Veterans make up about 7% of the population, but they represent 14% of all U.S. franchise owners … and that statistic doesn’t include military spouses or currently serving members who’ve entered the franchise sector.
April 26: Join MOAA at the National Franchise Show
Considering a franchise? Join Col. Brian Anderson, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s senior director for transition services at an exclusive panel session for uniformed servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses at the National Franchise Show on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. Eastern at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va.
The session, Exploring Business Ownership as a Career Path for the Veteran and Military Spouse Community, will include real-world examples from franchisors and franchisees on how their unique military experience has shaped their success. Attendees will gain knowledge on the programs and services available to start and grow a small business (including financial and capital opportunities for veterans), learn franchising basics, and network with aspiring and current business owners.
Other panel members include:
- Jim Keenam, Navy veteran and director of franchise operations, FSC Franchise Co.
- Mark Ridley, former acting director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and co-owner/operator of the Brass Tap Beer Bar, National Harbor, Md.
- Lynne Shelton, Esq., CFE, senior attorney for Shelton Law & Associates, a franchise law firm.
- Phillip Trigg, retired Army officer and executive director of the Veterans’ Transition Forum
After the panel, visit the franchise show to talk face-to-face with companies looking for franchisees, dealers, and distributors. Admission is free if you register at the link below.
If you’ve considered starting a franchise, or you’re looking for more resources to support your growing business, MOAA can help. Here are some tips to get you started:
VetFran
VetFran’s sole mission is to connect the broader uniformed service and veteran communities with franchise business ownership opportunities. The VetFran franchise company directory boasts more than 600 entries, all meeting strict quality criteria … and all offering their best discounts on franchise fees to the veteran community.
Veterans are a part of the corporate culture in these companies – and some of their strongest performers – so they naturally want more to join their franchise brand.
[LEARN MORE: VetFran.org]
SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a wealth of tools and resources designed to help you succeed in your franchise operation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your business venture, the SBA offers invaluable support every step of the way through programs like:
- Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Offering local support on business plan development and access to funding resources.
- Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD): Providing currently serving members, veterans, military spouses, and family members with programs and services to start and grow a small business.
- Boots to Business (B2B) and Pathway to Business: Foundational business ownership training programs designed to support veterans and military spouses.
- SCORE: A vast network of volunteer mentors who provide free guidance and share valuable lessons learned.
- Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): Designed to help veteran-owned small businesses access government contracts and expand their operations.
Upcoming MOAA Transition and Career Events
- April 22: MOAA Virtual Classroom: The Art of Onboarding
- April 24: MOAA’s Virtual Career Fair Featuring Flexible Work Arrangements
- April 30: MOAA Webinar: Registered Apprenticeship: A Sustainable Pathway to Success
- May 30: MOAA’s Executive Career Transition Accelerator Seminar (in-person and virtual)
