What Will Thrive in 2021?

Our prediction of next year’s 10 hottest franchise categories.

Compiled by Tracy Stapp Herold, Entrepreneur Magazine

EVERY DECEMBER, we try to predict which franchise types will be the most successful in the year ahead. In normal times, this involves looking back at the year that’s coming to an end and learning from the trends we find. But of course, this wasn’t a normal year. The events of 2020 have largely shifted the question of “What’s popular?” to the question of “What’s essential?”

That question has led to some big changes on this annual list. We’ve included several categories that haven’t appeared here for years, including automotive services, cleaning and restoration, home improvement, tech services, and tutoring—all of which were largely deemed essential during shutdowns in 2020, or were able to quickly pivot their models to keep doing business. But you’ll also find categories from last year’s list whose strength has only been cemented this year, such as health and pets.

Health Category:

BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers

Weight-loss and wellness services
STARTUP COST $155.7K–$208.5K
TOTAL UNITS (Franchises / Co.-Owned)
23/1