If you’ve dreamed of business ownership, one of the first questions you’ll want to answer is: Which industries are set up for growth?

When most people think of franchises they think of fast food, like McDonalds.  The reality is, restaurants are tough businesses to run and highly risky for those who don’t have a strong track record of success in the food services industry.  That doesn’t mean you need to give up on your dreams of owning a business… there are hundreds of other options out there – all in industries having nothing to do with food!

Franchising is not just about finding a business you like, it’s about investing in a model that’s positioned to thrive in the years ahead. Looking at current market data and consumer trends, here are the five industries that stand out for 2026, and why they’re worth paying attention to.

1. Health and Wellness

Consumers are more health-conscious than ever. The global wellness economy is booming, spanning everything from fitness and nutrition to mental health, recovery, and longevity. Post-pandemic, people have shifted from reactive care to preventative lifestyles. Additionally, with home ownership increasingly out of reach for Millennials and Gen Z, they are spending their money on wellness and lifestyle experiences instead of home repairs.

Franchise opportunities here range from boutique fitness studios and healthy food concepts to recovery centers and wellness coaching. With increasing demand for holistic health solutions, this sector isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Why it’s trending: Preventive healthcare focus, rising disposable income for wellness, growing corporate wellness programs.

2. Pet Industry

Pet ownership surged during the pandemic, and the industry hasn’t looked back. Americans now spend more than ever on their pets, not just on food, but on grooming, boarding, daycare, and enrichment.

Franchises in this space benefit from a “recession-resistant” quality: people cut back on many things during tough times, but they rarely skimp on their pets. This emotional attachment translates to consistent demand for high-quality, trustworthy pet services.

Why it’s trending: Humanization of pets, strong recurring revenue models, booming millennial and Gen Z pet ownership.

3. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Businesses

Sustainability is no longer a niche, it’s mainstream. Consumers are actively choosing businesses that align with their values, and eco-friendly franchises are stepping up to meet the demand.

Whether it’s green cleaning services, sustainable packaging, or recycling and waste-management franchises, eco-friendly businesses are capturing a market that continues to grow as climate concerns rise and regulations tighten.

Why it’s trending: Consumer demand for eco-conscious options, supportive government policies, long-term cost savings for customers.

4. Home Services

The home has become the new hub for work, life, and leisure, and people are investing heavily in it. From cleaning and lawn care to renovations, painting, and smart-home installations, the demand for reliable home services is at an all-time high.  

For franchisees, home services offer relatively low overhead (many don’t require retail space), scalability, and strong recurring customer bases. As interest rates shift and fewer people move, more homeowners are opting to upgrade and maintain the homes they already own.  Additionally, seniors are choosing to stay in their homes later in life rather.  They have an increased need to hire out for household chores they used to do themselves.

Why it’s trending: Aging housing stock, increased remote work, consumer preference for outsourcing home projects.

5. Education and Enrichment

Parents are increasingly investing in their children’s academic and personal development outside of school. From tutoring centers and STEM programs to arts, music, and sports enrichment, education-focused franchises offer recession-resistant demand driven by parental priorities.

In addition, career development and lifelong learning are expanding segments, meaning adult education and upskilling also present strong franchise opportunities.

Why it’s trending: Growing parental spend on education, desire for extracurricular enrichment, workforce reskilling needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering franchising in 2026, these industries represent not just strong consumer demand, but also opportunities to align with values and long-term trends. The key is to match the right franchise concept with your skills, goals, and financial picture.

Franchising isn’t one-size-fits-all, but starting in an industry poised for growth puts you in a much stronger position for success.

You might be wondering “Can I actually do this?” Yes. You can. You might stumble. You will grow. And when you look back, you’ll see a transformation not only in your business, but in how you see yourself.