Influential figures in the franchising sector have been cited as among Australia’s top 30 entrepreneurial women in a list released today, International Women’s Day.

Janine Alliss, Sandra Boyle, Diana Fernwood, Betty Fong, Lesley Gillespie and Rose Vis have all been listed by online news site SmartCompany.

The top 30 are listed according to revenue and top of the charts is mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Topping the franchise sector at number four is Lesley Gillespie, co-founder of Bakers Delight, which has a revenue of $571.3 million and continues to grow after three decades in business.

Janine Alliss, renowned for her Boost Juice chain founded with husband Jeff, comes it at number nine. The business Retail Zoo (which encompasses both Boost Juice and Mexican food franchise Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill – read the story in their own words) has been majority owned by US equity firm Riversdale since 2010 and brings in a $164 million turnover.

Diana Williams founded Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs in 1989 and is 12th on the list with an estimated revenue of $90 million. The fitness chain recently underwent a brand revamp.

Sandra Boyle, who runs retail franchise Wild Cards & Gifts with her husband Lawrence, comes in at number 19 with a $33 million revenue. Check out the Mar/Apr 2012 issue of Franchising magazine (out next week) to find out how the business is succeeding in retail.

At number 34, Betty Fong, who established Pie Face with husband Wayne Homschek. The brand has just launched in the US and has a turnover of $24.5 million.

For Rose Vis, who founded VIP Home Services in 1972 with husband Bill, a revenue of $12.77 million puts her at number 29.