Deciding to become involved in small business is a big step, and many find that buying a franchise is the way to go. While most people immediately think of standard venues like Taco Bell or Meineke Car Care, the variety of opportunities franchising allows is limited only by your imagination. Stores like Kid to Kid upend traditional upscale resale outlets by focusing on children's apparel, while Dogtopia features pet boarding centering on education, exercise, and socialization. For those with a more philanthropic aim, HOS Solutions automates fundraising for schools and other non-profits.

While it may be tempting to start a small business and follow your dream, chances are there is a company already in place that could jump start your vision of self-employment. With over 700,000 franchise establishments in the U.S. it’s easy to find the business opportunity and a franchise for sale that fits your personal tastes. The end goal is to make your ideas a reality and collaborating with a parent company can make that much easier.

In addition, there are benefits to partnering with an established company that greatly outweigh starting a business from scratch. The success rate for franchisees is much higher than other small businesses, providing over a third of all national retail sales. The stability that coincides with starting a franchise cannot be overlooked, since the company you would be partnering with already has a track record of success. This allows you the freedom of being your own boss without the stress involved with starting from scratch. While seeking to expand your business opportunities and buy a franchise, look for companies that have a support system for their franchisees; knowing that someone has been in the same situation as you and has your back is a benefit few startups can claim. Furthermore, successful companies know that keeping their franchisees happy means more profits, both for them and for you.