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CategoryTypes of franchises
Different industries, business models and formats to find the option that fits your profile.
Most common industries
Food and beverage
Restaurants, coffee shops, desserts and quick service.
Home services
Cleaning, repairs, painting, landscaping and pest control.
Health and wellness
Fitness, spas, beauty and personal care.
Education
Tutoring, kids’ programs and adult training.
Care services
Senior care, childcare and pet care.
Business services
Staffing, marketing, printing and logistics.
Official sources: IFA – Franchising Economic Outlook · FTC – A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise
Franchise models
Business format
The most common: you get the brand and the full operating system.
Single unit
You open and run one unit.
Multi-unit and area development
You commit to opening several units in a territory.
Conversion
An existing business joins a brand.
Master franchise
Rights to develop a brand in a region or country.
Product distribution
Focused on selling the brand’s products.
Operating formats
Storefront
Store, restaurant or center serving customers in person.
Mobile or in-home
Service at the customer’s location.
Kiosk or small footprint
Spots inside malls or airports.
Franchise types by model
Different franchise types can be classified by industry (food, home services, education, health and wellness, business services, among others) and also by how the agreement is structured. The most common is the business format franchise, in which the franchisor transfers its brand, operating system, training and support. In a distribution or product franchise, the focus is on selling the brand’s products.
By scope, there are single-unit, multi-unit, area development (a commitment to open several units in a defined territory and timeframe) and master franchise agreements, in which the investor can sub-franchise within a region. There are also low-cost models run from home or from a vehicle, and semi-absentee models, where the owner supervises a manager.
The right franchise type depends on your capital, how much time you want to devote to the operation and, if it applies, your immigration strategy: for an E-2 visa, for example, the investor must direct the business. An FBA certified franchise broker helps you compare options using each brand’s FDD.
Sources consulted
Data checked in October 2026. Rules and requirements may change: always confirm current information with the official sources.
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