If you think that franchised businesses are limited to fast-food and retail establishments, think again. Almost every industry includes franchised companies - that’s why franchises are such powerhouses in the economy. Franchise Opportunities exist in the hotel and motel industry, manufacturing, the high-tech and telecommunications sectors, health care, clothing, and many more sectors. Many business-to-business (B2B) companies and work-at-home ventures are franchises as well.

Although most industries are growing, some categories are growing especially quickly. Just like the larger economy, the fastest growing franchises are found in the service sector. They include everything from dating services to auto repair, real estate sales to temporary help agencies, to high-tech concepts such as laser therapies. With the boom in home ownership comes an increased need for repair services, cleaning, lawn care, and remodelling. Business-support services such as mail processing, advertising, accounting and bookkeeping, package wrapping and shipping, and printing and copying are especially well positioned for growth. And more personal services - such as hair salons, health aids, tanning centres, educational products, laser hair removal, and skin rejuvenation centres - also fall into this expanding category.

Franchises are especially well suited to the service industry because they combine entrepreneurship with reliability. Customers can depend on the high standards of a nationally recognized company, while the franchisee can meet the unique needs of his or her community.