Best franchise opportunities for women The last decade has seen record numbers of women diving head first into franchise ownership. Between 1995 and 2005, the percentage of female-owned franchises jumped from 8.5% to 25%, and it is still steadily increasing. Women now make up one of the single largest demographics of franchise buyers, which is something that franchisors and franchise brokers have become very aware of. They are so aware of it, in fact, that they often make it a point to create specialized lists of franchise opportunities specifically designed for female entrepreneurs. Among those women's franchises there are many great options, but the following 8 best franchise opportunities for women. The Glove Lady If you're looking for a business with a low initial cost and no monthly rent bill, this is the one for you. This work at home franchise has not only a very low overhead, but also one of the more recognizable and respected names in the safety equipment industry. That's right, The Glove Lady sells not only gloves, but a wide variety of safety gear as well, and since sales are done at the client's home or business, from the back of your company van, the convenience this business provides is unparalleled by the competition. IMX Pilates Studio Not many exercise studios can claim they have been featured in Self, Shape, Mademoiselle, Physical, Fitness, Fit, Dance, Pilates Style, and The New York Times, but IMX PILATES STUDIO has. Highly regarded as both a women's workout facility and as a successful business, IMX PILATES STUDIO boasts a 15-year track record of getting franchisees up and running in functional, thriving businesses with everything they need to succeed. Protected territories, all the necessary software and online marketing equipment, best franchise opportunities for women full business training. Sandella's Taking advantage of the growing popularity of healthy alternatives to fast food, Sandella's Flatbread Café is one of the first in the flatbread market that USA Today says "is the hottest thing since sliced bread." Customers love the hot and healthy flatbread sandwiches that Sandella's sells, and franchisees love how simple it is to make those sandwiches. They also love that they get comprehensive support in all areas of the business from architecture to IT systems. For the food-loving female entrepreneur, this is the choice. Growing Room By far, this is one of the most reputable and groundbreaking childcare franchises available, built on one mother's conviction that her son, and all children, deserved better care than most facilities provided. Voted the 2004 National Small Business of the Year, each facility provides kids with educational curriculum as well as some of the most fun and inventive play-spaces imaginable. It is one of the more expensive best franchise opportunities for women, but that hasn't stopped franchisees from starting their own Growing Room.