VetFran - Franchising for Veterans - International Franchise Association

From Honor to Ownership — with a team watching your six.

VetFran connects your military experience with real franchising opportunities, so you can pursue business ownership with structure, support, and a proven path forward.

Veteran Leadership Is in Demand Opportunities for Veterans FAQs

14% of all franchises are veteran owned

VetFran

Your Mission Continues: Build, Grow, and Thrive in Franchising

Transitioning from military service to business ownership is a powerful next chapter—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. VetFran’s Veteran Resources hub is designed to equip you with the tools, connections, and opportunities you need to succeed in franchising.

Whether you’re exploring franchise ownership or scaling an existing business, this is your go-to destination for trusted guidance, expert insights, and a strong community built around veteran success for over 35 years now!

Veteran Leadership Is in Demand

In an industry driven by execution and consistency, military experience becomes a competitive advantage.

Leadership: You’ve led people, made tough calls, and stayed accountable for results.
Operational excellence: You execute the playbook, follow standards, and deliver consistency day after day.
Teamwork: You earn trust, align teams, and accomplish the mission together.

Why Franchising Works for Veterans

Franchising is one path into business ownership—and it’s uniquely structured in a way that aligns with military experience.

Instead of building from scratch, you’re stepping into a proven model with training, standards, and a network of support—whether you’re leading a team, operating a location, or building something of your own.

You’re in business for yourself — but not by yourself.

Experience this support for yourself. Connect with VetFran today.

BUILT-IN SUPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON:

Clear standards and operating procedures
Ongoing training and mentorship
A network of fellow operators
Shared best practices and accountability

Use This Opportunity To Take The Next Step

Explore Veteran Resources

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Where VetFran Fits In

VetFran is a program of the International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation connecting U.S. military Veterans with opportunities in franchising.

We help Veterans move forward with:

Clear, practical education about franchising
Guidance translating military experience into business readiness
Access to franchise brands committed to supporting Veterans

Regardless of entry point, VetFran helps create a clearer path forward—strengthening franchise brands, local communities, and the American economy along the way.

VetFran Testimonials

Hear from veterans who turned their service experience into successful franchise ownership.

Clement Troutman: Tropical Smoothie

Rodney Souder: Ziebart

Greg Billy: Hand & Stone

Tom Kasbohm: Snap-on Tools

Garrett Vick & Justin Ghadery: U.S. Lawns Interview

Franchising for Veterans | FAQs

Clear answers for Veterans exploring franchising, leadership roles, and ownership.

No. VetFran is a free educational resource for U.S. military Veterans and military-connected families exploring franchising across its entry points. If you’re part of the military community, you can start using our resources right away. Franchise brands are welcome to join our community when they meet specific criteria for supporting franchising for Veterans.

Want updates and invitations? (Joining the VetFran list is the easiest way to stay connected.)

Veterans use a mix of savings, financing, and other funding options—depending on the brand and the total investment. All VetFran brands offer Veteran incentives, such as discounts on the initial franchise fee and other support, to help reduce upfront costs for our nation’s heroes.

Because brand offers can vary—and new partners are added over time—staying connected with VetFran (sign up here) is one of the easiest ways to stay up to date on what’s available.

VetFran can help you understand common funding paths, what questions to ask, and what to look for as you compare options.

Explore VetFran partner incentives

Yes. Many Veterans start learning well before they’re ready to make a move. VetFran can help you get familiar with the franchising model, the types of roles available, and what a smart next step could look like for your timeline.

Not exactly. VetFran shares educational resources and helps connect Veterans with veteran-friendly franchise brands—but we don’t match Veterans to brands or recommend one opportunity over another. The decision is always yours.

Yes. VetFran supports the broader military-connected community, including military spouses and family members exploring opportunities in franchising. The leadership, resilience, and adaptability developed through military life translate strongly into franchise leadership and ownership.

In addition to VetFran, the IFA Foundation supports underrepresented entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Franchise Ascension Initiative , which focuses on mentorship, education, and expanding access to franchising opportunities.

Whether you’re exploring leadership roles or ownership, VetFran can help you understand your options and connect with the right next step.

Latest VetFran Newsletters

Your Future in Franchising Awaits

Your Path Into Franchising Begins Here

Master Your Mission: Take the First Step into Franchising

Master Your Mission: Franchising 101 for Veterans

The VetFran Star System

Every franchise opportunity looks different once you’re on the ground. The VetFran Star System helps you assess the landscape, compare opportunities, and identify brands with proven support for Veterans. Every VetFran member brand provides meaningful financial incentives for Veterans and meets operational standards that promote trust, stability, and transparency.

The VetFran Star System highlights brands that have invested in:

Veteran recruitment and support
Financial accessibility through franchise fee discounts
Proven operational experience
Transparency in financial performance
Long-term franchisee success and stability

★ 1-Star Partner

Minimum 10% discount on the initial franchise fee
At least 3 years of franchise operations
VetFran participation and IFA membership
Verified operational standards and clean audit history

★ ★ ★ 3-Star Partner

Minimum 15% discount on the initial franchise fee
At least 4 years of continuous operations
25+ open locations
Financial Performance Representations (Item 19) available
Clean audit history and IFA membership

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5-Star Partner

Minimum 20% discount on the initial franchise fee
At least 5 years of continuous franchise operations
50+ open locations
Financial Performance Representations (Item 19) available
Minimum 80% franchise continuity rate over the past 3 years
At least one Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) on staff
Clean audit history and IFA membership

A Tool to Help You Compare Opportunities

The VetFran Star System is not a ranking of brands. Instead, it helps Veterans better understand the experience, transparency, and level of commitment a franchise system may offer to Veteran franchise owners.

Star designations (“1 Star,” “3 Star” and “5 Star”) indicate only that the company has met the minimum criteria for the membership tier. VetFran and the International Franchise Association do not evaluate materials submitted by franchise companies for accuracy or completeness. A star designation is not a guaranty, representation or warranty by VetFran or the International Franchise Association that your franchised business will be profitable or successful.