
Military veterans possess a unique skill set that makes them exceptional entrepreneurs—and franchisors know it! The specialized training, discipline, and diverse experiences veterans gain equip them with a deep sense of responsibility for executing tasks, managing resources, and leading teams. This training builds strong leadership qualities, enabling them to thrive in structured, team-oriented environments. That’s why many franchisors, eager to partner with seasoned professionals who embody a robust work ethic, offer military veterans exclusive discounts and incentives to join their networks. In this article, we discuss why franchisors offer incentives for veterans to join their system and how to compare the top franchise opportunities for veterans.
According to VetFran, a remarkable 99% of franchisors believe veterans are a perfect fit as employees, and an equally impressive 97% say veterans excel as franchise owners. Here are some of the key skills that make veterans natural entrepreneurs:
- Leadership: Veterans are trained to lead others and manage complex projects, working closely with teams to achieve common goals.
- Problem-solving: Veterans excel at thinking on their feet. They can stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions even in challenging situations.
- Communication: Veterans understand the critical role of clear communication and can effectively convey and receive information.
- Focus: Veterans learn to maintain focus, ensuring that objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
- Drive: Veterans possess a strong internal drive and determination, pushing them to achieve success.
- Sense of duty: Veterans bring a profound sense of duty, integrity, and responsibility to everything they do.
- Battlefield experience: Veterans often transfer their skills from the battlefield to the business world.
Why Veterans and Franchising Make the Perfect Match
Franchises that offer veteran discounts are building strong systems for a reason. Here’s why veterans, with their background and discipline, make such a powerful impact:
- Veterans excel at building efficient, well-coordinated teams.
- Their discipline and reliability make them invaluable franchise owners.
- Veterans follow proven systems with precision and consistency.
- They are motivated by the opportunity for financial independence and personal growth.
- Veterans frequently hire other veterans, creating pathways for others to grow within the organization.
- They are skilled at communicating the benefits of a franchise opportunity to potential partners.
- Veterans are committed to providing for their families and strengthening their communities.
Finding the Best Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
With countless franchises competing for the attention of veterans, it can be challenging to identify the best fit. Franchise Business Review (FBR) simplifies this 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. The franchises featured in our Top Franchises for Veterans list have earned the trust of veteran owners,” said Eric Stites, CEO and Managing Director of Franchise Business Review. “This is a great place to start.”
To compile this year’s Top Franchises for Veterans list, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of survey data from over 2,500 veteran franchise owners representing more than 385 franchise brands. The results reveal that:
- 85% of veterans enjoy being part of their franchise organization.
- 84% of veterans enjoy operating their franchise business.
- 83% of veterans say their fellow franchisee community is supportive.
- 81% of veterans rate the opportunity provided by their franchise above average.
- 75% (3 out of 4) veterans would recommend their franchise to others.
- 39% of veterans own multiple franchise locations/units
Veterans currently make up nearly 8% of all franchise owners. Furthermore, one in three veterans (33%) who operate a single franchise unit plans to expand by purchasing additional locations in the future. The median age of veteran franchise owners surveyed is 55, with a median ownership span of six to nine years. Their businesses report median gross sales of $1,250,000, and the median pre-tax annual income is $87,500.*
We encourage military veterans to explore our Top Franchises for Veterans list to compare opportunities with brands that rank highest in veteran satisfaction. 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 get started? Explore this year’s Top Franchise Opportunities for Veterans to embark on your franchising journey.
*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.