From Serving Your Country to Owning a Franchise

So we recognize that this background and training produces great potential franchisees and that we all have a debt of gratitude for the wonderful service and sacrifice made by veterans of our armed services. The key question is, what can franchise companies do to help you as if you might want to become a franchisee?

In 1991, shortly after the Gulf War ended, franchising pioneer Don Dwyer wanted to show his appreciation to veterans by providing tangible support for them in becoming a franchisee. His efforts, in association with the International Franchise Association and many other franchise companies, led to the creation of the program known as VetFran.

VetFran, the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, is a voluntary program designed to aid you in joining the free enterprise system through franchise ownership. The program, which currently boasts more than 200 participating franchise companies and has directly assisted more than 600 former military personnel in acquiring a franchise, helps you in two ways:

1. Informational: Since its inception, VetFran has been committed to providing information to veterans about the opportunities that exist for you in franchising. In this effort, the program is extensively supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Corporation and the SBA, as well as other government agencies. It's also supported by private enterprises, such as The Destiny Group, one of the premier print and Web communication companies providing transition information to veterans, as well as the IFA, through its many publications and communiqués. The goal is to provide not only general information about franchising, but also specific information about financial and other assistance available from specific franchises.