IFA Educational Foundation and PepsiCo Launch VetFran Business Grant Fund

Franchising World June 2008

The International Franchise Association for many years has sought to assist America’s veterans in their transition to civilian lives. The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program, “VetFran” strives to achieve that goal by requiring its participating companies to offer financial incentives to attract honorably-discharged U.S. military veterans to pursue franchise ownership.

To further assist America’s veterans who have acquired franchised businesses through IFA’s Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program, IFA’s Educational Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation have established the VetFran Business Grant Fund. The fund will assist veterans who have been awarded a franchise through the “VetFran” program by providing financial grants for business development, education, training, and technical assistance. Grants in value up to $10,000 will be provided to qualified VetFran candidates.

To be eligible for the grant, candidates must have been awarded a franchise from a VetFran participating company and must have met all the requirements as candidates under the guidelines of the VetFran program, including having received an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military or Coast Guard. Applicants for grants will be evaluated based on merit and need.

The application process requires the candidates to have a signed franchise agreement and have at least one unit in operation, or a letter from their franchisor confirming the opening-store schedule. In addition to the application, candidates must submit a current resume, copy of military discharge certificate, name of franchisor, name and location of franchise business, 500‐word essay describing the need for the grant and purpose for which funds will be used, and two letters of recommendation, including one from the franchisor.

The most recent VetFran survey revealed that more than 300 IFA members participate in the voluntary program which has aided more than 1,100 veterans to acquire franchised small businesses through incentives, which typically are a discount of the initial fee. A current list of participating companies and the discounts they offer is available at Franchise.org under “VetFran Directory.”

VetFran was created by franchise entrepreneur Don Dwyer, the late founder of the Dwyer Group. While the program receives no government funding, it is endorsed by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. The association has partnered with the VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise, whose mission is to improve the business environment for veterans and minimize barriers to business ownership. CVE honored the association as a “Champion of Free Enterprise” in 2003.

In addition to VetFran and the grant, the IFA and MFV Expositions admit veterans at no charge to the franchise trade shows the association sponsors, which includes the free seminar “Franchising 101 for Veterans.” n

Hw Do You Get Started?
Follow the directions and complete the application form which can be found at the IFA Educational Foundation’s area on IFA’s Web site www.franchise.org and send to:
John Reynolds, President, IFA Educational Foundation
1501 K Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, D.C. 20005