For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison
202-628-8000
aharrison@franchise.org
  

Veterans Gaining Toehold on Economy with Franchise Ownership

Discount purchase program on path to break 2,000 mark in 2010

WASHINGTON, April 7― America’s military veterans haven’t been sitting idly by hoping the economy will improve, according to the International Franchise Association, which today reported that sales of franchise-small businesses to former military personnel through its award-winning “VetFran” program have reached 1,778, an increase of more than 250 since last fall.  And the association reports that there are nearly 250 other sales currently under negotiation.

“This is an important milestone for the VetFran program,” said IFA Chairman Ken Walker, chairman and CEO of Driven Brands.  “As more and more veterans learn how franchising can help them get into business for themselves and start a new career after their military service, this program will continue to grow.”

Since 2002, the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, as the program is formally known, has enabled honorably-discharged veterans to apply discounts or other financial incentives to the purchase price of franchises in a wide variety of industries, ranging from auto repair services to restaurants to commercial and residential cleaning concepts.

Endorsed by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, VetFran today is supported by nearly 400 companies that are members of IFA.  Some franchises offer veterans reductions of the initial franchise fee; others provide discounted inventories or waive certain franchise fees.

On April 9, the association’s International Franchise Expo will open at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center for a three-day trade show featuring hundreds of franchise concepts on display where future franchisees can get a closer look at the popular brands and meet with company representatives to gather key information about possible purchase.

Veterans will be admitted to the event without charge and are invited to attend a special, free seminar “Franchising 101 for Veterans” April 10, which will be conducted by veterans who are experts in franchising, including some who have purchased franchises by using the VetFran discounts.

Veteran-attendees are encouraged to look for the VetFran symbol which will be prominently displayed on the booths of participating companies.  Additional details about the VetFran program, including a list of the participating companies and the discounts they offer, can be viewed at www.franchise.org, where early Expo registration can also be accomplished.  Free copies of IFA’s April Franchising World magazine will also be distributed during the trade show which features the program and offer profiles of veterans who are enjoying their franchise-business experience.

Recognized by VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise as a “Champion of Free Enterprise,” VetFran has also been honored by the American Society of Association Executives.  The program is a volunteer effort conducted by the association and its members; it receives no federal funding.

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About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.  Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the 21 million jobs and $2.3 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.

Note to Editors:  To attend the International Franchise Expo send press credential requests, limit two per credentialed news organization, to IFA Vice Pres. of Communications & Marketing Alisa Harrison at aharrison@franchise.org .

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