The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program offers over 500 companies that have a shared commitment to help veterans by providing a financial discount to get veterans up and running as business owners. Lowering the barriers to entry is VetFran’s way to give back to those who have served and say thank you for serving our country. By Rose Mango
VetFran helps veterans transition into business ownership through franchising
The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program offers over 500 companies that have a shared commitment to help veterans by providing a financial discount to get veterans up and running as business owners. Lowering the barriers to entry is VetFran’s way to give back to those who have served and say thank you for serving our country. Veterans bring exceptional skill, talent, focus, determination and pride to everything they do, and franchising benefits significantly when partnering with those who have served.
Matthew Haller, president and CEO of IFA, shared his thoughts on VetFran’s perseverance in helping guide veterans who want to own a business for themselves. Haller expressed his appreciation for franchises that have created programs and generous discounts to help pave the way for veterans to be supported as they transition to their non-military life. Haller exuberantly said why he believes in the program, as he sees firsthand why veterans make the perfect franchise candidates.
“There is no doubt that veteran entrepreneurs make a great match for a career in franchising. Service in the military instills unique skill sets, such as leadership, discipline and teamwork, that help set veterans up for success as franchise owners. It is also a great way for a veteran to continue a life of service and give back to those around them.” stated Haller.
According to the IFA, veterans account for a whopping 14% of all franchisees in America. Veteran-owned franchises are more likely to hire other vets and spread the opportunity, prosperity, and job creation that has made franchising one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. VetFran’s mission is to continue to grow these numbers and connect talented and patriotic veterans with franchise business ownership opportunities.
The mission of IFA’s VetFran in 2023 is two-fold:
- To educate veterans and franchisors about the unique match between the skills and aptitude of entrepreneurial veterans.
- To facilitate veterans’ transition into franchising by encouraging franchisors to offer discounts and incentives to veterans on the one hand, and to assemble resources, tools and a database of franchising opportunities for veterans on the other.
Haller said: “As we look ahead to 2023, franchise growth continues to be strong, and I’d encourage any veteran who wants to take that leap to business ownership to consider franchising. There is a reason that such a significant proportion of franchisees are veterans, and through the work of IFA and the VetFran program, we hope to continue opening those doors, so any veteran has the chance to pursue their dreams of business ownership.”
If you want more information about helping veterans get a great start through franchising, visit VetFran.org and join the program. It’ll change your life.
Rose Mango