Report: 64,000+ veterans enter franchising through Operation Enduring Opportunity

A new report from the IFA prepared by Franchise Business Review shows over 64,000 veterans, military spouses and wounded warriors have started careers in franchising, including 4,314 new veteran franchise business owners, since 2011 through Operation Enduring Opportunity, a campaign of  IFA’s VetFran Strategic Initiative. These results are a great step forward toward our goal of hiring as team members and recruiting as franchise business owners 75,000 veterans and military spouses plus 5,000 wounded warriors by 2014. But with unemployment rates for veterans ages 18-24 stuck at 24.8%, “we must keep up the momentum to enable those who have served and sacrificed to fulfill their dreams and find meaningful career opportunities here at home,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. You can view or download a copy of the report here: 2012 Veterans in Franchising: A Progress Report “Honor to Owner,” a new video highlighting the industry’s efforts, will premier at IFA Veterans Day events in Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, St. Paul and San Antonio, where SBA Administrator Karen Mills will join IFA to celebrate the opening of new franchise businesses by SSG Shilo Harris (U.S. Army, Ret.), a new WIN Home Inspection franchisee, and Maj. Cody Roberson (USAR), a new Lenny’s Sub Shop owner.  If you would like to attend or participate in an IFA Veterans Day event  please call (202) 628-8000.