In today’s economic landscape, affordable franchises are attracting significant attention across Australia, and for good reason. With the rising cost of living and increasing uncertainty in job stability, more Australians are considering low-risk, low-cost business ownership as a viable side hustle or a full-time career shift.
Franchise opportunities priced under AUD $10,000 are particularly enticing. They offer access to established business models, ongoing brand support, and flexible startup options, allowing entrepreneurs to avoid heavy borrowing or refinancing their homes. These entry-level franchises, often operating from mobile or home-based locations, cover a range of sectors, including tutoring, cleaning, bookkeeping, vending, fitness, and mobile coffee services.
According to IBISWorld, in 2024, the Australian franchising sector generated $181.8 billion in revenue and employed over 500,000 people across more than 1,000 franchise systems nationwide. This makes franchising one of the most accessible and impactful pathways to small business ownership in the country.
With low upfront capital requirements, flexible work structures, and a high local demand for services, budget-friendly franchises are providing everyday Australians the opportunity to take control of their income and careers, particularly in regional and suburban markets.
“The franchise sector in Australia continues to evolve, offering more low-barrier, skills-based entry models than ever before,” notes Franchise Council of Australia Chair, Brendan Green (2025 Market Outlook Briefing).
We have compiled a list of 20 affordable franchises that can be started for approximately $10,000 AUD or less. This information is sourced from franchisor websites, franchise directories, and current industry trends.
| Franchise Name | What’s It About? | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Fees | Franchise Description |
| Aussie Pooch Mobile | Mobile Dog Grooming | From $9,950 AUD | Royalties | Aussie Pooch Mobile is a well-known mobile dog grooming service with a strong reputation across Australia. Franchisees operate from a branded trailer, offering convenience for pet owners. Training, equipment, and marketing support are included. Ideal for dog lovers looking for flexibility and independence. |
| Coffee Blue Australia | Mobile coffee van business | Under $10K (lease) | Lease & supply fees | Coffee Blue Australia provides mobile espresso van franchises, ideal for high-traffic areas, events, or corporate sites. It’s a flexible, low-overhead business model. Vans come fully fitted with professional coffee equipment. Perfect for morning people who enjoy social interaction and quality coffee. |
| Handyman & home maintenance | $5K–$10K AUD | Monthly or royalty-based | Monthly or royalty-based | Just One Call offers property maintenance and handyman services under a trusted brand. Franchisees take on small jobs like repairs, installations, and general home services. It’s a low-barrier option suited to handy individuals. Operate solo with ongoing support and lead generation. |
| EzyAccounts | Bookkeeping for small business | From $9,900 AUD | Royalties | EzyAccounts allows BAS-qualified professionals to operate bookkeeping services with strong back-end support. You’ll serve SMEs, offering reliable financial reporting and compliance. Work from home and scale as needed. Best suited for those with an accounting background. |
| Fit4All | Mobile personal training | From $7,500 AUD | Monthly fee | Fit4All empowers certified fitness professionals to run mobile training sessions in homes, parks, or online. Includes fitness program templates and business mentoring. It’s a health-focused franchise with strong flexibility and minimal overhead. Great for passionate personal trainers. |
| MindChamps Reading | Kids literacy micro-license | From $8,000 AUD | Per-student royalty | MindChamps Reading focuses on early childhood literacy using a structured reading curriculum. Their micro-license model suits tutors, educators, and parents. Work part-time and from home. Offers national branding and digital teaching tools. |
| The Local Guys – Test & Tag | Electrical appliance safety testing | From $9,990 AUD | Fixed + marketing | The Local Guys – Test & Tag is a mobile safety service checking electrical compliance in workplaces. The brand is established nationwide. Full training, equipment, and client onboarding is included. Franchisees enjoy repeat B2B work and long-term clients. |
| Housework Heroes | Residential and office cleaning | From $9,500 AUD | Monthly fee | Housework Heroes is a domestic and commercial cleaning brand. Low start-up costs, regular clients, and simple systems make it easy to manage. Work solo or build a team. Marketing and admin support included to help you grow. |
| First Class Accounts | Bookkeeping and BAS services | From $9,900 AUD | Royalties + marketing | First Class Accounts is one of Australia’s most trusted bookkeeping franchises. With training and compliance help, you serve businesses in need of ongoing financial services. Ideal for experienced finance professionals. You can work from home and scale over time. |
| Urban Clean | Commercial cleaning | From $9,000 AUD | Fixed monthly fee | Urban Clean offers commercial cleaning licenses for gyms, offices, schools, and more. Their business model focuses on winning B2B contracts with high retention. Includes sales training, admin support, and client systems. Designed for growth and team leadership. |
| Xpresso Delight | Office coffee machine service | Around $10K | Maintenance + royalty | Xpresso Delight installs and services premium coffee machines in workplaces. It’s a semi-passive model with ongoing income from machine use. Setup and training provided. Minimal day-to-day involvement required beyond restocking and maintenance. |
| Algorithmics | Coding classes for kids | ~$8K–$10K USD | Per-student royalty | Algorithmics is a global coding school for children aged 5–17. Franchisees get access to a proprietary LMS and structured curriculum. Teach coding both online and in-person. Backed by strong global support and marketing tools. |
| Young Engineers | STEM & robotics classes for kids | From $10K USD | Licensing + royalty | Young Engineers provides engaging STEM-based classes and holiday programs using LEGO and robotics. Run workshops in schools or centres. Curriculum, kits, and training are included. Popular with parents and educators looking for part-time, scalable work. |
| Clean House Australia | Home cleaning franchise | From $5,000 AUD | Flat monthly | Clean House Australia delivers budget-friendly residential cleaning services. It’s a simple, scalable business model with no prior experience required. The brand handles marketing and client support. Perfect for solo operators or couples. |
| Vending@Work | Vending machines for offices | From $5,000 AUD | None (if owned) | Vending@Work supplies and supports snack and drink vending machines for offices and schools. Franchisees own the machines and restock as needed. Revenue is passive between visits. Startup cost depends on the number of machines you start with. |
| Speaking Roses | Message printing on real flowers | From $6,000 AUD | Some royalty-free models | Speaking Roses lets you print personalised messages on real flower petals for events, weddings, or retail. It’s a unique niche with great emotional appeal. Training and printing kits are included. Great for florists or event suppliers. |
| iOB Business | Launch your own digital agency | $6K–$10K AUD | Platform fee | iOB Business enables you to launch your own digital agency offering websites, SEO, and app development. A white-label platform powers your services. Great for those wanting to build a tech business without coding. Training and marketing tools included. |
| V.I.P. Home Services | Lawn care, cleaning, handyman services | $5K–$10K AUD | Royalties + marketing | V.I.P. Home Services is a well-established Aussie brand offering lawn care, home cleaning, and property services. Low entry cost and strong lead generation make it ideal for new business owners. Operate independently with national brand support. |
| SVA Vending | Smart vending machine franchise | From $5,000 AUD | None (if bought) | SVA Vending helps entrepreneurs set up smart vending machines with digital payment and tracking. You choose locations and manage refills. Low-touch and scalable. Machines can be owned or leased, making entry flexible. |
| BATTLE START | Youth-focused esports/gaming franchise | From $5,000 AUD | Low fixed license fee | BATTLE START is an esports franchise that brings structured gaming programs to schools, clubs, and youth centres. It includes hardware setup, training, and game licensing. Ideal for those passionate about gaming and youth engagement. |
Limited Choices: Most Australian franchises (like Subway) start at over AUD $50,000 due to shop and equipment costs. Affordable options under AUD $10,000 are typically home-based (like iOB Business) or mobile (like Xpresso Delight).
Ongoing Costs: Royalties can range from 5% to 50% of revenue, or you may face flat fees of AUD $25 to $150 per week. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to understand your obligations.
Do Your Research: Consult with franchisors and seek advice from franchise lawyers or accountants to clarify costs and risks. Ensure the business aligns with your area’s demographics (like tutoring in family neighborhoods).
Financing Options: Many franchisors offer payment plans, and banks may finance up to 50% of your costs. Ask about financing to lessen your upfront expenses.
Slight Overages: Some franchises (like Kumon) may slightly exceed AUD $10,000. Discuss smaller setups or territories with franchisors to stay within budget.
Contact Franchisors: Visit sites like Kumon Australia for up-to-date cost and territory information.
Attend Expos: Franchise expos provide an opportunity to meet franchisors and explore new business opportunities.
Understand Your Market: Ensure there is demand in your area for your chosen franchise.
Consider a Bigger Investment: If budget allows, stretching to AUD $15,000–$20,000 opens doors to franchises like Fox Mowing (AUD $16,000).
Vending Strategy: For Vending@Work, target offices and malls, and stick to non-refrigerated machines to keep costs low.
Conclusion: Starting a franchise under AUD $10,000 is viable in Australia. Options like Xpresso Delight or Algorithmics provide flexibility and support.
Research your options, speak with franchisors, and choose a business that aligns with your skills and local demand.
Ready to begin?
Reach out and start your journey today!
