Franchises aren’t a new concept. Believe it or not, the franchise model of doing business dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. Important community members, such as high ranking church officials, were able to hold markets and conduct business activities. As franchisees signed on, they paid royalties to the lords who protected them in their commercial ventures.
Today’s franchises look a little bit different. Instead of paying royalties to lords, franchisees pay the corporate offices. Instead of a limited class of people being able to start a franchise, this market is open to anyone with a scalable business idea.
When a person hears the term franchise, he often thinks of restaurants and hair salons, but the world of franchise concepts extends well beyond those industries. As the growth of franchising continues to climb, so do the types of franchises taking root. Here are some of the most unique new franchise concepts taking off around the country.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Bricks 4 Kidz was started by a woman who wanted to offer classes to the youth. At first she offered a math class, which was met with a lukewarm response. Then, she offered a creative science class alongside it where kids used LEGO bricks to bring their creativity to life. Dozens of children signed up immediately and from there a new franchise was born.
This company is unique because it utilizes a toy proven to be a hit among kids in a way that has never been seen before. LEGO bricks take center stage in this program where children learn new concepts by constructing figures and buildings. It’s considered a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program for children over three years old. Franchise owners can work as much or as little as they’d like with options for after-school enrichment, summer camps, birthday parties, in-school workshops and more.
Social Media 1st
It was just a matter of time before someone took hold of the dominant social media marketing world and turned it into a scalable business. Social Media 1st is that business.
This franchise enables franchisees to sell social media marketing services to small businesses who need an extra set of hands online. It’s another home-based franchise, which makes it unique too. Still, it’s primarily sales focused. Franchisees don’t have to do any of the social media marketing themselves. All they have to do is find the small to medium sized businesses and bring them to headquarters. From there, the account is assigned a manager and a content writer and the marketing unfolds.
Mosquito Joe
If you love the great outdoors but equally long for a home-based franchise where there’s little overhead, Mosquito Joe offers a perfect mix. It blends pest control and the fears associated with the diseases carried by mosquitos along with a scalable business plan.
This franchise is inexpensive to start. Further discounts are provided for veterans and “hometown heroes.” It’s a unique concept not being tapped into as heavily in the franchise world… yet.
The Unique Franchise Landscape
Traditional franchise ownership is changing. Instead of the standard brick-and-mortar stores, more people are working out of their home. Franchisees are getting more flexibility with their new ventures, along with the opportunity to tap into new markets. Will you start a franchise with a unique business model?
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