Franchise & Entrepreneurship Stats You Should Know in 2025

Every eight minutes, a new franchise opens in the U.S., and that pace is only accelerating. As more people leave their 9-to-5s to build businesses of their own, franchising has become one of the fastest-rising paths to business ownership.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most recent entrepreneurship and franchise statistics, so you’ll get a sense of what’s working in 2025. From top franchise industries to rising fitness trends, this data reveals where momentum is building—and where smart investors are heading next.

If you’re looking to invest in a fitness franchise, request information from Pvolve today. With a rapidly growing network of 50+ studios and a commitment to functional movement, injury prevention, and long-term wellness, we’re redefining what modern fitness looks like—and we’re looking for like-minded partners to scale with us.

What percentage of aspiring business owners are confident about starting now?

Studies show that 59.16% of aspiring business owners strongly agree that 2025 is a “great time to open your own business”, with franchise ventures being the leading business-owning opportunity. Fitness concepts like Pvolve, which combine strong consumer demand with a proven business model, are among the franchises attracting the most interest from aspiring owners.

What motivates most people to start their own business?

While every entrepreneur has a unique journey, several common themes emerge in why people choose to go out on their own.

• Being their own boss (61%) – Many entrepreneurs are driven by the freedom to set their own direction, something Pvolve franchise owners value as they build studios that reflect their vision and leadership style.
• Exiting corporate America (48%) – Nearly half of small business owners see entrepreneurship as a way to leave behind rigid corporate structures for more meaningful, people-focused work. Fitness concepts like Pvolve offer that opportunity while still providing proven systems and support.
• Pursuing a passion (31%) – For some, starting a business is about aligning work with personal passions. Pvolve franchisees often enter the brand because they believe in the power of functional movement and want to share it with their community.
• Taking advantage of a new opportunity (21%) – Market trends, such as the rise of boutique fitness and wellness, open doors for savvy entrepreneurs. Pvolve sits at the intersection of both, making it a compelling choice for those who recognize where the industry is headed.
• Finding new work after being laid off (23%) – Entrepreneurship also offers a way to regain control after career setbacks, with franchises like Pvolve providing a tested model to help owners rebuild with confidence.

Whatever the motivation, franchising offers a proven avenue to open a business while reducing some of the risks of starting completely from scratch.

How many franchise units are there in the United States?

There are over 792,000 franchise units across the U.S. as of late 2022. This shows just how many entrepreneurs are turning to proven systems to build successful businesses faster.

How much does franchising contribute to the U.S. economy?

As each year passes, the economic output of franchising in the USA continues to grow. According to Statista, the economic output of franchise establishments increased by $ 38.9 billion from 2021 to 2022, reaching $826.6 billion in 2023.

What are the top franchising industries in the U.S.?

The top-performing franchise sectors include health, beauty, fitness, food services, and home services. These categories consistently lead in both consumer demand and unit growth, reflecting the resilience of service-based franchise models.

What are the top fitness industry trends in 2025?

In 2025, the fitness industry is defined by boutique studio experiences, a strong return to in-person classes, and programming that emphasizes functional fitness for long-term health. Female-led ownership is also reshaping the landscape, bringing a more inclusive, community-focused approach to studio culture and franchise leadership.

Pvolve embodies these trends—delivering a boutique studio experience rooted in functional fitness, led by passionate owners who bring authenticity and care to their communities. With an emphasis on personalized, in-person coaching, Pvolve offers members the connection and results they’re looking for in today’s fitness market.

How many Americans want to become self-employed?

In 2021, 24 million Americans said they wanted to become self-employed, highlighting a massive cultural shift toward freedom, autonomy, and entrepreneurship. This number continues to grow in 2025 as younger generations enter the market in record numbers.

How long does a typical franchise agreement last?

Most franchise agreements last between 10 and 20 years, giving owners time to establish and grow their business with the backing of a proven brand. At Pvolve, franchise agreements are structured for 10 years—providing a clear, supportive path for owners to build long-term success while staying aligned with a brand that’s evolving alongside the fitness industry.

How often does a new franchise open in the U.S.?

A new franchise opens every eight minutes during the average business day in the U.S. This highlights just how strong and steady the demand is for franchise opportunities across industries.

How much did business applications grow in the U.S. from 2021 to 2023?

Between 2021 and 2023, employer business applications in the U.S. jumped by 34%. This surge reflects a growing confidence in entrepreneurship and a clear appetite for building something new.

What percentage of small businesses survive beyond five years?

Only about 50% of small businesses make it past the five-year mark, showing just how important built-in support, brand recognition, and a proven strategy are for long-term success.

How many people are employed by the franchise industry in the U.S.?

The franchise industry in the U.S. employs nearly 8.5 million people: franchising supports local economies and creates long-term job opportunities nationwide.

What percentage of self-employed people never want to go back?

A whopping 96% of self-employed people say they never want to return to traditional employment, speaking volumes about the freedom and fulfillment that business ownership can bring.

What percentage of new franchises fail due to financial mismanagement?

Over 50% of franchises fail in the first five years due to poor financial management. That’s why choosing a brand with strong training and ongoing support is so important. 

Pvolve equips its franchise owners with financial guidance, operational resources, and ongoing coaching to help them manage their studios effectively and avoid the pitfalls that cause so many businesses to close.

How many small businesses are there in the United States?

There are 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S., making up a major sector of the country’s economy. 

What is the projected growth rate of the franchise industry this year?

The franchise industry is projected to grow by 4.1% this year, indicating a steady demand and strong performance across a range of franchise sectors.

How many franchise concepts are available in the U.S.?

With over 3,000 franchise concepts nationwide, opportunities exist in nearly every industry, ranging from fitness and food to technology and wellness. It’s easier than ever to find a model that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

But with so many choices, it’s crucial to partner with a brand that has a proven model and a clear point of differentiation. Pvolve stands out with its science-backed functional fitness method and supportive franchise structure, giving owners a unique opportunity in a crowded marketplace.

What percentage of entrepreneurs are willing to take big risks?

About 74% of entrepreneurs say they’re willing to take bigger risks to reach their goals. This mindset drives innovation, growth, and long-term success in business ownership.

What is the projected value of the U.S. franchise industry in 2025?

The U.S. franchise industry is expected to reach $893.9 billion by the end of 2025, underscoring the significant profitability of franchise models in today’s economy.

What percentage of entrepreneurs find year one the toughest?

About two-thirds of entrepreneurs say the first year of business is the toughest. That’s why having an established model and strong brand support is so valuable.

With Pvolve, franchise owners benefit from a proven business framework, hands-on training, and ongoing guidance—giving them the tools to navigate year one with confidence and build momentum for long-term success.

What percentage of franchises are in the food industry?

Food makes up 37% of all franchise businesses, making it the largest segment in the industry.

What percentage of entrepreneurs start without a business plan?

Surprisingly, 27% of entrepreneurs start their businesses without a complete business plan. That lack of preparation can create serious challenges—but working with a proven franchise system changes the equation. Pvolve provides franchise owners with a tested roadmap, from financial planning to daily operations, so you’re never starting from scratch.

What percentage of franchises are specifically fast food?

About 25% of all franchises are in the fast food industry. While this category leads in volume, the shift toward health-conscious living is creating demand for fitness, wellness, and lifestyle franchises.

How many entrepreneurs come from a corporate background?

About 58% of entrepreneurs move into business ownership from corporate careers, seeking more autonomy, flexibility, and impact. Pvolve itself was founded and is led by professionals who made that same transition, applying corporate expertise to create a boutique fitness brand with a proven, differentiated model.

That foundation shapes the support every Pvolve franchise owner receives. From comprehensive training and business coaching to real estate, studio build-out, and marketing resources, Pvolve provides the systems and guidance that help former corporate professionals step confidently into entrepreneurship.

How much did the number of startups grow in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023?

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of startups in the U.S. grew by 16%. This steady climb shows that even in uncertain times, entrepreneurship remains a strong and growing force.

Are older entrepreneurs more likely to succeed than younger ones?

A 50-year-old entrepreneur is 2.8 times more likely to succeed than someone who starts at 25. Experience, industry knowledge, and stronger networks give older founders a major advantage.

Franchising in Fitness with Pvolve

Franchising with Pvolve is a great opportunity to step into the business sector that you’re passionate about. With a functional health and wellness approach, our unique fitness model builds community, motivation, and an overall sense of well-being. 

When franchising with us,  our support team will partner with you as you become your own boss and cultivate a community of like-minded individuals. Pvolve has awarded 50+ studios across North America, and we’re ready to make you our next franchise partner as we continue to expand. 

Contact our team to learn more about opening your own fitness franchise. 

Sources

Raphael Bohne. “Franchising in the U.S. – statistics & facts.” Statista. March 10, 2025. https://www.statista.com/topics/5048/franchising-in-the-us/ 

Pvolve. “Launching Your Own Business in 2023.” https://pvolvefranchise.com/blog/insiders-look/the-future-of-franchising/ 

Embroker Team. “70+ essential entrepreneur statistics in 2025.” March 21, 2025. Embroker. https://www.embroker.com/blog/entrepreneur-statistics/

WebFX. “40+ Franchise Statistics You’ll Want To Know for 2025.” March 4, 2024. https://www.webfx.com/industries/franchises/statistics/ 

Brendan Duke. “Entrepreneurship, Startups, and Business Formation Are Booming Across the U.S.” CAP. March 18, 2024. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/entrepreneurship-startups-and-business-formation-are-booming-across-the-u-s/ 

International Franchise Association. “New Data Shows Franchising Continues to Exceed Growth Expectations.” February 14, 2024. https://www.franchise.org/2024/02/new-data-shows-franchising-continues-to-exceed-growth-expectations/