VetFran Partners With SBA “Boots to Business” Program to Empower Veterans Toward Franchising

B2B course curriculum now includes franchising resources and the opportunity to connect directly with other successful veteran franchisees in training sessions.

Veterans make up 14% of all franchisees, compared to only 7% of the general population

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program announced a new partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) aimed at empowering transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to start their franchise journeys.

“Franchising and Veterans are an excellent match,” said Wendy Kunz, Director of IFA’s VetFran. “Our partnership will bring greater education about how military connected entrepreneurs can get their start in franchising and what they need to know about going into business for themselves, but not by themselves.”

Launched in 2013, the SBA’s “Boots to Business” (B2B) is a nationally recognized entrepreneurial education and training program providing participants an introduction to small business ownership. Through the partnership with VetFran, franchising specific resources will be included in the B2B course curriculum, while participants will be joining select B2B sessions to share real-world success stories and connect with other aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. 

“The discipline, leadership, and resilience ingrained in our service members are the same qualities required for success in franchising,” said Sean Falk, CFE, Chair of VetFran. “This exciting collaboration with the SBA will provide veterans with the structured support and resources to transition from military service to business ownership. Together, we’re not just opening doors—we’re building a bridge from the battlefield to the boardroom, as well as a platform to continue serving others and giving back to our communities.”

Founded in 1991, VetFran is an IFA initiative that serves as a bridge between the veteran and franchise communities and acts as a strategic resource for veterans transitioning to civilian life. VetFran has helped educate and facilitate the development of countless aspiring veteran franchisees and veterans seeking employment in the franchising sector.
 
For more information about VetFran, visit www.vetfran.org. To learn more about Boots to Business, visit www.sba.gov/boots-to-business. 

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About VetFran 

VetFran is a strategic initiative of the International Franchise Association (IFA) dedicated to helping U.S. veterans and their families transition to civilian life through franchise ownership and employment opportunities. With over 500 participating franchise brands, VetFran provides educational resources, mentorship, and financial incentives to support Veterans in exploring franchising as a viable path to entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 1991, VetFran has helped thousands of veterans achieve success in the franchise sector. Learn more at www.vetfran.org. 