If you live in West Virginia and are searching for the ideal business to start, there are plenty of great opportunities in the Mountain State. You might also strongly contemplate making your business startup a franchise associated with a successful brand and an experienced franchisor.
But even before you start to check out franchises for sale in West Virginia, delve a little bit deeper into the what and the why of this location and business model.
Why Consider Franchising in West Virginia?
There are several reasons that make franchising in West Virginia ideal. For starters, the state is business-friendly and puts up few obstacles for entrepreneurs. As an example, the state has not introduced any new business taxes for at least the last 20 years. And franchisors don’t have to register with the state before selling a franchise, which speeds up and streamlines the process, potentially lowering the cost.
Entrepreneurs will find generous grant resources and state, regional, and even federal government support.
And finally, the cost of living is low here, and you can easily find and hire a motivated local workforce.
But what kind of business will you start? Well, West Virginia has larger cities and very small towns, rural markets and city dwellers alike. In other words, you’ll find plenty of prospective clients or customers. And as a franchisee, even first-time business owners can launch successfully if they have a supportive franchisor.
Here are just a few possible franchise models that could find a receptive audience here, just to get your thoughts rolling.
6 Excellent Franchise Business Opportunities in West Virginia
If you can come up with a business idea, chances are good that there’s a franchisor who’s already succeeded and then established an equally successful franchising operation in that category. Here are a few of our favorite categories and contenders.
Food and Beverage Franchises in West Virginia
Who doesn’t need to eat? And in the case of West Virginia, quick stops can handle the locals in cities large and small, as well as the tourists checking out the breathtaking scenery. You’ve got plenty of choices in this category, but take a closer look at one with healthier menu options.
Panera Bread
Do you know that, as of this writing, there are only 10 Panera locations in the entire state? It’s wide-open territory. But your startup costs will be high, so make sure you have deep-pocketed partners or investors.
Home Services in West Virginia
These companies provide homeowners with critically necessary services such as plumbing and electrical, HVAC installation and repair, painting, roofing, and similar money-making pursuits. So why not go with a franchisor who offers just about all of those services?
Neighborly
This company licenses a whole roster of franchise operations specializing in home services. These include, among many others, Aire Serv, Dryer Vent Wizard, Five Star Painting, and Mr. Handyman.
Whatever your talents and passions in this area, you’re likely to find a Neighborly franchise opportunity in West Virginia.
Senior and Healthcare Services in West Virginia
West Virginia has the dubious honor of being one of the demographically oldest states in the nation. That means there’s an eager market for senior care facilities or in-home caregiving services. Here’s one of the best franchisors in that last category.
Visiting Angels
It’s not only less expensive to treat the elderly in their own homes rather than moving them into a senior care facility — many older West Virginians prefer the familiarity and comfort of their residences. Hence, an eager customer base.
Visiting Angels provides non-medical in-house services for seniors and the disabled. This includes such necessary activities as light housekeeping, grocery delivery, meal preparation, errand-running, and similar much-needed duties.
Education and Tutoring Franchises in West Virginia
This category includes schools, tutoring, and SAT prep services … and then there’s School of Rock. Are you musically inclined? Have you seen the 2003 Jack Black movie of the same name? Then check out this insanely fun franchise opportunity.
School of Rock
It’s a real franchise operation, and it’s active in West Virginia. You’ll teach kids how to play instruments and put their talents together to become an actual performing band. You’ve never felt prouder.
Automotive Repair Shops in West Virginia
Cars break down, and new ones are costly. Therefore, the key for many West Virginians is to keep their older rides repaired and maintained. If this fits your skill set, consider such franchise businesses.
AAMCO Auto Repair
This franchisor provides extensive support and training, starting with what it calls AAMCO University. You know the name — and so do your potential clients in the Mountain State.
Insurance Services in West Virginia
Whether they live in Charleston, Morgantown, an obscure little town lost in a mountain valley, or a houseboat on the Cheat River, West Virginians need insurance. Consider owning an insurance agency with a strong brand and support system.
Freeway Insurance
Just about everyone needs one or more of the following: home or renters insurance, auto, motorcycle, or boat coverage, life, and business. You get it all from Freeway Insurance, a strong brand West Virginia residents all over the state know and trust.
Legal and Financial Considerations
The franchise examples listed are just idea starters. You might find hundreds of other franchise businesses for sale in West Virginia that meet your skills, interests, and budgetary considerations. Once you’ve made the choice, you’ve got to get down to business — literally.
Business Licenses and Permits in West Virginia
Franchisees must get what’s called a Business Registration Certificate from the West Virginia Tax Division. In addition, you might have to obtain a permit, but that depends on the type of business you launch. You should discuss this subject with your accountant or business advisor. You can also get business answers from the West Virginia Secretary of State by calling (304) 558-6000.
Franchise Financing Options
Even the most affordable franchise can cost thousands of dollars in startup costs. This includes the franchise fee as well as the more typical capital expenditures associated with opening any type of business: rent, inventory, equipment, workforce costs, and other items. And what will you live on before your new business starts to turn profitable?
Not every business will require all of those upfront costs, but most have enough for this to be a make-it or break-it challenge. In some cases, you might be able to rely on savings, investors, and a life partner who can continue to provide an income stream while you’re getting started.
Here are a few more options.
SBA Loans
The Small Business Administration is a government agency dedicated to helping smaller companies get off the ground and stay afloat. In addition to education and advisory services, the SBA provides government-backed loans to businesses they think will thrive.
Contact an SBA representative and explain the franchise business in West Virginia you’d like to buy. You might get valuable advice in addition to the funding you need.
West Virginia-Specific Grants and Financial Assistance
As stated above, this is a business-friendly environment. As such, you’ll find many grant programs offered by the state to qualified business owners. Additional resources have been made available by the federal government for businesses in the state.
You have a real alphabet soup array of resources here, from the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) to the West Virginia STEP program for exporters. You might also find funding through the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, or the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund.
Additional resources might be available on a geographic basis. This might include the Appalachian Regional Commission, or you might be eligible to receive USDA Rural Business Development Grants, depending on where in the state you are located.
The point is, there’s money out there for West Virginia entrepreneurs. You might not qualify for every grant opportunity, but you might well find capital through one or more of these resources.
Start your search for financial answers on the state’s Business Links site.
Challenges and Tips for Franchising in West Virginia
All franchise opportunities are not equal. That’s the first thing you have to remember when seriously considering franchise businesses for sale in West Virginia. Make sure that the franchisor you’re considering is in a business category that will keep you challenged, motivated, and happy to return to work the next day and the next and the next.
Also, be sure to carefully read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) you’ll receive if both parties have a mutual interest. The FDD describes the opportunity in detail, including all costs and responsibilities. In addition to reading it carefully, let your investors, partners, and financial advisors review this document.
We Invite You to Explore Freeway Insurance Franchises for Sale in West Virginia
You’ll find a truly rewarding career starting and growing a Freeway Insurance franchise in West Virginia.
As one of the nation’s largest and most respected personal lines insurance carriers, you’ll discover an audience that knows your brand and is motivated to buy the lines you offer. Our coast-to-coast network of franchisees includes new territories opening in the Mountain State.
You’ll benefit from our top-tier training program, the ongoing support you’ll receive when you need it, and access to major brands your policyholders need, want, and appreciate.
Call your Freeway Insurance franchise representative at 877-822-3024 to talk business in West Virginia.
Or give us your contact information online, and we’ll start the conversation.
