4 Family Franchise Ideas for Couples and More

Imagine building a business with your spouse or other family members. Franchising lets couples establish a legacy to pass down to future generations. Running a family franchise requires dedication, hard work, and the right brand. Explore the best family business ideas that prioritize work-life balance and have the potential to provide financial freedom.

Benefits of Family-Owned Businesses

More than 25% of businesses are family-owned operations. Running a business with family can be rewarding. Businesses with open and honest communication can lead to better problem-solving and long-term success. Family members already have a foundation of trust and shared values, helping to reduce conflicts over business decisions.

Family businesses are resilient because employees work as a team and are invested in the success of the business. The average lifespan of a family business is 24 years. Flexibility also enhances the potential of a family business. Working with family provides a built-in support system. Family members can work together to create a schedule that factors in personal commitments and flexibility, creating a positive work environment.

While there are many advantages of a family-run business, it’s important to try to separate work and personal life. Having clearly defined roles for each family member can help limit conflict.

The Best Types of Family Franchises

1. Home services: Dual-income households and busy schedules are helping propel the home services market forward. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lawn care, account for 36% of the home projects Americans expect to complete in 2025, according to Angi. Home-focused franchises typically have a low initial investment and minimal overhead. Many of these franchise opportunities are mobile and can be run from a home office or small retail space. They’re also designed with growth in mind. You can start with a single territory and add additional areas as you establish a strong customer base.
2. Senior care services: The U.S. population is aging and businesses catering to seniors are thriving. A senior care business provides a valuable service to the community and has a variety of different roles for family members, from sales to caretaking.
3. Tutoring: For families passionate about education, a tutoring business can be a viable business option. The average hourly rate for a private tutor is nearly $25 in the U.S.
4. Pet services: The pet care industry is booming. Sales were expected to reach $150.6 billion in 2024, up from $137 billion in 2022. A pet care business, such as mobile pet grooming or a boarding facility can be lucrative.

Franchise Types to Avoid

As you explore franchise opportunities, avoid businesses with high failure rates or franchises that require highly specialized skills. Each family member involved in the business needs to have a role where they can flourish. Consider avoiding businesses with long hours and high stress which can be disruptive to family routines and hamper flexibility.

It’s also important to analyze the return on investment of the franchise you’re considering. Will it generate the profits necessary to support your family members? Certain industries, like seasonal retail or tourism-based businesses, experience drastic fluctuations in income and staffing needs. Managing the inconsistent workload and revenue can be challenging.

Two Maids: A Solid Family Franchise Choice

Two Maids is a residential cleaning franchise with a low initial investment, recurring revenue, and high-profit potential. Our top 16 territories generated an average gross revenue of $1.2 million with an average cost per cleaning of $171.*

We have a family-friendly business structure, are an ideal franchise for women and a popular franchise for couples. One partner can spearhead operations while another focuses on customer acquisition, marketing, and administration.

High school sweethearts, Nicole and Michael Jobe, always dreamed of owning their own business. This shared vision became a reality when they opened a Two Maids location in their hometown of Coral Springs, Florida. "We were drawn to Two Maids because of its respected name in the cleaning industry,” Nicole Jobe said. "As busy professionals ourselves, we know firsthand how valuable it is to have help keeping your home clean."

Franchise owners, Mari Millard and Marnie Hammel (pictured above) own 9 Two Maids territories, 8 in the Metro D.C. area and one in Hilton Head, South Carolina. They say, “We chose to franchise with a residential cleaning service brand because it was the best fit for us and for our lifestyle. Prior to making our decision, we looked into several different types of businesses but ultimately decided to go with a service brand because it provided a great return on investment while also allowing us to keep the schedule that worked best for our family.”

Two Maids is backed by Home Franchise Concepts, a leader in the home services franchise industry with more than 2,600 territories and 10 brands.

Request information to learn how your family can get started on its entrepreneurial journey with Two Maids.

*See Franchise Disclosure Document for details.