Franchise High Performers

* The minimum initial start-up cost paid by a franchiser's franchisees, according to the franchisor's 2005 Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). Does not include real-estate purchase costs.

** The greatest initial start-up cost paid by a franchiser's franchisees, according to the franchisor's 2005 Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). Does not include real-estate purchase costs.

+ Whether a franchise offers financial assistance to franchisees, through its own program or through an external program.

1 Franchises can register with the U.S. Small Business Administration to facilitate the application process for franchisees for SBA-guaranteed start-up loans. "Not Renewed" means the franchise is on the SBA Franchise Registry, but its most current franchise agreement is not submitted or not approved by the SBA for its streamlined application process. However, these franchisees may still be eligible for expedited SBA-guaranteed loan approval process. Source: FRANdata, Arlington, VA