International Franchise Association (IFA)

To speed and improve the franchise ownership process, the International Franchise Association (IFA) 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.

IFA Educational Foundation Veterans Scholarship Program

The IFA Educational Foundation, with the generous support of Michael Seid & Associations LLC, Figaro’s Italian Pizza, Luce Smith and Scott, Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, and The Dwyer Group has created a Veterans Scholarship Fund.  The fund provides $2,500 annual scholarships to a qualified Veteran of the U.S. military, to encourage his or her pursuit of continuing education focused on entrepreneurial studies.

Franchising 101 Offered to Veterans

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.

Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (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.  The idea of the late Don Dwyer Sr., founder of The Dwyer Group, 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.

Nearly 1,400 Veteran-Franchises and Growing!

Taking advantage of the financial incentives offered by participating companies, Veterans, by early 2009, had acquired nearly 1,400 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.  A current list of participating companies and the discounts these franchise systems offer is available on this web site, www.franchise.org, under “VetFran Directory.”

Little Caesars Veterans Program

The Little Caesars Veterans Program provides honorably discharged veterans with a business opportunity when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change, and thanks them for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country. The minimum requirements from Little Caesars are:  $50,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets (cash available, no lien or loan on money), VA Rating Letter or DD214, a county you are interested in opening the franchise, and a minimum net worth of $150,000.  Your net worth would be assets minus liabilities.  If you meet the minimum requirements, please contact Lil Caesar’s VetFran Program at 1-800-553-5776.

Contact your local Small Business Development Center for other franchising opportunities.