For Companies ⋆ VetFran

Why VetFran

A commitment to our nation’s veterans goes far beyond corporate social responsibility, patriotism and supporting our heroes. For franchisors, it is also a proven pathway to attracting some of the best prospective franchisees out there who leave the military with a skillset uniquely matched to franchising. Veterans leave the military with the leadership and teamwork skills to lead a franchise location (or many!), and learning, training and executing systems and standard operating procedures is their bread and butter. Dedication, perseverance and discipline imparted by years of military service combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of those veterans seeking franchise opportunities makes for a perfect combination, and franchisors know it.

Join Today

VetFran research shows that 65% of franchisors have increased veteran and nearly half have recruited at least one veteran franchisee in the last year. An unbelievable 99% have reported that veterans have proven to be a good fit as corporate employees, and 97% said the same thing about their veteran franchisees. Veterans are a key demographic for franchise development, and if your company hasn’t caught on to this trend yet, now is the time. That’s where VetFran comes in.

Franchisors

increased veteran recruiting

Franchisors

think veterans are a good fit

Veterans

are excellent franchisees

Membership in VetFran is open to all members of the franchisor community who meet our membership requirements. The value proposition rests on five pillars:

Join VetFran to help veterans

Supporting and giving thanks to our nation’s heroes isn’t about words, it’s about deeds. Veterans leave the armed services with invaluable skills and matching those with opportunities in franchising is a win-win. Making a concerted effort to recruit veteran franchisees and hire veteran employees is increasingly becoming an industry standard, and it shows a dedication to civic responsibility.

Join VetFran to help your company

The numbers don’t lie – franchisors have recognized that veterans make great franchisees and the membership of VetFran has soared to over 450 companies. Competition for entrepreneurial vets is heating up and companies that aren’t actively incentivizing and prioritizing veteran recruitment are missing out. Veteran franchisee recruitment is an important part of modern franchise growth and development strategies, and VetFran is your gateway to unlocking that potential.

Join VetFran to enjoy exclusive benefits

Membership in VetFran comes with an array of exclusive benefits. Members display the recognized and trusted branding of the VetFran program, and get signage identifying them as VetFran members at expos and hiring fairs. They are often the first to hear about veteran recruitment opportunities, and may be invited to speak on VetFran panels. Senior leaders of member companies can apply to serve on the leadership committee, and VetFran is a conduit to our many partners in the veteran’s community.

Join VetFran to raise your visibility and credibility

With over a quarter of a century of building bridges between the world of franchising and our nation’s veterans, the VetFran name carries weight. Veterans trust us, veteran’s organizations partner with us and VetFran has worked with the highest levels of the US government to promote our mission. Membership offers visibility through the VetFran directory, the fifth most visited page on the IFA website and on other VetFran digital and social media pages.

Join VetFran to gain valuable information and access

"We are members of VetFran to further honor those who have served our country and assist both veterans and their spouses to more easily find opportunities available for employment or business ownership." - Jeff Bevis, CFE, Co-Founder & CEO, FirstLight Home Care

"I am proud to serve on IFA’s VetFran committee because it connects veterans to franchising and connects veterans to other veterans." - Steve White, President & COO, PuroClean

“At Home Helpers, we believe that the characteristics veterans embody coupled with their commitment to the better good aligns with our missions and values, which is why we are honored to actively participate in the VetFran Committee to help drive the mission forward.” -Matt Gerding, CFE, VP Franchise Development, Home Helpers

"As a veteran myself, there is no more important cause in my mind than helping fellow veterans find high-quality franchise business opportunities that can have such a positive and lasting impact on their lives and the lives of their families." - Eric Stites, CFE, CEO, Franchise Business Review

“As a founding member of VetFran, our mission is simple. We strive to be the leader in franchising with transitioning military personnel and current veterans in order to help them achieve their dreams and goals by being in business for themselves. We believe we owe our veterans the power to prosper as a thank you for their sacrifice and service to our nation.” - Mary Kennedy Thompson, CFE, COO, Neighborly

Join VetFran

If your franchise company values veteran franchisees and veteran employees and you want to make a more meaningful commitment to living those values and goals every day, joining VetFran is the single most impactful thing you can do today. Veterans punch above their weight in franchising, accounting for 14% of franchisees nationwide, and franchisors consistently find them to be an over-performing segment of their franchisee base. Honoring their service by easing their entry into your brand is a great way to give back, live your corporate values and also attract top talent from among the veteran community.

Once you’re a member, you get listed on the VetFran Directory and proudly display the VetFran logo. VetFran Premium Members get plugged into internal communications and events networks, and will be the first to hear about new opportunities, resources and partnerships made available exclusively to Premium Members.

To join VetFran, you must offer a discount on your initial franchise fee to honorably discharged veterans, and we encourage you to think of other creative ways to incentivize veterans beyond the discount. You also have to meet a set of criteria, outlined below. Find the membership tier that best corresponds to your company and download the application form. It takes only minutes to fill out and email to vetfran@franchise.org.

Star designation (“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. 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.

1 Star Franchisor Member

Ideal for smaller or new systems, and those starting out with their recruitment of veteran franchisees.

Clean Audit Report
Minimum 10% discount on initial franchise fee
At least 3 years continuously operating a franchise

3 Star Franchisor Member

Ideal for emerging franchisors and companies ready to make a serious commitment to veterans recruiting.

Clean Audit Report
Minimum 15% discount on initial franchise fee
At least 4 years continuously operating a franchise
Item 19 FPRs
At least 25 units open

5 Star Franchisor Member

Ideal for industry leaders and established brands looking to consistently be recognized as top franchises for veterans.

Clean Audit Report
Minimum 20% discount on initial franchise fee
At least 5 years continuously operating a franchise
Item 19 FPRs
At least 50 units open
At least an 80% continuity rate over the past 3 years
At least one Certified Franchise Executive on staff

Supplier Memberships

Ideal for IFA’s non-franchisor member companies who want to support veterans and veteran friendly franchises.

Must offer at least a 10% discount on your services to veterans and/or VetFran member companies

Learn More

Membership Dues

VetFran offers a full range of benefits for a low annual fee. If your commitment to veterans is strong, then you'll
get the most out of VetFran through a premium membership. Join your VetFran peers and sign up today!

Premium Tier

Enhances your VetFran Membership and ensures your company can take advantage of incredible new programs. An easy step your company can take to support veterans in franchising. Includes Affiliate Tier benefits, PLUS:

Franchisee Members
- Allow your veteran franchisees to sign up with VetFran for exclusive benefits and opportunities.
Appear at VetFran Events
- Your company can appear on VetFran panels at franchise expos across the country.
Exclusive VetFran Supplier Discounts
- Access to discounts by nearly two dozen supplier companies and counting.
Rotating Promotions
- Appear in promotions on VetFran Social Media, Website, and a special feature in the Franchise Opportunities Guide.
Premium Resources
- Access to research, white papers, and best practice guides.
VetFran Partners
- Access to VetFran's private and public sector partners.

View Details

IFA Members: $750 annually
IFA Non-Members: $1500 annually

Affiliate Tier

Includes the following benefits:

Use of the VetFran Logo
- You may place our logo on marketing materials, your website, and more.
A listing in the VetFran Directory
- Visible to all on VetFran.org