The Change Chain

Did Santa leave you some extra cash in your stocking? If you've been toying around with the idea of dropping your nine to five and starting your own business, you might want to consider looking into purchasing your own franchise. The best part about this option is that you don't have to build a better mousetrap because somebody has already done it for you and even laid out the cheese.

Depending on your operating style, you can pick and choose from thousands of different businesses that range from providing step by step instructions, to practically handing over the keys and the neon sign.

If you're intrigued, the latest issue of Entrepreneur magazine is a great place to start. They've got tips on how to choose a business as well as trends for the upcoming year. The editors have also put together a list of the top ten franchises for 2009 that includes some old time favorites as well as some new surprises:

10. Papa Johns
9. Circle K
8. The UPS Store
7.Pizza Hut
6. Ace Hardware
5.Intercontinental Hotels Group
4. Sonic Drive-in
3. Liberty Tax Service
2. McDonald's
1. Subway

Those are only a few of the options out there. Basically, if you can dream it, you can franchise it. Would you consider using this option to start your own business? -Joy Hepp