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How Important is Your Credit Score if You Want to Buy a Franchise?

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Aspiring entrepreneurs have numerous opportunities at their disposal these days. At this point, almost any dream can be transformed into a reality. No matter which products or services a person wants to provide to the public, there’s bound to be a market for it. On top of that, today’s entrepreneurs have found that there’s a variety of routes to success.

Taking the Franchise Route

Owning a business doesn’t necessarily mean having to start from scratch. Buying a franchise allows ambitious individuals to benefit from the success of an already-established company. It’s often an easier, less intimidating solution than the traditional route, especially when becoming part of a company that offers in-demand solutions like a janitorial services franchise, such as that offered by Corvus Janitorial Systems. Purchasing a franchise can be more affordable than building a business from the ground up as well. 

That’s not to say becoming a franchisee doesn’t come with a few challenges of its own, though. With so many options available, choosing the right franchise may be difficult. Securing financing may be a hurdle as well.

To make matters a bit more tedious, credit scores tend to factor into the equation when applying for business loans. These figures carry quite a bit of weight in the lending world even when purchasing a franchise. Though credit scores may not be the sole deciding factor when determining eligibility for a business loan or financing, they can simplify or complicate the situation.

Taking a Closer Look at Credit Scores

Chances are virtually anyone who has considered applying for any type of loan or financing has heard of a credit score. Without at least adequate credit, it’s exceedingly difficult to qualify for a mortgage, auto loan, credit card, or even a small store credit account. Having less-than-acceptable credit scores can render people ineligible to rent a home. Many employers even factor credit scores into job candidates’ qualifications.

What Are Credit Scores?

In short, credit scores are numbers assigned to people based on their purchasing and repayment histories among other factors, which we’ll delve deeper into shortly. In the United States, credit scores come from three main credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Creditors report debtors’ activities to those agencies, and those activities are used to calculate debtors’ scores.

Since not all creditors report to all three agencies, people’s credit scores can easily vary from one to the next. Some lenders choose a single agency to follow when checking prospects’ credit histories. Others consider information from two of the three or all of them.

When factoring in credit scores from more than one reporting agency, lenders may base their eligibility determinations on an applicant’s average score. On the other hand, they may look at different determining factors from each agency before making their final decisions. As such, a potential borrower may appear to have a decent credit score from one reporting agency but still be denied a loan because of his or her status with another.

How Are Credit Scores Calculated?

As alluded to earlier, credit scores are made up of various components. All those aspects come together to give lenders a good idea of how well an applicant manages his or her finances and how likely that applicant is to repay a loan. Take a look at the five components of all credit scores. 

New Credit Accounts

One of the elements that makes up a credit score is the number of new credit accounts a person has. Having recently opened several new credit accounts can hamper a person’s borrowing power. Numerous recent credit inquiries can have the same effect. Lenders may view either of these factors as an added risk. Recent credit activity makes up 10 percent of a person’s credit score.

Credit Diversity

Lenders likewise consider the diversity of applicants’ credit. This also accounts for 10 percent of a person’s total score. Those who have a nice blend of account types are often viewed as a bit more creditworthy than those with only a single type of credit.

Say, for example, two applicants have the same credit score. One currently has an open installment loan, a mortgage, and a credit card on his or her credit report. The other has three credit cards. Despite having the same score, the former may be considered a more suitable borrower because of his or her borrowing diversity.

Length of Borrowing History

Next on the list is the length of a person’s borrowing history. After all, longer stories tend to include more details. Because of that, those with longer, more established credit histories may be more attractive to lenders than those who have only recently begun to borrow. This aspect comprises 15 percent of a person’s credit score. 

Amount of Money Owed

Credit scores also factor in the amount of money people currently owe on various accounts. This aspect encompasses the types of open credit accounts consumers currently have, their remaining balances, and the total amount of money owed on those debts. It also factors in the remaining amount of available credit a person may have. The amount of money owed to creditors accounts for 30 percent of a person’s credit score.

Payment History

Payment history is the most significant deciding factor when it comes to determining loan eligibility. This, alone, makes up 35 percent of a credit score. It revolves around a person’s track record of making payments on time and paying off loans in a timely manner. Late payments, delinquent accounts, and other negatives factor in here.

If a person has a habit of making payments late or allowing accounts to get so far behind they can’t be resolved, his or her credit score will drop. Bankruptcy and other financial issues have negative impacts on credit scores as well. If those problems appear on applicants’ credit reports, lenders may view them as unnecessarily risky and deem them ineligible for a loan.

How Do Credit Scores Affect Purchasing a Franchise?

Having said all that, it’s time to discuss how credit scores can affect a person’s ability to purchase a franchise. As far as many lenders are concerned, anything less than a good credit score may render an applicant ineligible for a loan. In terms of Experian, a credit score of 700 or more is good. With Equifax, the “good” range spans from 670 to 739. 

Those who are looking to purchase a franchise may not have to go through conventional lenders to acquire a business loan. In some cases, franchisors extend financing options to potential franchisees. They may also have their own networks of lenders to facilitate the purchasing process for applicants. Still, they pay close attention to prospects’ credit scores. Some place more emphasis on them than others, but they inevitably come into play. Corvus Janitorial Systems takes pride in offering robust financial assistance to potential franchisees and aims to make the process as easy as possible. We look at many factors in addition to your credit score.

Possible Complications Caused by Low Credit Scores

Having a low credit score doesn’t always mean all hope is lost. Some franchisors are willing to work with applicants and give them opportunities to succeed even if they don’t have strong borrowing histories. That’s also true of lenders. In fact, some lenders specialize in providing loans for people with bad credit. People whose credit has suffered in the past may face a few extra hurdles when applying for business loans or franchisor financing, though.

Needing a Business Plan

Lenders that dole out business loans typically require applicants to present well-thought-out business plans. Having a presentable plan shows lenders where their money will go. It also gives them a bit of reassurance that their borrowers have a clear sense of direction. 

From the franchisor’s perspective, a business plan that shows an applicant has already secured at least partial funding may serve as proof that the prospect deserves due consideration. In either case, a concrete plan could provide the extra incentive a lender needs to allow an applicant to proceed with purchasing a franchise. Once again, at Corvus, we have developed a system to offer easy financing and make the franchise purchase process as accessible as possible,

Paying Higher Interest Rates

Additionally, having a low credit score could subject a franchisee to higher-than-average interest rates on a business loan. Higher interest rates lead to higher monthly payments. They also leave borrowers paying far more in the long run. That could lead to financial hardships, especially in the beginning. It’ll most certainly eat into a business owner’s profits moving forward.

Resolving a Low Credit Score

Having a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean a hopeful entrepreneur won’t be able to purchase a franchise. It could bring about a few problems and make the situation more difficult than it needs to be, though. With that in mind, those who want to purchase a franchise but are suffering from less-than-stellar credit may want to take a few extra measures before applying for a loan or franchisor financing.

Start off by requesting a credit report so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises after applying for funding. Be sure to address any errors on the credit report by contacting the reporting agency. Take care to make monthly payments on existing debts on time and avoid opening any new lines of credit. Consider paying down some larger debts before applying for financing for a more suitable debt-to-income ratio.

All Things Considered

In most cases, having a good credit score is the key to acquiring a business loan for purchasing a franchise. Even franchisors that offer financing take applicants’ credit scores into account. Having a credit score that doesn’t measure up to the usual standards doesn’t necessarily disqualify a candidate from becoming a franchisee, though. Some franchises, like Corvus Janitorial, make accessibility and financial assistance easy for potential franchisees.

Applicants who have lower credit scores may still be able to acquire funding. Doing so may require taking extra measures to raise those credit scores. Creating a detailed business plan may facilitate the process as well. Even then, lofty interest rates could be an issue. While credit scores aren’t the be-all and end-all when purchasing a franchise, they certainly factor into the equation.

For more information about starting a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, contact us today.

Women and Franchising: How a Janitorial Franchise Could Be Your Ticket to Independence

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Before the pandemic, the number of female business owners was growing at an unprecedented rate, with a 45% increase from 2007 to 2016 compared to a 9% increase among all businesses. That’s an impressive five times the national average, although it’s worth noting that as of 2022, only 31% of small businesses and franchises are owned and run by women.

The coronavirus pandemic undeniably created some setbacks for women in the business world. Women were statistically more likely to have been furloughed or had to change careers as a result of the pandemic’s economic fallout, and at that time, around a quarter of all women were considering downshifting their careers. Thankfully, though, life has begun to return to normal, and women are returning to the workforce in droves. 

The problem is that despite the ongoing shift in many industries towards female workforces, women still don’t have an equal chance when it comes to corporate leadership. The glass ceiling is still firmly in place in most companies, and the gender pay gap persists across all management levels.

If you’re sick of working long hours for less pay with fewer opportunities for advancement, you’ve come to the right place. Owning a janitorial services franchise, such as a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, offers a way out for women who are tired of dealing constantly with corporate America’s ongoing gender inequality problem. You can find out how below.

The Future of Franchising Is Female

Let’s start at the beginning. A franchise is a type of business license. It grants you, the franchisee, access to another business, the franchisor’s knowledge, processes, and trademarks so that you can provide services or sell products under a known and trusted business name. To acquire a franchise, all you need to do is pay for licensing and give the franchisor an initial start-up fee. 

According to the International Franchise Association, women owned just 8.5% of all franchises in 1995. Now, that number has grown to 31%, and there is no indication that it will plateau. There are currently more women looking for information about how to purchase a franchise than men, especially among the younger generations.

Why Women Make Fantastic Franchise Owners

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of unpaid labor you provide in the home? From cooking and cleaning to childcare, the chances are good that it’s a lot. On average, women spend almost four and a half hours on unpaid labor, which is more than many people spend each week at part-time jobs.

There are few bright sides to the extremity of the gender gap in unpaid caregiving and home maintenance, especially if you’re still working a full-time, 9-5 job for 17% less pay than your male counterparts. Thankfully, though, women tend to be more adaptable than men and better at both multi-tasking and quick thinking. After all, you have to be able to handle everything on the average American woman’s plate. 

In many families, women keep their homes organized. They keep track of all kinds of details, from grocery lists to home finances and personal schedules, and communicate all of that information effectively to the entire family so that everyone is on the same page. If there’s one thing all of these varied skills have in common, it’s that they are fantastic qualities in a business owner.

These observations may sound anecdotal, but they’re backed up by research. In 2012, researchers evaluated 7,200 surveys tracing the judgment of different leaders’ peers, bosses, and reports. Participants rated leaders’ overall effectiveness and strength over 16 competencies. Women were rated higher in 12 of those 16 core business competencies, including in traits that have historically been considered male strengths, such as taking initiative and pushing to get results.

The Unique Benefits of the Franchise Business Model

If you finished reading through those last few paragraphs and feel empowered, that’s good. You should. Now, it’s time to talk about why you should take all the skills you’ve developed both at home and in the corporate world and put them to a different kind of use. It’s time to discuss the unique benefits of the franchise business model for modern women.

Create Your Own Opportunities

When women start working at corporate offices, they’re almost always told that there will be plenty of opportunities for advancement. While that may be true for lower- to middle-management positions, CEOs and other higher-ups are still overwhelmingly male, and women are rarely offered the level of mentorship and help with advancement extended to their male colleagues.

As a result of these and other factors, men outnumber women at the CEO level by around 17:1. While it’s perfectly understandable to be upset about these statistics and laudable to put in the work to change them, it’s also undeniable that women with an entrepreneurial spirit will have a better chance of success creating their own opportunities by opening franchises.

Greater Freedom and Flexibility

Office jobs don’t tend to offer much flexibility. Even companies that have made the switch to offering remote work to some of their employees some of the time still place exacting demands on workers and expect them to build their lives around their jobs. This applies to men as well as women, but because women take on the bulk of unpaid household labor, they suffer more as a result.

Purchasing a franchise offers women an opportunity to take control of their careers and levels of work-life balance. Instead of building their lives around their jobs, franchise owners build their businesses around their lives. This level of flexibility will allow you to prioritize not just family but also yourself. In a world where women are taught from childhood to prioritize the needs of others, that change can be incredibly empowering.

Fewer Financial Barriers to Entry

Men aren’t just paid better, on average, than their female counterparts in the corporate world. They’re also 20% more likely to be able to secure small business loans as entrepreneurs. This statistic might help to explain why male entrepreneurs continue to make twice as much money, on average, as their female counterparts.

Thankfully, franchises offer a lower barrier to entry. Most have either in-house financing options or established relationships with outside financial institutions that can be leveraged by potential franchisees to fund their ventures. Corvus Janitorial Systems, in particular, strives to provide strong financial support and guidance throughout the franchise purchase and onboarding process. This creates new opportunities for women who are unable to secure traditional small business loans.

Help Other Women Succeed

Finally, owning a franchise offers an opportunity to help other women succeed in the business world. It’s not just that as the owner of the franchise location, you’ll have the ultimate say over who gets hired and will be able to ensure gender parity in the hiring process. Once you’ve gotten on your feet, it will also offer an opportunity to act as a mentor and serve as a positive role model for girls and younger women. At Corvus, we make the hiring and vetting process easy and straightforward for our franchise owners and will provide strong support along the way. 

It can be incredibly frustrating to continue working towards a gender-equal economy only to find additional barriers every step of the way, and some women leaving the business world feel like they’re giving up the fight. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women who choose to redefine their roles in what is still a male-dominated business world and step into positions of leadership are doing their part to create a more inclusive society.

Why the Janitorial Industry?

Hopefully, by now, you’re suitably excited about the possibility of franchise ownership. The question remains, though, of why the janitorial industry offers such a great opportunity for gaining true independence. There are a few answers to that question, so each new franchisee will have a different set of reasons for starting a local janitorial business, such as a Corvus Janitorial franchise. Some of the most common include:

Meeting the Needs of the Market

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the market for all sorts of cleaning services has exploded, and that includes commercial cleaning. There are plenty of residential cleaning services out there, but few janitorial businesses that can meet the increased needs of local schools, hospitals, gyms, offices, and other large or specialized spaces. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we have the infrastructure and support in place to provide cleaning services to all industries.

Easy Transition From Residential Cleaning

While the janitorial industry has historically been male-dominated, the majority of residential cleaning businesses are run by women. Making the transition over to owning a janitorial franchise will be much easier than learning the ins and outs of an entirely new and unrelated industry. Corvus is there with our franchise owners every step of the way to guide them on building a successful janitorial franchise business.

Support From Established Franchisors

While it’s true that women-owned businesses, in general, and franchises, in particular, are becoming more common every day, not every industry is keeping up with the changing times. In the janitorial industry, female entrepreneurs can find the support and acceptance they need from Corvus Janitorial. In fact, business owner guidance and mentorship is a core tenant of the Corvus franchise program and one reason our franchisees have enjoyed strong success and opportunities.

Contact Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you’re a female entrepreneur ready to embrace everything that janitorial franchises have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can fill out our quick and easy contact form online, or call us today, to schedule a meeting with a Corvus representative who can tell you everything you need to know about starting a woman-owned janitorial business with the help of the established Corvus Janitorial Systems brand.

Janitorial Franchises: Embracing Diversity

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Valued at almost $293 billion, the commercial cleaning industry is growing by the day—and Corvus Janitorial Systems offers people from all social classes the chance to become part of a unified, cooperative, and collaborative community. In efforts to become more inclusive, we’re looking for franchisees of all ages, genders, religions, races, and abilities. We believe that, as our workforce becomes more diverse, we will use our franchisees’ unique experiences and perspectives to drive growth, increase competition, and solve industry-wide problems.

Although the push for diversity and inclusion isn’t a new concept, America’s industrial sector still has work to do. Minorities will have more than $3 trillion in purchasing power by 2030; just 20 years after that, people of color will make up almost half of the country’s population. While these changes are promising, they’re not reflected in the makeup of most companies’ executive boards. For instance, women are promoted 20% less often than men, and less than 20% of the workforce is disabled.

As our country changes, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to recognize the societal and competitive advantages of diversity, and to ensure that their workforces reflect current demographics. Here, we’ll explain the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion, why these qualities are so important in janitorial franchising, and we will also offer a few tips for the advancement of diversity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Similar, but Different

To understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the franchising world, employers must first learn the significance of each variable and how it drives change.

  • Diversity is the concept of a group of people from different backgrounds, all coming together to achieve a common goal. It also refers to differences in identity, preferences, experiences, and thought patterns. A person’s identity encompasses numerous aspects, including their age, race, gender identity, religion, body size, and social status. Workplace diversity is defined as the hiring of people from all backgrounds and identities. While a single person cannot be diverse, a group of people certainly can be.
  • Equity is access, advancement, opportunity, and fair treatment for all. It’s a practice that requires companies, even cleaning franchises, to find and remove obstacles that have, in the past, prevented certain groups from taking part in the workforce. Equity largely determines who can access career opportunities and how workers are valued. The implementation of workplace equity plans should be well thought out and purposeful, and franchise owners must thoroughly evaluate their procedures and guidelines to ensure that their workplaces are fair.
  • Inclusion is more than a byproduct of diversity; it’s also the result of decisive actions that make employees feel respected and valued. Inclusive workplaces are safe spaces where team members can speak freely and work according to their own needs, responsibilities, and schedules. Along with these qualities, inclusion also encompasses assorted styles of work, leadership, and communication. To create an inclusive workplace, a cleaning franchise owner must meet workers’ unique requirements and allow their voices to be heard.

Corvus is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its practices and philosophies. Contact us today to learn more about our views or to discuss franchising opportunities in your area.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The commercial cleaning industry is run by people of various backgrounds, experience, and skill levels, which means that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will build a spirit of innovation and creativity. When franchise owners focus on these qualities and create a diverse and welcoming work environment, employees are more likely to share their thoughts with others. DEI offers several benefits, but its ability to help businesses stand out is one of the most important.

Offering a Selection of Skills

Cleaning franchise owners who hire workers from diverse backgrounds are more likely to gain access to the skill sets needed for business growth and expansion. By building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, franchisors and franchisees bring in new perspectives that make brainstorming and problem-solving easier.

Recruiting Top Talent

Inclusion and diversity are important criteria for many job seekers, even in today’s employment market. When potential team members see that a cleaning business hires people of all races, nationalities, ability levels, and backgrounds, they’re more likely to feel welcome. This level of acceptance allows franchises to recruit the area’s top talent, as hiring decisions are based on qualities other than physical appearance.

Increasing Employee Morale

Working in a diverse and inclusive environment increases workers’ morale and job satisfaction, which will reflect in the quality of results produced. When employees feel truly at home, they tend to thrive in their roles—and the business will flourish as well.

Boosting Productivity

As diversity and inclusion come to the forefront, so does a commercial cleaning franchise’s collaborative spirit and, in turn, its productivity. A diverse team brings a range of skills and experience to the table, facilitating team-wide learning and collaboration. As productivity increases, so does the free flow of ideas—putting DEI-focused cleaning franchises ahead of competitors who are still doing things the old-fashioned way.

Understanding Customers’ Needs

Increasing diversity and inclusivity doesn’t just bring internal benefits; it also allows franchisees to market their janitorial services to the right audience. When employees come from backgrounds like those of the target demographic, promotional opportunities and growth come naturally.

Raising Revenue

With the successful management of an inclusive and diverse workforce, revenue increases are a virtual certainty. As employees become happier and more fulfilled in their roles, they’ll introduce productivity-boosting concepts that differentiate your business from its competitors. DEI isn’t just about the money, though; it’s also about your cleaning company’s culture.

Driving Financial Performance

The economic benefits of an ethnically, gender, and demographically diverse team cannot be understated. Numerous studies show that diverse companies typically achieve financial returns exceeding national industry averages.

The advantages don’t stop there—a team’s makeup should reflect that of the community and the company’s customer base. Whether you’re a franchise owner or a franchisor, the team you’ve built will make a significant difference in the business’ performance.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Tips for Commercial Cleaning Franchises

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, we’ll offer a few franchise-friendly tips.

  1. Assess the franchise’s current state. Even the best diversity initiatives are useless without a preliminary diversity audit. The process is simple; it starts when owners learn about community perceptions, supplier relationships, and consumer demographics. When owners know who they’re marketing to and hiring, they’ll learn where to focus their DEI efforts.
  2. Find financial support. When franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, some may be economically disadvantaged. Corvus Janitorial works strongly to offer the financial aid minority franchisees need to get started.
  3. Focus on minority suppliers. Diversity in ownership is just one way for franchisees to become more inclusive. Another way is to focus on minority and women-owned supply businesses. Finding a diverse selection of vendors strengthens the community in which a franchise runs and increases competition, improving the quality of goods and services.
  4. Create innovative recruitment strategies. Using conventional talent recruitment methods provides run-of-the-mill results. To increase the breadth and depth of your franchise’s talent pool, consider going to job fairs in disadvantaged communities, taking part in workforce development programs, and recruiting at community colleges.
  5. Rewrite job descriptions. To attract a wider selection of potential hires, it’s best to write inclusive job descriptions. Use a text editing utility to cut antiquated, biased verbiage, and re-evaluate skill requirements so roles appeal to more applicants. By focusing on qualities needed to do the job, rather than a person’s work history, you’ll find more candidates.
  6. Approach interviews differently. The job interview process is sometimes biased against candidates from certain genders, races, and cultures. Your cleaning franchise’s interview process must fairly assess applicants’ qualifications without relying on outdated stereotypes.
  7. Be more supportive. Diverse hiring practices are a great first step, and increasing support and engagement is a natural progression. Providing career development and resource assistance further supports new employees and allows them to grow, thrive, and broaden their career prospects.
  8. Take an active role in the community. Participating in professional groups and community organizations helps cleaning franchise owners respect, understand, and tap into the diversity that’s already within their companies. Becoming part of the community creates lasting connections that help franchise owners attract new clients and find a diverse choice of potential hires.

 

Creating a more diverse cleaning franchise is a long-term effort. Results will be slow to come, and the process will naturally create challenges. With time, hard work, and commitment at the franchisor and franchisee levels, everyone will enjoy the public relations, business, and profitability benefits that come with an inclusive workplace.

Create a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace

Recent events have brought matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront, and nowhere is it more important than in today’s work environment. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we’re committed to inclusivity in everything we do, and we’d love to share that focus and commitment with you. Receive more information via our online form or call today to discuss franchising with one of our friendly client service representatives.

The Commercial Cleaning Industry: An Overview

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Commercial cleaning is a billion-dollar industry that is growing in popularity every year. Businesses of all sizes are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly and are turning to janitorial service providers, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, to do the job. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the commercial cleaning industry and explore why it is growing so rapidly. We will also discuss how the industry is changing over time and what trends to watch for in the coming years.

Commercial cleaning is a growing industry with high demand. 

Commercial cleaning services are in high demand due to the growth of the commercial cleaning industry. The commercial cleaning industry has been growing rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in popularity. This is due to the fact that businesses are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly. Janitorial services provide a convenient and cost-effective way to do this, and as a result, they are in high demand.

The Covid pandemic in many ways accelerated the growth of the commercial cleaning industry, by spotlighting the need for a clean and germ-free business environment, whether it be in an office, school, gym, medical facility, or other public space. Market data suggests that industry growth of commercial cleaning services is expected to continue through 2025 and beyond, making the commercial cleaning industry an ideal career for many in the post-Covid world.

Many changes and trends have been taking hold in the commercial cleaning industry, making it an exciting and lucrative industry.

The commercial cleaning industry is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies and methods are being developed all the time, which means that janitorial services must always be on the forefront of these changes. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it is important to keep up with the latest trends in commercial cleaning. Some of the most popular trends right now include green cleaning, commercial cleaning franchises, on-demand janitorial services, and Covid-specific cleaning services.

Green cleaning services

Green cleaning is a trend that is gaining popularity in the commercial cleaning industry. This type of cleaning uses environmentally-friendly products and methods to clean offices, buildings, and public spaces. Green cleaning is becoming increasingly popular because it is seen as a more sustainable way to clean. HEPA vacuums which help the business environment’s air quality are in high demand. For businesses sensitive to the use of chemicals or certain cleaners, microfiber – a synthetic material that is extremely effective at trapping dirt and dust – can be used as microfiber cloths and mops are available. Businesses who want to keep their premises clean and tidy without harming the environment may choose green cleaning services.

Commercial cleaning franchises

Commercial cleaning franchises are another trend that is on the rise. As is the case with a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, this business model allows entrepreneurs to start their own janitorial services businesses without having to invest in all of the necessary equipment and training. Corvus franchises offer a flexible business model and fit any lifestyle, while providing support throughout the entrepreneurial journey. 

On-demand janitorial services

Janitorial services on demand are another new trend in the commercial cleaning industry. This type of service uses a mobile application to connect a business with a janitorial service provider. By bringing janitorial services to businesses in an easy way anywhere in the U.S., on-demand janitorial services are becoming increasingly popular because they are seen as more convenient and efficient than traditional janitorial services. On-demand janitorial services come with some challenges: the cleaning service a company selects may not have a good reputation and further information about specialty services may not be available. Working with a well-established commercial cleaning company such as Corvus solves these challenges.

Covid-specific cleaning services

Since the Covid pandemic began in early 2020, many changes have come to the corporate world. However, one big change has been the area of workplace safety and cleanliness. On this front, commercial cleaning providers have led the way, with businesses scrambling to reopen their offices in a safer and cleaner way than before. Previously, many companies only performed professional cleaning sporadically. But, since Covid, many companies have transitioned to weekly commercial cleaning services or are cleaning at even more-frequent intervals. Office disinfection services have also become more prominent in overall operations. 

Below are our answers to the most commonly-asked questions regarding the commercial cleaning industry.

How large is the commercial cleaning services industry?

As of 2022, the commercial cleaning services industry in the United States is nearly $100 billion in size, according to data from Statista and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. market represents nearly one third of the global commercial cleaning industry.

Is the commercial cleaning industry growing?

The answer is yes: the commercial cleaning industry is growing and thriving – the industry is expected to increase by a compounded annual growth rate of 6.1% through 2027, driven by increasing awareness in businesses regarding workplace hygiene, sustainability, and employee wellness. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted these concerns and accelerated awareness around workplace cleanliness and employee safety. 

How many people work in the commercial cleaning industry? 

In 2021, there were 2,298,400 people working in the commercial cleaning services industry in the U.S. Employment in the industry is expected to increase by 4% annually through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

How many businesses are there in the commercial cleaning industry in the U.S.? 

As of 2022, there are 1,207,299 commercial cleaning businesses in the U.S. (a 7.7% increase from 2021). 

What are the startup costs associated with the commercial cleaning industry?

The commercial cleaning industry is highly labor-intensive; therefore, the highest costs are associated with employee wages (41.8% of revenue on average), followed by supply purchases (22.7% of revenue), according to industry data. 

The commercial cleaning industry is a key industry to watch over the next few years, due to its growth opportunities and increased demand.

The commercial cleaning industry is constantly changing, which means that there are always new trends to watch out for. This growth is due to the fact that businesses are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly. Janitorial services provide a convenient and cost-effective way to do this, and as a result, they are in high demand. By keeping up with the latest trends, you can ensure that your business chooses a commercial cleaning company that meets today’s moment in the post-Covid world. To request more information about commercial cleaning services for your business, contact Corvus Janitorial Systems today.

Expanding Your Janitorial Franchise: Tips to Help You Take It to the Next Level

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As a janitorial franchise owner, you’re part of an ever-growing community of business leaders. You’re also in an optimal position for growth. Being part of the commercial cleaning sector further increases that potential. After all, this industry is in high demand right now, and it’s only going to surge moving forward.

Reports show that the commercial cleaning sector has grown by more than 5.5 percent annually over the last few years. That places it among the nation’s fastest-growing industries. It’s also projected to pick up more steam in the years to come.

Having said that, taking a janitorial franchise to the next level is often easier said than done. You may be ready and willing to grow, but putting that motivation into motion requires certain measures. If you’re ready to move up in the industry, consider the following points to help you expand your janitorial services and truly establish your place in the commercial cleaning sector.

1. Take Advantage of Available Resources

Franchise owners are in a unique position. Rather than starting a business from scratch, you’re part of a well-established brand. That gives you a range of exclusive benefits that aren’t available to the average entrepreneur.

For one, the franchise most likely offered the training you needed to get up and running. That means there was no need to take part in multiple business courses, accounting classes, and other types of training business owners typically need to get off the ground. At the same time, the training you received was specific to the janitorial services sector as opposed to a more general education.

Franchises also enjoy a higher success rate than other start-ups, so you placed yourself in a position to succeed right from the start. Additionally, you were probably up against fewer financial hurdles than other entrepreneurs. Furthermore, franchisees receive all the tools and equipment needed to serve their customers from the beginning, so purchasing all those essentials along the way wasn’t a problem for you.

You’re banking on all the attributes the franchisor has already built, too. Instead of having to build a reputation, discover effective marketing strategies, determine which customers to market to, and overcome other hurdles, all that has already been done on your behalf. You simply have to live up to the expectations of the franchisor.

On top of all that, franchisors make numerous other resources available to their franchisees. An entire community of leading company executives, experienced franchise owners, and other experts is at your disposal. Taking advantage of all those resources is the most significant and effective way to propel your business to new heights. They’re there for you; don’t hesitate to use them.

2. Hone Your Marketing and Advertising Strategies

Franchisors develop marketing and advertising strategies and pass those along to their franchisees. That gives you the benefit of brand awareness and recognition among numerous other bonuses. It also gives you a solid basis on which to promote your business. Still, it’s only a starting point. Expanding upon that foundation is another key to success.

While the commercial cleaning industry thrives on general marketing and advertising tactics, you’ll need to further hone those aspects based on the needs and expectations of businesses in your area. Countless prospects could be relying on the janitorial services of your competitors. It’s not that they offer more options or better services than you; it’s simply because they’ve successfully targeted local customers.

In short, many prospects either don’t know you’re there or don’t realize you offer the services they’re looking for. Making yourself known to local prospects means tailoring your marketing strategies to their expectations. Those differ from one location to the next.

If your area is known for its range of medical facilities, focus on promoting your ability to meet their unique needs. In cities that are rife with office spaces, advertise the ways you can improve their productivity and reduce illness-related absences. If there are numerous manufacturing facilities in your area, focus on your cleaning solutions for sensitive equipment and your knowledge of the distinct needs of manufacturers in different market niches.

Familiarize yourself with local businesses that might need janitorial services. From there, understand the specific cleaning and disinfection solutions they’re looking for via keyword research and other strategies. That’ll give you the information you need to target various prospects in your area. You can even launch different marketing and advertising campaigns for each market niche. In turn, you’ll be able to expand beyond your current scope.

3. Use the Power of Networking

Numerous marketing and advertising outlets are now available from email and social media to print mail and beyond. That doesn’t mean networking is any less relevant than it was in the past. In fact, it’s even more important now than ever. It gives you ways to further extend your reach.

Joining an industry-specific association can work wonders for your reputation while increasing awareness of your business among other advantages. Some well-known associations in the commercial cleaning sector are:

Those are only a few options that are relevant to the commercial cleaning sector. There may be others in your city or state, too. Being a member of associations like these testifies to your dedication to the cleaning industry, the environment, and the varying needs of clients.

By extension, they help reinforce your position in the industry. Seeing that you’re a member of such an organization may entice prospects to choose your business over the competition as well. These organizations can also offer a wealth of resources to further your expertise.

That’s only one networking option. Attending trade shows, business conventions, and other events will also help spread the word about your services. Those events don’t have to be relevant to the cleaning industry. Businesses in all industries need janitorial services. As such, your presence is sure to be applicable.

Keep in mind, different types of businesses have different cleaning and disinfection needs. Because of that, you’ll need to understand the unique requirements of the prospects who’ll likely be in attendance. Then, you’ll be able to promote the services that are most relevant to the people you’ll be reaching out to.

4. Build Strong Business Relationships

Building strong business relationships is yet another way to expand your janitorial franchise. This could be considered a form of networking and marketing, but it extends well beyond the basics. It could also lead to a continually growing list of new clients.

Think about some of the prominent industries in the communities you serve and what you have to offer them. For example, you could reach out to local commercial real estate agents. Offer your cleaning services to help them prepare their listings for viewings and new tenants, and move-outs. In turn, they might recommend you to property managers for office spaces, apartment complexes, and other commercial properties.

Maybe you work with local schools. If so, you could use that relationship to market yourself to daycare centers, nursing homes, and other facilities that may need your services. Perhaps you’ve provided janitorial services for several local retail spaces. List those on your website to show other stores in the area that you cater to their needs.

Once you gain the trust of one respected client in your area, that business relationship could spark a range of new opportunities. From there, you could expand into any number of new sectors. It’s an ongoing cycle that’s sure to foster your businesses as long as you continue to build upon existing relationships and maintain a reputation for excellence.

5. Embrace Technology

Those previous points cover ways to foster your company, reach more prospects, and make conversions. Now, we’ll look at a factor that could help you keep your business processes organized and streamlined. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, and a range of new tools have been made available for businesses.

Among those is business software. Numerous options are at your disposal in this arena. They range from accounting and finance management software to dispatch and workflow management solutions. Each one is designed to foster businesses of all sizes and in all market niches.

Some business software options cover a range of factors while others target a single aspect of daily operations. Many software suites can be further customized to meet the distinct needs of your franchise as well. Being part of a franchise, you may be limited in the types of software you’re allowed to use per the franchisor’s prerequisites. Still, it may be possible to take advantage of some of the tools on the market.

Business software can offer several benefits. It’ll allow you to better manage relationships with customers while helping to keep track of invoices. It can aid in planning for upticks in demand for different services and help you hone your marketing efforts to name a few possibilities. At the same time, it may help you better handle the growing volume as your franchise expands.

Enjoying Growing Success with Your Franchise

Being a franchise owner gives you a solid foundation and multiple resources to draw from. Those resources are effective tools for fostering and growing your business. Marketing, networking, and building strong business relationships can help to further expand to new customers and into new niches of the market.

Along the way, using business software to your advantage can set you up for even greater success. Tools like these are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses like yours. They can also grow and change along with you, setting you up to meet the needs of your expanding clientele.

If you are interested in starting your own janitorial business, speak to a Corvus representative today about franchise opportunities. Contact us today.

How Using Social Media Can Increase Your Janitorial Contracts

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The key to expanding a janitorial business is getting new contracts, which requires advertising. While it is essential to use traditional marketing strategies, social media is one of the most influential and critical places to promote a commercial cleaning company. Social media also provides one of the most impressive returns on investment. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram draw millions of followers, and it’s possible to harness that exposure to grow your cleaning business. The key is identifying your target audience, using platforms correctly, and posting regularly.

Why Social Media Marketing Is Essential

Social media is a powerful communication tool and marketing strategy that allows businesses to reach customers where they are. Companies can also characterize their brands and expand their customer base.

With that in mind, using social media in the janitorial field is critical to increasing contracts. When used correctly, social media can improve the efficacy of other marketing efforts. Commercial cleaning companies are better able to drive traffic, build natural links, promote brand recognition, and create goodwill.

Target Your Ideal Customers

Targeting the right people is the foundation of successful cleaning business marketing. To do that, you first need to research and learn about your ideal customers. Where do they hang out, what are their problems, what questions do they have, and what kind of things do they wish they had in their life?

When you know these things about your ideal customers, creating content that will engage them is more manageable. It will also help you understand where to promote the company on social media.

Choose Social Media Channels

A simple way to begin is to work with the channels you like best. There are a lot of social media platforms, and each has its strengths. Because time and effort are involved in maintaining posts, it’s best to choose one or two platforms and focus on them. 

Using LinkedIn

Per Forbes, LinkedIn is the ideal place to reach the business world. Business professionals commonly connect to the platform to network and investigate leads.

Because LinkedIn is full of professionals and offers excellent search features, it is easy for you to connect with your target audience. Once you have identified your ideal customer, you can use the search feature to locate potential commercial cleaning clients. For example, you might look for facilities managers in your area.

You can use site filters to narrow down characteristics, such as individuals who manage businesses of specific sizes. Once you connect with those you have selected, they will begin to see your posts.

Using Facebook Ads

When you use Facebook ads, targeting the right people with content that solves their problems and helps them reach their goals is crucial.

You can reach your target market using a combination of Facebook pixels and lookalike audiences. A lookalike audience is one way that ads reach new people who are likely to be interested in your business since they share similar characteristics to existing customers. 

Be sure to add your Facebook pixel to your website. A Facebook pixel is a piece of code you can place on your website. It collects data so you can track conversions from Facebook ads and optimize the ads. A pixel also makes it easier to build targeted audiences for future ads and remarket to those who have taken some type of action on your website.

Using Instagram

Because Instagram is a video and photo-sharing platform, its audience responds well to visual content. As a result, one of the best ways to market your commercial cleaning business on Instagram is to post before-and-after photos. 

People enjoy viewing transformative images. When you show photos that highlight your cleaning skills, you demonstrate the quality of your services. Also, use hashtags common to the cleaning niche, such as #cleaningservice, #cleaningtips, and #cleaningservices.

Using YouTube

When posting to YouTube, it’s essential to include the same value-based content used in blogging. It’s a powerful platform ideal for showcasing commercial cleaning excellence. 

For instance, a time-lapse video can provide a clear example of past results. Like before-and-after images, videos showcase the value of your work. Cleaning Business Today experts recommend using high-quality photos of previous jobs or happy customers. Also, add exciting captions that catch the audience’s attention.

YouTube videos can get thousands of views that generate tremendous business. If you reach a point where the channel can be monetized, it will also provide additional income.

Using Twitter

Twitter can be used to drive traffic to your company site, but it needs to be done correctly. The key is to share value-based content, just as you would on other platforms.

Building up a following on Twitter can be a slow process, but it’s a platform that allows every follower to see everything you post. If you consistently lead with value first, your cleaning business will eventually get noticed, and a targeted audience will begin to develop.

Create a Social Media Personality

Because there’s so much competition on social media, it’s vital to stand out. The key is to create unique content that readily identifies your company.

For example, use eye-catching, colorful graphics. List helpful cleaning hints or add stunning local photos. Give your posts a personality, and don’t forget local hashtags because they make it more likely you will get in front of the audience you want. 

Post on Sites Regularly

It’s necessary to make regular posts on social media sites, but you don’t want to add so much content it begins to feel like spam. A middle ground is the best approach. 

Posting once a day is safe for most sites, and you can add several Twitter posts daily. The goal is to constantly interact with followers and keep content fresh. Since you are dealing with social platforms, it’s OK to add non-business content, such as images of company events, light-hearted comments on holidays, or simply wishes for a good weekend.

Link to Local Events

Adding links to community events is a great way to gain followers and attract local attention. When possible, draw attention to other businesses, too. For example, congratulating another company on success or a milestone builds goodwill and business relationships.

Please note that current franchisees should check with their local offices to ensure they are in compliance with guidelines when using the Corvus logo on social media.