The diverse skillset you built in the military is the same one that can make you a
successful entrepreneur in civilian life. In today’s competitive business landscape,
franchise brands are looking for mission-focused individuals with the ability to
assess risks, lead and motivate others, and stand up to any challenge. No one fits
those requirements better than a veteran.
According to the International Franchise Association, 97 percent of franchisors say
veterans are excellent franchisees, and 70 percent report they brought on a veteran
franchisee or corporate employee in 2022. With more than 3,000 franchise brands
for aspiring business owners to choose from, and another 300 ready to hit the
market in the next year, franchisors are stepping up recruitment efforts and
offering incentives to attract those veterans ready to take on a new adventure.
The benefits of franchising for veterans
Franchising offers you the chance to build your own business, but just as in the
military, you don’t have to go it alone. By becoming a franchise owner, you have a
dedicated team by your side to help you accomplish your mission. The franchise
business model is ideal for veterans for several reasons:
- An affordable point of entry – The cost to open a franchise varies by brand,
but the average fee is between $20,000 to $50,000. To bring more veterans
on board, many brands are providing discounts to those who’ve served, and
in some cases, are waiving the fee entirely. In addition, resources like the
Office of Veterans Business Development through the Small Business
Administration, offer loan assistance, business plan preparation, and
mentorship. - Set procedures and protocols – During your time in the military, you had
defined procedures to follow each day. Franchising is similar, but a lot less
stressful. A successful franchise brand operates on a proven and precise
corporate system to guarantee a consistent experience for every customer.
You have a plan in place to make the transition from servicemember to
business owner seamless. - Training and support – Like the military, franchise brands offer you the
chance to develop new skills through extensive training programs. Even if
you’ve never run a business, developed a marketing strategy, or managed
sales, you can master new tasks to help ensure your new venture is a
success. - Business opportunities that fit your interests – The best part about
franchising is you can do what you love without building a business from
scratch. No matter your professional background or personal interests, you
can find a franchise that aligns with both. For example, did your military
career center on IT or cybersecurity? Consider a tech-oriented franchise that
provides computer support. Love the physical aspect of training? There are
hundreds of sports training, fitness, and boot camp franchises available right
now.
