Veterans Franchise Opportunities: 11 Top Reasons Why

1 in 7 franchises* in the U.S. is owned by veterans.  Franchises are a proven pathway for veterans to transition from a military career to entrepreneurship.

You're in a unique position to capitalize on the benefits below.  (special discounts for veterans - see #7)

Given your background, here are 11 reasons you may want to consider a franchise.

1. Values Matter

Before all else, the values instilled in you during your time in the service, integrity, loyalty, respect, honor, duty, and courage, all play a critical role in those who are successful in the franchise business. You have that advantage going in.

2. Transferable Skills 

You've been trained well. You possess servant leadership and problem-solving skills, value teamwork, and understand that discipline and work ethic are your friends.

All that training has prepared and aligned you well for the franchise model rooted in systems and processes. There will be ample opportunity to expand your skill set within the franchise system as a civilian.

3. Vision and Mission Driven

Your vision to see the larger picture drives you. There's a purpose larger than you that fuels your servant leadership. That sets you on a course to complete the mission and fulfill your vision, no matter the challenges. Franchisors and franchisees share those same traits.

4. Leverage Risk

You understand that there's risk involved either way – taking action or inaction. While many will minimize risk through a paycheck, you leverage risk for greater returns and fulfillment.

You may have risked your life for your nation's freedom, but now you leverage risk to gain your freedom in business. You use the same strategies from the military to evaluate your risk /rewards scenarios, be it a job, starting a business from scratch, or a franchise. 

5. Training and Support

Franchises provide comprehensive training that guides you each step of the way. They back that up with support to help ensure your success. Some franchises offer specific programs and resources to military veterans.

In addition to the training, this may include mentorship and networking with fellow veterans. Ultimately, it's also in the franchisor's best interest that you're successful. Using your leadership skills, you'll leverage that training and support with your team.

6. Community and Camaraderie

On the battlefield, you turn to and rely on your fellow soldiers. During your time in the service, you've made friends through good times and challenging times.

Franchises foster a sense of camaraderie and shared mission that eases the translon process from a military career to a civilian career. You can plug into the franchise's community of fellow franchisees under a brand who share your same mission with who you can turn. 

7. Access to franchise funding

Many franchises offer special discounts for veterans. Not only do they value your service, but they also value the skillset you can bring to their brand. In addition, many franchisors who seek out veterans have relationships with lenders who offer tailored financing programs specifically for veterans. 

8. Brand Recognition

Franchises often have recognized brand names and established customer bases. As you're reintroduced into your local community, you'll benefit from brand recognition and credibility to attract customers more easily and faster than starting a new business. 

9. Buying Power

Military procurement officers leverage their buying power due to the scale of operations they are a part of. The same is true with established and growing franchise systems - depending upon the product or service, the franchisee benefits from the franchisor's buying power. That often means significant cost savings and streamlined procurement processes.

10. Scalability – work/life balance

You understand you needed others to survive and thrive through your service to our nation. You can scale your efforts to build your own team by leveraging your leadership skills with a franchise. There are options, to begin with.

You can go all in full-time. Some franchises offer semi-absentee owner operations to start depending on the franchise model. You can start with one franchise unit and add additional units. The franchise model lends itself well to crafting the work/life balance that's important to you.

11. Legacy – wealth and service

Building wealth is important as it is essential. As you continue your journey serving, this time as a franchise owner, the wealth you create through franchising enables you to impact the lives of your family and those people and organizations important to you. 

Again, we thank you for your service. 

We wish you the best in your transition. Note - through this process of exploring opportunities that align with your values and vision for you, it's critical that you do your due diligence.

It would be an honor to serve you.

To explore franchising as an option, we simplify the process following the Your First Franchise! Roadmap at no cost to you. You can learn more here. 

*IFA - International Franchise Association

How "franchise fundable" are you?

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