SmallBusinessNewz

Franchise consultants FranNet issues a release today discussing trends in women-owned franchises. They cited reports from the International Franchise Association, which found that women have founded 23 franchise systems in the U.S., and within a 10 year span, women-owned franchises increased nearly 17%. The association also said that women in general have put a strong emphasis on networking, and building and maintaining positive workplace relationships.

October is Women's Small Business Month, and FranNet offered this release as a salute to female business owners. "Franchising offers so many options for both men and women. However, through franchising, women can attain an enjoyable work-life balance," said FranNet President and COO Jania Bailey. "Owning a small franchise business allows a woman to work around her lifestyle, instead of her having to work around her job. And, owning a franchise is like being in a family – an environment from which women naturally enjoy being a part of."

According to Bailey, there are three sectors in particular that women have really popularized:

- Child-focused franchises: Tutoring/educational companies, fitness programs, fun centers/birthday parties, creative and art-related businesses, daycare franchises

- Service franchises: Fitness centers, expense management, residential cleaning, marketing, home décor, home improvement, business coaching, pet services, executive counseling, and consulting.

- Computer/Internet franchises: Web site creation, search engine marketing, consulting, and repair are all fields that are excellent as home-based businesses.

That's not to say that women can't flourish in any other sector. These are apparently just the ones where women are truly dominating. "There are many opportunities in franchising and more women will seek a work-life balance – making franchising a more desirable alternative for business ownership," Bailey said.

No matter how you slice it, women entrepreneurs account for a fast-growing segment in franchising, and with it being Women's Small Business Month, let me just wish the best of luck to the ladies well.

On a sidenote, the Women's Small Business Expo isn't taking place until April for some reason. It would seem that this would have been a more appropriate month.