Veterans Discover Franchise Opportunities
Thousands of military veterans are realizing the dream of small-business ownership and entrepreneurship. The International Franchise Association (IFA) helps veterans develop civilian careers and the franchising industry has several programs to help veterans become franchise owners:
• A veterans’ outreach program called “Vet Fran”
• An overview of franchising and specific franchise types and options
• Federal programs that assist veterans in becoming franchise owners
• Profiles of likely franchise candidates among veterans
In April the IFA announced that purchases of small business franchises to former military personnel through Vet Fran reached 1,778, an increase of more than 250 since the end of 2009. And the association reports that there were nearly 250 other purchases pending. More than four hundred franchise companies participate in Vet Fran. Franchises tend to see veterans as a very promising source of owners for their long-term growth plans. Former military personnel can make great business owners because the military provides formal training and valuable experience using the skills franchises value: leadership, planning and following a proven system. Soldiers are disciplined, they value teamwork and loyalty, and they are dependable. Please see the April 2010 issue of Franchising World for a discussion of the Vet Fran program and the IFA’s outreach to veterans.
Jack Kuykendall is a consultant at www.FranchiseGuidepost.com Office 909 980 0698 E-Mail: JackKuykendall@msn.com