College Grads Buying Franchises

College Grads: Want a Franchise With Those Fries?
Posted by Raymund Flandez
Is buying a franchise a good route to take for recent college grads?

Look closely: Can you spot a 20-something franchisee?Photo credit: hrindspnks via flickr
We recently came across this list from alternative-investments site NuWire Investor of what it called five types of franchises for young people:

pet care
painting services
children’s services
nonmedical home care
an existing franchise business (rather than buying new unit)
We’ve noticed articles in the past year that spotlight 30-and-unders who have gone into franchising. Last summer, the New York Times featured young people wanting to be their own boss and running a business, with no experience or cash. Some franchises, like Wing Zone, recruited on a college tour.

One catch: Many young would-be business owners use their parents’ money to support their new venture or to secure bank loans.

With some franchise start-up costs running to $150,000 to $300,000-plus, is being a franchise owner really a smart move for new college grads? Can enthusiasm and energy pull a 20-something through the long hours, sweat and, not to mention, potential debt?