Beyond Service: The Power of the Franchise Opportunity for Veterans
Franchising has proven to be an incredibly successful business model for countless entrepreneurs, offering structure, support, and a proven system for achieving success. For veterans, the franchise model can be particularly appealing, as it aligns closely with the disciplined and strategic approach they have honed during their military service.
In this blog we’ll discuss why franchises are such an excellent fit for our veterans. We’ll also cover specific programs and services designed exclusively for veterans that will help them thrive in their new careers as franchise owners.
Why the Franchise Model is Perfect for Veterans: Leveraging Military Skills in Business
Veterans possess a unique skill set that is highly valuable in the franchise world. Their disciplined way of life, ability to follow protocols, and experience in leadership roles make them ideal candidates for running a franchise. Here are some key reasons why veterans excel in the franchise model:
Discipline and Structure in a Veteran’s Franchise Business
Military training instills a strong sense of discipline and structure, which are crucial for running a successful franchise. Veterans are accustomed to following procedures meticulously and maintaining high standards, traits that are essential in adhering to the established systems and processes of a franchise.

Leadership and Team Management
Veterans often have extensive experience in leadership roles, managing teams, and organizing operations. These skills transfer seamlessly to the franchise environment, where effective leadership and team management are critical for success. Veterans are adept at motivating their staff, implementing strategies, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Military service teaches veterans to think on their feet, handle unexpected situations, and devise solutions under pressure. This problem-solving mindset and adaptability are invaluable in the dynamic world of business, allowing veterans to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in their franchise journey.
Incentives for Veterans from Franchise Brands
Recognizing the unique strengths and potential of veterans, many franchise brands offer specific incentives to attract and support veteran franchisees. These incentives not only facilitate entry into the franchise system but also provide ongoing support to ensure success:
Financial Discounts and Assistance
Many franchise brands offer financial discounts to veterans, reducing the initial investment required to start a franchise. These discounts can include reduced franchise fees, lower royalty rates, and financing assistance. Such incentives make the prospect of owning a franchise more accessible and financially feasible for veterans.

Some franchisors offer a reduced royalty fee that increases gradually over a 4- to 5-year period, with a first-year royalty fee as low as 0%, to help veterans get started strong in their franchise. Several franchisors also offer a 10- to 15-percent discount on the initial franchise fees, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Some will even cover the first franchise fees completely!
Training and Mentorship Programs
Franchise brands often provide specialized training and mentorship programs tailored for veterans. These programs help veterans transition smoothly into the franchise system, offering guidance on business operations, marketing strategies, and leadership development. Mentorship from experienced franchisees ensures that veterans receive the support and insights needed to thrive.
Marketing and Branding Support
Veterans benefit from the strong brand recognition and marketing support offered by franchise brands. Established brands have well-defined marketing strategies and a loyal customer base, which helps veterans build their franchise quickly and attract customers. The brand’s reputation and marketing efforts contribute to the franchisee’s success and growth.
Franchise Opportunities for Veterans: Support in Abundance
Thankfully, when veterans decide the time is right to explore franchising, there is a wide variety of support to be found through organizations such as the VetFran Program and the Veteran's Administration (VA).
The VetFran Program
The International Franchise Association (IFA) has established the VetFran Program specifically to assist veterans in becoming franchise owners. VetFran provides a range of benefits, resources, and support services to help veterans succeed in the franchise industry:
Educational Resources:
VetFran offers comprehensive educational resources, including webinars, seminars, and workshops, designed to equip veterans with the knowledge and skills needed for franchising. These resources cover topics such as business planning, financing, marketing, and operations, providing valuable insights for aspiring franchisees.
Networking Opportunities: The VetFran program facilitates networking opportunities with successful franchisees, industry experts, and other veterans. This network provides a platform for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and building connections that can help with franchise ownership. Networking with peers and mentors enhances the veteran’s understanding of the franchise industry and builds a supportive community.
Support and Advocacy: VetFran advocates for veterans within the franchise industry, promoting their interests and ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support. The program collaborates with franchise brands to create favorable conditions for veteran franchisees, including financial incentives, training programs, and mentorship opportunities. VetFran’s advocacy ensures that veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.
The Veterans Administration
The VA offers various programs and services to support veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors, including franchise ownership. These programs provide financial assistance, training, and resources to help veterans succeed:
Veteran-Owned Business Certifications:
The VA provides certifications for veteran-owned businesses, enhancing their credibility and opening doors to various opportunities. These certifications can help veteran franchisees gain access to government contracts, grants, and other business opportunities that prioritize veteran-owned enterprises.
Financial Assistance Programs: The VA offers financial assistance programs, including loans and grants, designed to support veteran entrepreneurs. These programs provide the necessary capital for starting and growing a franchise, alleviating financial barriers, and enabling veterans to invest in their business ventures.
Training and Development: The VA provides extensive training and development programs for veterans, covering areas such as business management, financial planning, and marketing. These programs equip veterans with the skills and knowledge needed to run a successful franchise, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
How to Start a Franchise as a Veteran
Here are a few valuable tips for those veterans looking to try out their entrepreneurial wings in a franchise:
- Talk to other franchisees. Particularly, other veteran franchisees, who could offer valuable insights into programs that they used that helped pave the way to success. Learning from their experiences and what has worked (and hasn’t worked) during their journey is of great benefit to a new franchisee.
- Find helpful resources. As mentioned above, there are several organizations and government departments dedicated to helping veterans start a business, from navigating the initial steps to finding financing and learning how to grow their business.
- Talk to a franchise expert. Consulting a franchise professional is always a wise choice when entering unfamiliar territory. Someone who knows the business inside and out can point you towards a franchise that fits you best.
Whether you know exactly what kind of business you want to start or need some direction, there are great tools and people available for veterans to utilize and
find business success.
Embracing the Idea of Veteran Business Ownership
In conclusion, the franchise model is an ideal pathway for veterans to transition into civilian life and achieve entrepreneurial success.
The disciplined way of life, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities that veterans possess make them well-suited for franchise ownership. With incentives from franchise brands, support from the VetFran program, and assistance from the Veteran’s Administration, veterans have access to the resources and support needed to thrive in the franchise industry. By leveraging these opportunities, veterans can build successful businesses, contribute to their communities, and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Ready to get started? Consider reaching out to a franchise consultant for guidance.
Unlike brokers, who primarily represent franchisors, consultants work with individual franchisees and provide comprehensive advice in their new endeavors.
To learn more,
book a call with Hundred Acre Consulting to see how veteran business ownership can become a reality.










































