What is VetFran?
To honor those men and women who have served in the U.S. military, the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as “VetFran,” was developed to help them transition to civilian life. VetFran is a voluntary effort of International Franchise Association member-companies that is designed to encourage franchise ownership by offering financial incentives to honorably discharged veterans. To date, more than 250 franchise companies participate in the program. Taking advantage of the financial incentives offered by participating companies, veterans, by November 2007, had acquired 1,000 franchises through the VetFran program and more than 200 were in various stages of negotiation.

• Financial Incentives
  Due to the wide variety of franchises, the criteria for financial incentives is determined by the franchise system in a manner that allows the greatest flexibility for the system and, at the same time, offers veterans a better deal than is offered to otherwise qualified investors. Typically, VetFran participants offer discounts of their initial fees, but that is not a requirement.


• Financing
  While the program does not offer financing, many franchise systems either provide financing or assist in the process by recommending preferred lenders. To speed and improve the process, the International Franchise Association serves as a conduit between veterans and the participating franchise systems, but does not engage in negotiations, nor does IFA provide financing or financial guidance. Many franchise systems offer financing, others help prospective franchisees locate the necessary capital to acquire a franchise.


• Veteran Benefits
  Another benefit the association provides to veterans is free entry to its trade shows in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Miami where they can view many business options, meet with company representatives and attend the “Franchising 101 for Veterans” seminar free of charge.