There are plenty of great carpet cleaning franchises if this is something you are interested in starting.  If you consider that with a few carpet cleaners working full time the income adds up quickly.  This is a business you can start from your home and with little equipment - compared to something like a restaurant or oil change franchise.  This is also a business you could start on your own but my advice is that you should research the available franchises first as your chances of success increase when you own a franchise. 

The area you are considering is also important.  If you look at Atlanta carpet cleaners are everywhere and the competition may be too much.  You can find out about the competition in your area for carpet cleaning by looking in your local yellow pages phone book and online.