The 12 Best Franchise Opportunities in Illinois
Michael Nicholas / Franchising / August 27, 2024
Starting a business from scratch requires a lot of two things in particular: time and money. If you’re interested in becoming a business owner but are running short on either of those things, franchising is a great compromise! You’ll also benefit from added support from the franchise itself. It’s like having a helping hand to hold as you climb the business ladder.
Illinois is a great place to call home — for you and for your franchise business. Chicago is a top choice thanks to its population of close to 3 million people, not to mention the steady influx of tourists each year. There are other large cities to choose from as well. Aurora, Naperville, and Joliet are all solid options, as are Rockford and Springfield, the capital city.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of starting a franchise in Illinois, as well as some of our top franchise picks in the state.
Illinois is one of the best states in the US to start a franchise business. The state is known for treating small business owners with respect and has even set up initiatives to support them.
Chicago, in particular, has taken this idea to the next level. The city features an online Small Business Center that provides workshops, counseling, and general advice for Chicago franchises. When you open one, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The city is the country’s third-largest metropolitan area and has an enormous population compared to many other places in the state. Lovingly referred to as The Windy City, millions of people visit each year, and that number is on the rise. For franchise owners, that means even more opportunities to make your mark.
Don’t feel obligated to settle in Chicago. The state has also implemented a program called Advantage Illinois with the aim of helping small business owners thrive all over the state. The program offers tax credits, loan assistance, and funding. The state recognizes that small businesses are essential for the local economy and therefore does whatever it takes to attract them to Illinois. This is great news for prospective franchise owners!
Before you set your sights on an Illinois franchise, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Most of these ideas can apply to opening a franchise anywhere in the US, and a few are more Illinois-specific.
There may be plenty of franchise opportunities in Illinois, but will you get the support that you need there?
One of the biggest reasons to start a franchise instead of a business from scratch is the support system that comes along with it. Before opening up a franchise in Illinois, make sure whichever franchise you choose has a sound support system and training program to back up their franchisees.
This includes advertising and the marketing that the franchise does for the brand in general.
This can apply to Illinois franchise opportunities and to franchises in general. Go through the franchise agreement with a fine-tooth comb (and maybe the help of an attorney) before you agree to anything. Take a close look at the renewal conditions, how much control the franchisor maintains, and if they require designated suppliers. Also, make sure that Illinois is listed as an open/approved location and keep an eye on what would happen if you choose to end your franchise agreement too.
You may dream of opening a business in Chicago or another large city in Illinois, but you need to determine whether there’s a legitimate need for the franchise before you jump in. Is there a demand for the product or service the franchise could provide?
Do a little bit of market research on your own to find out. You can also ask the franchisor for this type of information.
Franchise opportunities in Illinois are vast, but that doesn’t mean everyone is a winner. Again, a major upside to owning a franchise is the ready-made brand recognition that can help bring in customers. But, if there are already ten or more franchises in the Chicago area, you may want to choose a different business.
Talk to other franchisees to get a feel for the financial health of the franchise overall. Does the business do well in a big city? Is it better to set up shop in a smaller town? They can give you an idea of their annual revenue and other key financial points.
You also need to take a hard look at your own financial situation. If you can’t afford the initial fee or investments, move on.
When you open a cost reduction franchise, you’ll help your customers reduce their spending. You’ll also help them navigate the sometimes murky waters of negotiating with different vendors. If you want to earn a living by helping others save money, this is your type of franchise.
As a P3 Cost Analysts franchisee, you can help other businesses cut costs on their utilities, copier and printing, merchant processing, and waste management. It’s a growing industry that doesn’t show signs of stopping any time soon.
Additionally, P3 Cost Analysts provides expert training and coaching as well as the tools you need to succeed. It’s a rewarding way to jump into franchising!
ActionCoach is the #1 business coaching firm worldwide. It opened in 1993 and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs since. They rely on a tried and true business coaching method that helps business owners create better teams, earn higher profits, and get more time for themselves.
If you’re a former business executive who feels passionate about helping other business owners, this franchise opportunity is ideal. They offer several different franchising opportunities, ranging from investments of just under $70,000 up to $4 million.
We love their “The Practice” option, which enables you to work from home with an investment on the lower end of the spectrum. ActionCoach also offers extensive training to help you get started.
Soccer Shots is a children’s soccer program with franchises across the country. They focus on character development as well as technical skills, and it’s a great idea if you love children and sports.
The franchise provides access to the Soccer Shots community and offers ample support in the form of business consulting, marketing help, and operations assistance. The 2021 top earner made over $2 million in annual revenue, so there’s definitely an opportunity to earn profits with this franchise.
You can leave a positive impact on the kids you coach. It’s a job that will enable you to give back to your community each and every day. If you’re looking for a fulfilling franchise opportunity, this one is a safe bet.
MaidPro is a residential cleaning service franchise. When you become a franchisee, you’ll lead a team of professional cleaners, run your own business, and gain control over your schedule. You’re also not required to clean yourself, which is a huge advantage when it comes to residential cleaning companies.
The franchise prides itself on its cloud-based management software. The key to running a successful business is often found in the systems that help run it. MaidPro’s software is top-of-the-line and easy to use, thanks to the company’s extensive training and support.
There are a few other benefits to opening a MaidPro franchise – you don’t need to hire a fleet of vehicles and you can purchase whichever cleaning supplies you like. They give you the freedom to run your business exactly how you envision it!
PJ’s Coffee originated in New Orleans (the full name of the franchise is PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans) and now has locations across the US. They serve up delicious coffee, beignets, pastries, sandwiches, and snacks.
The business doesn’t require you to have a background in coffee or restaurants but it’s a plus if you are interested in the industry. They also offer training that will teach you everything you need to know about their product and running the business. PJ’s has plenty of marketing advice and materials for you, too.
If you’ve got a passion for java, you may consider opening a coffeehouse franchise like PJ’s in Illinois.
Hear Again America is a leading audiologist-owned hearing healthcare company with over 30 successful locations in states like Florida and Georgia. With an aging population, Illinois is an excellent market for expanding hearing care services. This franchise offers a significant opportunity to meet the state’s growing demand for quality hearing care.
The franchise model is turn-key, providing extensive training, real estate location assistance, and semi-passive ownership options. Franchisees benefit from the support of experienced industry professionals and access to the latest advancements in hearing technology, making it an ideal choice for those looking for healthcare franchise opportunities in Illinois.
With 12 successful locations in the greater Chicago area, the rest of Illinois is ready for Elements Massage to expand its presence. As one of the nation’s fastest-growing therapeutic massage franchises, Elements Massage offers a proven business model that has been refined over 15 years, making it a solid choice for potential franchisees interested in health-focused Illionois franchises.
Elements Massage is focused on delivering personalized massage therapy without diluting the service offering with additional treatments. With strong franchisee support, including business development teams, communication tools, and a streamlined operational model, Elements Massage is well-equipped to continue its growth across Illinois.
Amada Senior Care specializes in non-medical in-home care and assisted living placement services, addressing the needs of Illinois’s rapidly growing senior population. From 2000 to 2020, the number of residents aged 60 and older increased from roughly 2 million to over 3 million, with an additional 600,000 expected by 2030. For this reason, Amada Senior Care stands out as one of the best franchises to own in Illinois.
With several locations already established, there are still prime franchise opportunities in Illinois available in markets like Peoria, Moline, Chicago, Decatur, and Springfield. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, strong marketing support, and a robust referral network, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enter the senior care industry.
The Junkluggers offers an eco-conscious junk removal franchise, tapping into a $75 billion industry. These Illinois franchises offer a unique value proposition by prioritizing the donation, repurposing, and rehoming of items, helping to keep waste out of landfills while addressing a core need in communities.
Franchisees benefit from nearly 20 years of industry experience, plus comprehensive training and ongoing support. With a focused 5-day training program covering key aspects like marketing, sales, and operations, The Junkluggers equips you to build a trusted household name in your market.
Illinois ranks third in the nation for producing professional basketball players, including stars like Dan Issel and Dwyane Wade. In a state with such a strong athletic culture, D1 Training offers a exclusive fitness franchise opportunity in Illinois. The brand’s focus on elite, periodized training programs is a natural fit for a community that values athletic excellence.
Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including lease negotiations and staff training, ensuring they’re well-equipped to run a successful business. With the fitness industry continuing to grow, D1 Training presents a promising opportunity for those passionate about sports and fitness.
810 Billiards & Bowling stands out as one of the best franchises to own in Illinois for those interested in the entertainment industry. This franchise offers an uncommon combination of upscale bowling, billiards, and a full-service bar and restaurant, creating an all-in-one social experience.
Franchisees in Illinois benefit from multiple revenue streams and comprehensive support in every aspect of business operations, from location development to marketing. With significant savings on build-out costs through exclusive manufacturing relationships, 810 Billiards & Bowling is an attractive opportunity for those looking to invest in a thriving, community-centered business.
The co-working industry is booming, making now an excellent time to explore Illinois franchises like Venture X. Since its founding in 2016, Venture X has been creating beautiful workspaces across the U.S. and worldwide, providing professionals with collaborative, inspiring environments to grow their businesses.
As a Venture X franchisee, you’ll benefit from world-class training, ongoing support, and a proven business model designed to thrive in today’s flexible work culture. With Chicago as one of their target markets, Venture X offers a turnkey opportunity to bring innovative co-working spaces to Illinois, meeting the needs of a growing community of entrepreneurs and remote workers.
As we’ve seen, Illinois is a great place to start a franchise. With many opportunities to choose from, you’ll want to choose a franchise that is both rewarding and profitable for years to come. For these reasons, many aspiring business owners choose to start their own cost reduction consulting franchise.
Cost reduction franchises are a great way for entrepreneurs who want to assist other business owners in cutting costs and increasing their profits. If you’ve been in the business world, you know how easy it is to be taken advantage of by distributors and the like. Help your fellow entrepreneurs avoid unnecessarily high costs!
If you’re interested in opening a cost reduction franchise in Illinois today, give us a call at 1-877-843-7579 or send us an email to speak with a franchise expert. We’d be thrilled to help.
