In today’s service-driven economy, starting a professional cleaning business is one of the most resilient and rewarding ventures one can pursue. As the economy grows, the demand for commercial cleaning services continues to rise, with schools, hospitality venues and medical facilities always requiring professional cleaning. There has never been a better time to enter this thriving industry and see a strong return on your investment than now.
Table of Contents
The key takeaways
- Cleaning services are in higher demand, with sectors like education, healthcare and medical, and corporate entities increasingly outsourcing professionals for their cleaning needs.
- Starting a cleaning business has low start-up costs and no necessary qualifications, making it an accessible opportunity for everyone.
- Franchising is more successful than independent businesses due to a proven model, brand recognition and ongoing support.
- Jani-King’s 30+ years of success and reliable support network help franchisees build profitable businesses with reduced risk.
Start your cleaning business the right way
At Jani King Australia, we know what it takes to succeed in the cleaning industry. Franchising with us gives you access to a proven system, ongoing support and the expertise to make your business aspirations a reality. If you’re seeking financial independence and career growth, our franchise business structure can help you build a thriving business. With over 30 years of successfully backing our commercial cleaning franchisees, we welcome individuals with no prior business or cleaning experience to join us.
The opportunity in the cleaning industry
As businesses focus more on cleanliness and presentation, the demand for quality cleaning services keeps growing. This growing demand has led to a surge in the number of companies entering the cleaning services industry in Australia. Statistics have shown that from 2019 to 2024, the industry saw an annual growth rate of 2.5% and by 2024, there were 38,565 businesses in the sector. Further research indicates that this number is expected to rise as more companies outsource cleaning services to reduce costs, access resources, and streamline their organisational structure.
The great news is that the cleaning industry has a low barrier to entry, with start-up costs for a cleaning company being much lower than most sectors. Franchisees don’t need extensive qualifications or certifications to get started and with minimal investment in equipment and supplies, sole traders can begin small and grow as they build their client base. This industry typically offers flexible hours based on client needs, making it appealing to those who value the freedom to choose their jobs and schedules.
The recurring revenue model commonly used in the cleaning industry offers a promising advantage for those starting a new cleaning business. Services in this field often depend on loyal customers, which leads to a stable income and contributes to business stability. Establishing regular contracts and building good relationships with local business owners and facility managers leads to continuous work, enabling business owners to plan and grow effectively. This model ensures long-term stability and promotes ongoing growth for the business.
Challenges of starting a cleaning business independently
Starting your own cleaning business without the backing of a national brand can be extremely challenging. It isn’t as simple as acquiring an Australian Business Number (ABN) and buying some cleaning supplies. It takes time and effort to build client trust, market your business and navigate commercial cleaning operations. Many start-up businesses underestimate the effort needed to succeed in Australia’s cleaning industry.
Building trust and credibility is one of the biggest challenges of starting a commercial cleaning business independently. This takes years to establish and without it, potential clients will opt for well-established brands with a proven track record of quality service. On top of building this reputation, finding and retaining clients can be very difficult, with many independent businesses finding it difficult to cut through the noise of larger companies and get their business name out there. Managing operations, staff and compliance regulations add another layer of complexity. While it may seem as simple as buying supplies and finding clients, there are numerous hurdles to overcome to operate legally and successfully.
What is a cleaning franchise model?
A cleaning franchise model lets individuals run a business using an established brand and a proven system. Franchisees pay an initial fee in exchange for support like training and operational systems that help them run their business smoothly. In the cleaning industry, franchising provides a structured approach, offering tools, resources and training tailored to the business.
The key difference between a franchise and an independent business is the level of support. Sole traders are responsible for everything, from marketing, and finding clients to legal compliance and managing daily operations. This requires significant time, effort and expertise in multiple areas of the business, which can be overwhelming for those new to the industry or without prior experience.
Why the franchise model is a smart choice
The franchise model offers numerous advantages, making it a smart choice for aspiring business owners. One key benefit is established brand recognition. With a trusted name like Jani-King, franchisees can easily leverage pre-existing contracts and support from our in-house sales, and business development teams. We also manage invoicing and contract renewals so franchisees can focus on delivering quality cleaning services.
Another benefit is comprehensive training and support, ensuring new cleaning businesses can quickly become capable and confident in their operations. Jani-King franchisees gain access to proven systems, effective business strategies, business insurance and ongoing mentorship, all of which help them easily navigate the complexities of starting their own cleaning business. By taking advantage of the Jani-King franchise model, you lower the risk of failure, making us your ideal partner for a thriving cleaning business in Australia.
How Jani-King helps franchisees succeed
Starting a business with Jani-King allows franchisees to join a well-established and successful brand in the industry. With decades of experience and a proven business model, Jani-King provides the support and resources needed to start a cleaning business that will succeed. If you’re new to the industry, Jani-King offers flexible investment options and the ability to scale as you build your cleaning business. Here’s how Jani-King helps you succeed:
History of success
Jani-King has built a strong reputation as a leader in the cleaning industry, helping franchisees achieve success with a proven business model for over 30 years.
Tailored support
Franchisees receive comprehensive training, ongoing support and access to cutting-edge tools and resources to set them up for success in the cleaning business.
Flexible investment options
Jani-King offers flexible investment options, allowing aspiring business owners to start small and scale up as they grow their client base.
Network benefits
As part of the Jani-King franchise community, franchisees benefit from a supportive network that shares insights, strategies and best practices to help each other succeed.
Case Study: Bartending to business owner
One Jani-King franchisee swapped their hospitality lifestyle for success as a cleaning business owner. Looking to trade their night shifts for flexible hours to spend more time with family, they discovered the cleaning industry was in demand and saw an opportunity to take advantage of it. With no experience in the industry or knowledge of how to start a cleaning business, they turned to Jani-King for guidance and support. The comprehensive training and ongoing help from the supportive franchisee team gave them the confidence to start.
They started with small local retail and office cleaning contracts, two of Jani-King’s core services, and quickly built a loyal customer base. This led to ongoing work across multiple industries. As their business expanded, they leveraged Jani-King’s proven systems, brand recognition, and ongoing support. With the ability to take on more work, they have grown into one of our most successful franchisees.
What began as a career change transformed into a successful cleaning business, delivering impressive results and a substantial return on investment. With the right training and support, this franchisee proved that a big career shift can lead to success, and Jani-King plays a big part in making that happen.
Steps to get started
STEP 1
Initial inquiry
Start your journey with Jani-King by contacting our team. You can contact us via phone, email or through our website’s enquiry form. Our team will provide all the details you need about owning a franchise and answer any questions you may have.
STEP 2
Evaluation process
Once you’ve expressed interest, we’ll guide you through an evaluation process to ensure a Jani-King franchise aligns with your goals. This includes a detailed discussion about your ambitions, financial considerations, start-up costs and what a cleaning service agreement looks like with Jani-King.
STEP 3
Onboarding and training
After joining, you'll enter the onboarding phase, where we’ll provide you with all the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed. Our comprehensive training program covers everything from operational processes to building your customer base, ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running. Ongoing support is also provided to help you grow your business confidently.
Start your franchise journey with Jani-King
Partnering with Jani-King is a smart way to start a cleaning business. Our franchise model provides the tools, training and support you need to succeed, even with no cleaning experience. With a proven system, brand recognition and a strong clientele network, Jani-King ensures your cleaning company is set up for success.
Ready to start your own cleaning business? Take advantage of a growing industry with Jani-King’s franchise opportunities and build a successful, self-driven business.
