Veterans in Franchising- Helpful Associations

Other Business Ownership Information Sources

1. SCORE

Another great source of information for starting a business is at SCORE. Counselors to American’s Small Business is a national organization nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs, and assisting with the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE has over 11,000 volunteer business executives, many of whom have retired from well-known companies, who counsel and mentor prospective and existing business owners. And there is no fee for these helpful services!  SCORE also offers low-cost workshops and seminars through local 389 chapters throughout the United States and its territories.

SCORE has a dedicated page with information and online tools for veterans where you will find FREE information on specific programs and workshops, mentoring assistance and much more for veterans hoping to enter into the business world. For example, SCORE offers a Welcome Home Veteran program which is set up to help returning troops enter into a franchise or business opportunity. It also encourages spouses of veterans to enter into the business world. For more information on this program and many more of SCORE's initiatives, please visit its homepage or click on the link provided.

   
There is much helpful advice for veterans at the SCORE site. You can find a link to a PDF directory of state programs aimed at helping returning troops adjust to civilian life. There is also a list of useful web sites that feature loan programs, such as the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative, for members of the military community who want to start or expand a business.

In addition, SCORE offers help for veterans who owned a business before being called into service, with advice on how obtain emergency loans, marketing, business recovery and other issues. Many SCORE offices nationwide have established programs or outreach specifically for veterans, National Guard and Reservists. Check the web site to find a chapter near your location.

2. Goverment Assistance

The U.S. government also has a web site for veterans who want to buy a franchise:


The site has information about the VetFran program and links to specific companies, such as Little Caesars, that offer special incentives for vets. You’ll also find links to a pamphlet with detailed information about VetFran, and to the Federal Trade Commission’s Guide to Buying a Franchise.

These four sources –

• Small Business Administration,
• IFA,
• SCORE
• the government web site are terrific launching pads to discover how vets can find and finance a franchise business.

  3. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration has recently launched a new veteran program aimed at helping military veterans returning from Iraq re-enter into the business world. Their program called "Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative" can help veterans establish funding, business plan, location and much more to set up their own franchise or business operation. Veterans must retain certain characteristics in order to be considered eligIble for the loan initiative. Please click on the link provided to find out if you have the right criteria.