Photo credit: Christian Brothers Automotive
Military veterans bring a unique skill set that makes them exceptional business owners—and franchisors know it. Their specialized training, discipline, and diverse experiences prepare them to manage teams, follow systems, and execute plans with precision.
This background fosters exceptional leadership qualities, allowing veterans to thrive in structured, team-oriented environments like franchising. For that reason, many franchisors actively seek out veterans. They offer exclusive discounts and incentives to encourage veterans to join their networks.
See this year’s list of the Top Franchises for Veterans.
Traits That Make Veterans Natural Fit for Franchising
According to VetFran, a remarkable 99% of franchisors believe veterans make great employees. An equally impressive 97% say veterans excel as franchise owners.
These are some of the key traits that make veterans exceptional franchise owners:
- Excel at building and leading efficient, well-coordinated teams
- Calm under pressure even in challenging situations
- Strong internal drive and determination, pushing them to achieve success
- Follow proven systems with precision and consistency
- Motivated by the opportunity for personal growth and financial independence
- Frequently hire other veterans, creating pathways for growth within the organization.
- Committed to strengthening their communities.
Watch: Army Veteran Demonstrates Excellence in Real Property Management
Alice Garcia shares her experience as a Real Property Management franchise owner and explains why her military service drives her to give back to the community.
The 50 Best Franchise Opportunities for Veterans in 2026
With countless franchises competing for the attention of veterans, it can be challenging to identify the best fit. Franchise Business Review simplifies the process by offering comprehensive ratings and reviews based on feedback from actual veteran franchise owners.
Our Top Franchises for Veterans list is an excellent resource for veterans seeking franchise opportunities that rank highest in owner satisfaction.
“Many franchises offer special incentives to veterans, but the best way to determine if an opportunity is truly valuable is to connect with veterans already involved in the system,” said Eric Stites, founder of Franchise Business Review and Navy veteran. “The franchises featured on our list of the Top Franchises for Veterans have earned the trust of veteran owners. This is a great place to start your research and see what current franchisees have to say about their experience with their franchise.”
What Do Veterans Say About Owning a Franchise?
Veterans currently make up 7% of all franchise owners. To compile the 2026 list of the Top Franchises for Veterans, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of survey data from over 2,000 veteran franchise owners representing more than 275 franchise brands. The results reveal that:
- 83% of veterans enjoy operating their franchise business.
- 82% would recommend their franchise to others.
- 82% of veterans find their fellow franchisees supportive of each other.
- 81% of veterans enjoy being part of their franchise organization.
- 80% of veterans find their fellow franchisees supportive of the brand.
- 44% of veterans own multiple franchise locations/units.
Furthermore, nearly half of veterans (49%) who operate a single franchise unit plan to expand by purchasing additional locations in the future. The median age of veteran franchise owners surveyed is 54, with the median number of years operating a franchise ranging from seven to eight years. These owners report median gross sales of $875,000, and median pre-tax annual income is $87,500.*
If you’re a military veteran thinking about making the leap to franchise ownership, we encourage you to explore our Top Franchises for Veterans list to compare opportunities with brands that rank highest in veteran satisfaction. Many of the brands on the list also make their satisfaction survey results and veteran discount information available on our website. For more guidance on researching franchises, join FBR’s Franchise Academy. This free online course walks you through setting goals for business ownership, evaluating franchises, and comparing funding options.
Related Resource: The Best Small Business Grants and Loans for Veterans
Business Resources for Veterans
Additionally, many programs and resources are available to help veterans succeed and grow as entrepreneurs, including:
- VetFran
- Patriot Bootcamp
- Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative
- VETtoCEO
- VetsinTech
- Small Business Administration (SBA) for Veterans Business Development
Ready to start your franchising journey? Explore this year’s Top Franchise Opportunities for Veterans to find the opportunity that’s right for you.
See 2026’s Top Franchises for Veterans.
*Business gross sales/revenues and owner pre-tax income figures are self-reported by veteran franchisees who have been operating their business for at least two years. Owner pre-tax income figures equate to the owners’ “annual salary” from the business after deductions for any loan repayments, business capital expenditures, similar business reinvestment, or retirement savings. Annual income figures do not include any long-term equity value of the business.
Veteran Spotlight: Marine Corps to Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee
Barb Whipkey, a former U.S. Marine, sat down with Franchise Business Review’s founder (and U.S. Navy veteran), Eric Stites, to talk about her path to franchising and what it’s like to own a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise.
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