I mentioned in a previous blog how, although the number of women-owned startups is increasing, there are still several hurdles blocking more women from pursuing their career goals.

Lack of experience and withholding of resources are the two biggest handicaps women bear when trying to start their own businesses, though any good entrepreneur will find a solution when faced with a challenge, which is why so many enterprising women are opening franchises.

Developing a business model from scratch and establishing a brand in today’s overcrowded market is a daunting endeavor, especially for those who have the passion to pursue it but not the training or first-hand knowledge. However, by opening a franchise of an established company, the franchisee gains access to a recognizable brand and proven business model right from the get go, as well as comprehensive training and a reliable support system to back them up.

What’s more, women have historically faced prejudice from financial organizations that either refused to lend them money or offered loans far smaller than those awarded to their male counterparts. Granted, it’s not entirely unreasonable for a financial institution to be wary of investing in an unknown small business, whereas major brands that have become household names are much safer bets. What’s more, most franchisors offer guidance and assistance to their franchisees, training them on how to secure funding or even turning them to lenders the franchisor has worked with before. 

Now, while most folks think of fast food when they hear “franchise,” the truth is so much more varied.

Companies across all sorts of industries are opening franchises across the country, and even the world. From hospitality to health care, real estate to recreational sporting goods, childcare to pet care and so much more, women can pursue a career in the field they’re passionate about while still maintaining a flexible schedule that suits their needs. The short hours are another major draw for women, plus the freedom to work from home is ideal for mothers who want to spend more time with their children.

As alluring as they sound, keep in mind that opening a franchise is still a lot of hard work.

Getting to represent a popular brand is by no means a guarantee of success. The most popular franchises tend to charge extremely high fees to open a location, and the very nature of their popularity means that most of the good locations for such a business are already taken.

There are plenty of up-and-coming companies that offer unique business models or meet demands no one else seems to be pursuing, so it’s always promising when word gets out that they’re expanding their coverage and opening franchises, but be warned. These overly ambitious businesses can end up failing due to being too niche for the current market, or unable to compete with more established rivals in the same industry. Sometimes the reason there isn’t a franchise in a certain location is because no one at that location will buy from it, and your brilliant plan to reach an untapped market will leave you with a lot of debt and nothing to show for it.

That being said, there will always be risks when opening a business, be it established or otherwise. Whether you’re starting your own company or opening a franchise, you should always do plenty of research to be sure the business venture you’re pursuing is worthwhile. It’s heartbreaking to see how many unprepared women end up running their businesses into the ground, but it makes my spirit soar when I look at how many other women are able to find success. Not only do franchises provide women training and materials, but they tend to offer more room for growth and access to higher positions than other companies as well.

Perhaps the greatest advantage franchises offer women is the chance for them to take the experience and income they earn there and use it to start their own businesses. More than that, when women find their own success and go on to franchise their own businesses, to pass on the knowledge and strategies they’ve devised while enabling other women the chance to grow and pursue their own ventures down the line, is a beautiful sight to behold.

Everyone has to start somewhere, so why not see to it that your first steps are as steady as can be before jumping toward the stars.