS® Technology Limited DataMedium Confidence	$735	$2K – $12K	20.0%	$7K
18	SIGN GYPSIES Retail Limited DataMedium Confidence	$1K	$4K – $10K	N/A	$7K
19	DYSTOPIA RISING Retail Limited DataMedium Confidence	$2K	$4K – $10K	5.0%	$7K
20	STROLL or GREET Technology Limited DataMedium Confidence	$735	$2K – $13K	15.0%	$7K
21	Inspiring Wellness Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$6K – $10K	4.0%	$8K
22	Innovative Offerings Other High Confidence	$5K	$6K – $10K	10.0%	$8K
23	PJSJ Other High Confidence	$5K	$6K – $10K	10.0%	$8K
24	Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Virginia Cleaning/Janitorial High Confidence	$5K	$6K – $10K	10.0%	$8K
25	Loyalty Networking Financial Services No Item 19Low Confidence	N/A	$3K – $14K	N/A	$8K
26	FranSave, LLC Financial Services Medium Confidence	$2K	$5K – $12K	10.0%	$9K
27	Ideal Curves Fitness No Item 19Low Confidence	$1K	$2K – $16K	N/A	$9K
28	PackageHub Business Centers Home Services Limited DataMedium Confidence	$500	$6K – $13K	N/A	$9K
29	TAPinto Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$8K – $11K	10.0%	$10K
30	PINPOINT LOCAL, LLC Technology Medium Confidence	$8K	$3K – $16K	4.5%	$10K
31	Travel Leaders Network, LLC Travel Medium Confidence	$3K	$2K – $18K	N/A	$10K
32	Travel Leaders Travel Limited DataLow Confidence	$3K	$2K – $18K	N/A	$10K
33	WINZER Retail Limited DataMedium Confidence	$4K	$6K – $16K	8.0%	$11K
34	Cp Other Medium Confidence	$11K	$2K – $21K	3.0%	$11K
35	CRUISE PLANNERS Travel No Item 19Medium Confidence	$11K	$2K – $21K	3.0%	$11K
36	2B ORGANIZED® Home Services Limited DataMedium Confidence	$5K	$9K – $14K	13.0%	$12K
37	Coffee News QSR Limited DataMedium Confidence	$10K	$11K – $12K	N/A	$12K
38	Nerds On Site Technology No Item 19Medium Confidence	$5K	$9K – $14K	N/A	$12K
39	Management Recruiters For Established Firms Staffing Medium Confidence	$0	$2K – $22K	1.0%	$12K
40	ApTask Workforce Staffing Medium Confidence	$1	$5K – $19K	1.0%	$12K
41	FinTech Consulting Financial Services Medium Confidence	$1	$5K – $19K	1.0%	$12K
42	Mighty Kicks Child Services No Item 19Low Confidence	$9K	$9K – $15K	N/A	$12K
43	Disaster KleenUp Home Services Medium Confidence	$50K	$7K – $18K	N/A	$13K
44	VIP Franchising LLC Beauty/Salon Medium Confidence	$11K	$2K – $24K	3.0%	$13K
45	Sanford Rose Associates Staffing Limited DataHigh Confidence	$8K	$11K – $15K	5.5%	$13K
46	Blue Ox Other Limited DataHigh Confidence	$45K	$9K – $19K	4.0%	$14K
47	OfficeZilla QSR No Item 19Medium Confidence	$5K	$10K – $19K	8.0%	$14K
48	Card My Yard Retail Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence	$9K	$10K – $19K	25.0%	$14K
49	CMY Other High Confidence	$9K	$10K – $19K	25.0%	$14K
50	UTOPIA DESCENDING® Other No Item 19Medium Confidence	$2K	$12K – $17K	5.0%	$15K
51	Upward Unlimited Other Low Confidence	N/A	$6K – $23K	N/A	$15K
52	Hounds Mounds Other Medium Confidence	$0	$4K – $26K	25.0%	$15K
53	POOP 911 Pet Services Limited DataHigh Confidence	$0	$4K – $26K	25.0%	$15K
54	Hounds Town, Inc. Pet Services Medium Confidence	$0	$4K – $26K	25.0%	$15K
55	Ruyi Other Medium Confidence	$15K	N/A	5.0%	$15K
56	BARTERCARD USA, INC Financial Services Medium Confidence	$5K	$10K – $21K	N/A	$15K
57	FIT4MOM Fitness Limited DataHigh Confidence	N/A	$3K – $29K	4.0%	$16K
58	Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co. QSR Medium Confidence	$8K	$15K – $16K	0.0%	$16K
59	SSV Other Medium Confidence	$7K	$9K – $23K	7.0%	$16K
60	Gokhale Method Institute Health/Wellness Limited DataMedium Confidence	$4K	$9K – $23K	N/A	$16K
61	Stroller Strides Other Medium Confidence	N/A	$7K – $26K	4.0%	$17K
62	Skin Type Solutions Beauty/Salon No Item 19Medium Confidence	$8K	$8K – $26K	0.0%	$17K
63	CruiseOne Travel Limited DataHigh Confidence	$11K	$13K – $21K	3.0%	$17K
64	CruiseOne Dream Vacations Travel Medium Confidence	$11K	$13K – $21K	3.0%	$17K
65	Rocking D Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$6K – $28K	10.0%	$17K
66	Structural Elements Micro-Franchise Business Health/Wellness High Confidence	$3K	$11K – $23K	8.0%	$17K
67	PFG Ventures Other Medium Confidence	$0	$7K – $28K	N/A	$17K
68	Proforma Retail Limited DataMedium Confidence	$0	$7K – $28K	N/A	$17K
69	Moms on the Run Fitness Revenue OnlyMedium Confidence	$10K	$14K – $21K	N/A	$18K
70	Crazy Running Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence	$10K	$13K – $22K	20.0%	$18K
71	Bloomfully Other Medium Confidence	$12K	$5K – $32K	10.0%	$18K
72	Wiki-Licious Franchises Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$9K – $28K	N/A	$18K
73	Tender Software Technology Limited DataMedium Confidence	N/A	$8K – $29K	5.0%	$19K
74	Network Lead Exchange, LLC Financial Services Medium Confidence	$10K	$12K – $25K	15.0%	$19K
75	Xx EFDID385998 REG17451 ARCHIVE Network LEX Other Medium Confidence	$10K	$12K – $25K	15.0%	$19K
76	Doan Home Services Medium Confidence	$10K	$13K – $25K	14.0%	$19K
77	NEXTBITE BRANDS, LLC Other Medium Confidence	$2K	$15K – $25K	8.0%	$20K
78	Stratus Building Solutions of Long Island, Inc. Cleaning/Janitorial High Confidence	$24K	$5K – $34K	5.0%	$20K
79	Smallprint Franchising LLC Silver Pet Prints Pet Services High Confidence	$11K	$19K – $22K	10.0%	$20K
80	Buddha Capital Other High Confidence	$5K	$12K – $29K	10.0%	$20K
81	Babes Other Medium Confidence	$10K	$21K – $21K	15.0%	$21K
82	Wine Country Ventures Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$6K – $37K	10.0%	$21K
83	JAZZERCISE Clean FDD Applicatio Other Medium Confidence	$1K	$2K – $41K	20.0%	$21K
84	Jazzercise Fitness Limited DataMedium Confidence	$1K	$2K – $41K	20.0%	$21K
85	Alta Cal Tech Other Medium Confidence	N/A	$12K – $31K	2.0%	$22K
86	Trinity Other Medium Confidence	$26K	$11K – $32K	10.0%	$22K
87	Breakaway BA Other No Item 19Medium Confidence	$0	$11K – $35K	N/A	$23K
88	Saber Tax Financial Services Medium Confidence	$13K	$18K – $28K	5.0%	$23K
89	Grand Comfort Other Medium Confidence	$9K	$16K – $30K	3.8%	$23K
90	CodeFu Education/Tutoring Limited DataMedium Confidence	$20K	$22K – $25K	10.0%	$23K
91	Brixday Party Child Services Limited DataMedium Confidence	$10K	$18K – $29K	8.0%	$23K
92	Executive Group Of Maintenance Companies Other Medium Confidence	$17K	$22K – $25K	10.0%	$24K
93	I-TEA QSR No Item 19High Confidence	$10K	$10K – $38K	6.0%	$24K
94	LMI Other Medium Confidence	$15K	$20K – $28K	6.0%	$24K
95	Leadership Management, Inc. Home Services Medium Confidence	$15K	$20K – $28K	6.0%	$24K
96	LMI North Dakota Other Medium Confidence	$15K	$20K – $28K	6.0%	$24K
97	LMI New York Other Medium Confidence	$15K	$20K – $28K	6.0%	$24K
98	VCS Business Other Medium Confidence	$4K	$13K – $36K	6.0%	$24K
99	Jan-Pro Franchise Development of Los Angeles Cleaning/Janitorial Medium Confidence	$3K	$5K – $44K	11.0%	$24K
100	Tank Rangers LLC Home Services Low Confidence	$20K	$23K – $26K	N/A	$25K
101	RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC QSR High Confidence	$5K	$10K – $40K	5.0%	$25K
102	Coopportunity Other Medium Confidence	$0	$5K – $46K	5.0%	$25K
103	Kinderdance International, Inc. Child Services Limited DataHigh Confidence	$20K	$25K – $27K	12.0%	$26K
104	Frontier Adjusters Other Limited DataHigh Confidence	$15K	$22K – $30K	15.0%	$26K
105	Frontier Adjusters Application Form A A Other High Confidence	$15K	$22K – $30K	15.0%	$26K
106	American Poolplayers Association, Inc. Automotive High Confidence	$10K	$22K – $31K	20.0%	$26K
107	RedKnight Franchise, LLC Other High Confidence	$10K	$18K – $36K	4.0%	$27K
108	CHEFS FOR SENIORS Senior Care Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence	$17K	$17K – $37K	8.0%	$27K
109	Delux Other Medium Confidence	$0	$23K – $33K	N/A	$28K
110	Buildingstars Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataHigh Confidence	$50K	$2K – $53K	5.0%	$28K
111	MTOclean Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataMedium Confidence	$5K	$8K – $47K	6.0%	$28K
112	Body and Brain Center, LLC Health/Wellness Limited DataHigh Confidence	$10K	$20K – $36K	10.0%	$28K
113	Regency Other Medium Confidence	$15K	$24K – $33K	18.0%	$28K
114	Benefit Personal Training Education/Tutoring Revenue OnlyMedium Confidence	$16K	$21K – $35K	N/A	$28K
115	Inspect-It 1st Home Services Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence	$25K	$13K – $43K	7.0%	$28K
116	United Country Real Estate Real Estate Limited DataMedium Confidence	$20K	$11K – $46K	N/A	$29K
117	Pritikin ICR Health/Wellness Limited DataMedium Confidence	N/A	$6K – $52K	15.0%	$29K
118	Pritikin ICR LLC Pritikin Pritikin ICR Other Medium Confidence	N/A	$6K – $52K	N/A	$29K
119	APLUS Other Limited DataHigh Confidence	$5K	$20K – $39K	4.0%	$29K
120	CASEY’S CLEANING Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataMedium Confidence	$25K	$14K – $45K	5.0%	$29K
121	Valcourt Building Services of Washington, DC, LC Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataMedium Confidence	$10K	$23K – $37K	N/A	$30K
122	Valcourt Building Services of Virginia, LC Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataMedium Confidence	$10K	$23K – $37K	N/A	$30K
123	AMERICA’S COLOR CONSULTANTS Financial Services Limited DataHigh Confidence	$10K	$15K – $45K	6.0%	$30K
124	BRICKHOUSE CARDIO CLUB Fitness No Item 19Medium Confidence	$15K	$22K – $37K	4.0%	$30K
125	The BrickKicker Home Services Limited DataMedium Confidence	N/A	$16K – $43K	6.0%	$30K
126	AmSpirit Other High Confidence	$10K	$5K – $55K	7.0%	$30K
127	Vintage Market Days Retail Limited DataLow Confidence	$10K	$20K – $39K	N/A	$30K
128	KBC Vendor Products Other Medium Confidence	$20K	$25K – $35K	7.5%	$30K
129	Commercial Cleaning Solutions Cleaning/Janitorial Medium Confidence	$44K	$5K – $55K	10.0%	$30K
130	Network In Action Intl LLC For Md And Va Financial Services Medium Confidence	$25K	$28K – $33K	15.0%	$30K
131	JVC Other Medium Confidence	$20K	$22K – $39K	10.0%	$30K
132	Goldeneye Other Medium Confidence	$47K	$3K – $58K	5.0%	$31K
133	KDO Capital Other Medium Confidence	$3K	$5K – $56K	10.0%	$31K
134	InlView Other Limited DataHigh Confidence	$8K	$16K – $45K	11.0%	$31K
135	Oksana Other Medium Confidence	$18K	$25K – $37K	5.0%	$31K
136	Grout Doctor Home Services Revenue OnlyHigh Confidence	$15K	$24K – $38K	9.0%	$31K
137	CleanNet Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataHigh Confidence	$32K	$14K – $48K	10.0%	$31K
138	Security Compliance Associates Technology Limited DataLow Confidence	$20K	$29K – $33K	N/A	$31K
139	Jan-Pro Of Upstate New York Cleaning/Janitorial High Confidence	$5K	$4K – $58K	10.0%	$31K
140	Stelar Development Other High Confidence	$3K	$5K – $57K	10.0%	$31K
141	Dealer Specialties Automotive Medium Confidence	$10K	$17K – $45K	N/A	$31K
142	N.G.T Other Medium Confidence	$5K	$8K – $54K	5.0%	$31K
143	Tina Maids Cleaning/Janitorial Limited DataMedium Confidence	$20K	$28K – $35K	5.5%	$31K
144	Randolph Ivey Other High Confidence	$950	$4K – $58K	10.0%	$31K
145	Jan-Pro Washington, D.C. Cleaning/Janitorial High Confidence	$950	$4K – $58K	10.0%	$31K
146	Jan-Pro of Washington, D.C. Cleaning/Janitorial Medium Confidence	$950	$4K – $58K	10.0%	$31K
147	Los Taxes Financial Services No Item 19Low Confidence	$20K	$5K – $59K	N/A	$32K
148	COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Technology Limited DataMedium Confidence	$25K	$29K – $35K	8.0%	$32K
149	Rezzil Strategic Partners Other Medium Confidence	$10K	$25K – $39K	3.0%	$32K
150	Computer Troubleshooters Home Services Limited DataHigh Confidence	$20K	$20K – $45K	6.5%	$32K

Showing 150 of 6,154 brands. View all →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best franchises under $1 million?

The best sub-$1M franchises span QSR (Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell), fitness (Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness), home services (Molly Maid, Mosquito Joe), beauty (Great Clips, Sport Clips), and senior care (Home Instead, ComForcare). The 'best' depends on your target cash-on-cash return and whether you want owner-operator or semi-absentee involvement.

How much can you make with a franchise under $1M?

Median franchisee revenue varies widely by concept. QSR brands in this tier often show $800K–$2M median revenue per unit, while service brands show $300K–$800K with higher margins. Item 19 data in the FDD is your best source for brand-specific revenue projections.

What credit score do you need for a franchise under $1M?

Most SBA 7(a) franchise loans in this range require a personal credit score of 680+, though some lenders accept 650+ with stronger collateral. SBA loans typically cover 75–90% of the total investment, meaning you need $100K–$250K in liquid capital for a sub-$1M franchise.

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Last updated: April 2026