Military Veterans “Sign Up” for Franchising

Abstract

The franchise business model has proven particularly attractive to veterans. When former soldiers become franchisees, they sign up to follow the game plan of the franchisor, but they must apply their own personal aptitudes, skills, and training to ensure their entrepreneurial venture succeeds. This chapter explores the practitioner and academic literature to identify why franchising is attractive to veterans as well as how the franchise sector encourages those with prior military experience to enlist. The chapter also examines whether veterans are satisfied with their decision to become franchisees and identifies which franchise systems are rated “best” for veterans. Finally, the chapter offers thoughts about global research that is needed to help franchise systems be a gateway for veterans to pursue their dream of business ownership.