Women have been breaking barriers and proving their mettle in all spheres, including the business world. The Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report (WISER) indicates that the proportion of women-led companies in India increased to 18 percent from 2017 to 2021. Even though there is a long way to go, slowly but surely, women business owners and entrepreneurs are disrupting the ecosystem with innovative ideas and excellent execution. Data further substantiates that women-led enterprises exhibit superior revenue and an elevated return on equity.

If you are considering taking the entrepreneurial plunge, choosing the franchise route will facilitate a smoother journey. Here is a list of 5 franchise ideas that could work well:

1. Preschool Franchise

At the risk of generalization, women are known to be incredible nurturers. They are also invested in the well-being of children. This is the exact reason why a preschool franchise tops the list. It is a great way to marry your passion for making a difference in young lives and having a viable business model around it. It also offers a great work-life balance, an added perk. The significant advantage of going with a franchise model when it comes to a preschool is that you need not reinvent the wheel. Instead, you can focus on areas close to your heart while you receive handholding in your journey. With professional preschool chains, you can rest assured that you have access to a scientifically developed curriculum that goes a long way in the child’s holistic development. In addition, the preschool franchisor hands you the tasks of setting up the school, marketing, technical and administrative support, and more.

Suppose you are worried about whether it will turn out to be a financially viable decision. In that case, it will help to know that professional preschool chains offer you admission support and guarantee a minimum number of admissions and a buy-back guarantee. Now, that makes it a virtually risk-free operation. In choosing the right partner, though, ensure you conduct the necessary due diligence and evaluate them on different parameters, including but not limited to their founding team, the kind of support they offer, their reputation with parents, their franchise success rate, and more.

2. Beauty and wellness franchise

The beauty and wellness industry in India is in its boom phase. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian beauty and wellness industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6 percent and is estimated to reach $20 billion by the end of 2025. This sector includes a range of business opportunities, such as beauty salons, spas, wellness centers, and more. With rising disposable income and Indians becoming aspirational, the demand will only grow. Once again, as a woman, you could have a natural flair for the industry while the franchisor support can help you with the nitty-gritty of setting up. The added advantage of this business is that as long as you can keep robust quality checks, the repeat rates are high. With focus, you can soon build a loyal client base.

3. Health and Fitness Franchise

The Indian fitness industry has evolved significantly from its unstructured beginnings to an extensive ecosystem comprising offline and online options. India has always had a rich history of wellness practices including yoga and ayurveda. Over time, there has been increased awareness about health and fitness, and options today include setting up gyms and having classes for yoga, Pilates, and the like. You could also focus on specific demographics, such as having women’s only gyms. Franchise options can go a long way in ensuring the necessary footfall that will help you recover your capital and clock profits early.

4. Pet Care Franchise

The pet care industry has seen rapid growth in a short span of time. Several reasons have led to this boom. The growth of nuclear families and the overall rise in loneliness are making people turn to pets as loyal companions. India has over 31 million pet dogs and 2.44 million pet cats, the fifth-highest pet population in the world.

You could opt for a pet care franchise, such as specialty pet stores that stock a wide range of pet goods. Additionally, you could explore the idea of grooming salons. If you are an animal lover, you would love to combine your passion with a profitable business model. Once again, this is a business that will have high repeat sales.

5. Food and Beverage Franchise

With people willing to experiment more and more with gastronomical options, looking at the food and beverage industry will be a good idea. If cooking is your passion, it’s a good time to give your love a new outlet. If you feel that setting up a restaurant involves too much risk and capital, you could begin by setting up a kiosk in a mall or any other area with high footfall. A franchise operation works well since you will be privy to all the SOPs that ensure quality. In addition, a reputed brand will offer you sales opportunities from day 1.

To Sum Up

To give your entrepreneurial dream the necessary wings, ensure you spend time figuring out your areas of interest first. Map it with due diligence of the industry that interests you. The numbers ratify the interest if you plan to take to a high-growth industry. However, remember that a high-growth sector comes with increased competition.

Therefore, you must go with a franchisor partner with a great track record and equity in the market. Time spent evaluating the right partner will offer you a lifetime advantage.

Here is to your entrepreneurial success! May you break all stereotypes and continue to soar.