From personal experience, you know very well that life in the military can be grueling. You work hard for your country, keeping its citizens safe from threats. But life in the military comes to an end at some point and you need a solid plan for the way forward.
While the transition isn’t always easy, there are sound options for you to consider. We are talking about veteran franchise opportunities. Why? Because your military skills perfectly equip you for business success. Examples of these include leadership, discipline, and operational skills gained during military service.
For those of you looking for a path to entrepreneurship, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we reveal the best franchises for veterans in 2025 and showcase a few of the financing and discount programs you can take advantage of to get started. Ready to begin? Let’s go.
In this article:
Why Franchising Appeals to Veterans
Why franchising, you’re asking?
There are a few important reasons to consider this road to entrepreneurship as you transition from military service to civilian life. Here are just three to think about:
- Structured systems align well with military backgrounds
- Training and support mirror military teamwork and operational excellence
- Franchising mitigates the risk associated with starting an independent business
In short, franchising is extremely well-aligned with the principles and discipline of veterans. It offers many amazing opportunities that align with your personal and professional goals as you transition to civilian life.
Funding and Incentives Available to Veteran Franchisees
When looking into any form of business ownership, you know that you’ll need a certain investment to get started. The same is true for franchising. However, there are pathways to success with various veteran business funding options. Just a few of these to consider are:
- VetFran program: The VetFran Program is a strategic initiative offering military veterans exclusive discounts on franchise fees, often ranging from 10% to 50%. Backed by the International Franchise Association, VetFran connects qualified veterans with franchisors committed to supporting their transition into business ownership. Participating franchises span various industries, and the program often includes mentorship and training, making it an attractive entry point for veterans seeking financial savings and support in starting their own franchise.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for veterans: SBA loans, particularly the SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans, offer favorable terms for veteran entrepreneurs. These loans may feature lower interest rates, reduced or waived fees, and more flexible repayment schedules. Veterans can access specialized programs like the SBA’s Veterans Advantage, which streamlines the application process and cuts costs. This financing option makes it easier for veterans to secure startup or expansion capital while reducing the financial burden of traditional lending.
- VA small business support: The Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), part of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, offers a range of support services for veteran entrepreneurs. These include free training programs, mentoring, networking opportunities, and guidance on funding options. Through initiatives like Boots to Business and the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program, the OVBD empowers veterans with the tools and knowledge needed to launch and grow successful small businesses.
- Franchise incentives for veterans: Many leading franchise brands offer tailored incentives to attract veteran franchisees. These incentives often include reduced franchise fees, royalty waivers for the first year, or additional training and support. For example, many franchise brands have long-standing veteran discount programs. These incentives reflect the industry’s recognition of veterans’ leadership skills and reliability, helping you transition smoothly into business ownership with reduced upfront costs.
- Alternative financing paths: You can also explore alternative financing methods beyond traditional loans. One popular option is Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS), which allows individuals to use retirement funds to invest in a franchise without penalties. Additionally, veterans can apply for government and private business grants specifically for military members. Crowdfunding platforms such as StreetShares also cater to veteran-led startups, offering community-backed funding. These diverse financing options provide flexibility and access to capital tailored to veterans’ needs.
Top 10 Veteran-Friendly Franchise Opportunities in the US for 2025
With so much support to help you, it’s time to look at some veteran-friendly franchises that will help you on the road to entrepreneurship. Our selection of top 10 veteran-friendly franchise opportunities in the US gives you a quick snapshot of what to expect. From veteran support and discounted franchise fees, the path to veteran entrepreneurship has never been so easy.
1. 7-Eleven
Initial investment: $37,550 – $1.15 million
Veteran incentive: 20% off franchise fee
7-Eleven offers a turnkey business model with a globally recognized brand. Veterans receive a 20% discount on franchise fees, reducing startup barriers significantly. With inventory and equipment often included, this convenience-store franchise makes ownership more accessible and manageable.
2. Dream Vacations
Initial investment: $1,795 – $21,000
Veteran incentive: Up to 30% off franchise fee, financing available
Dream Vacations is a low-cost, home-based travel franchise perfect for veterans seeking flexibility. With deep discounts and in-house financing, it’s a top pick for remote business ownership with a supportive veteran community and minimal overhead.
3. The UPS Store
Initial investment: $138,433 – $566,585
Veteran incentive: $10,000 off franchise fee, 50% off application fee
A leading name in shipping and office services, The UPS Store offers strong brand recognition. Veterans benefit from significant cost savings through VetFran, plus extensive training and corporate support for long-term success.
4. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling
Initial investment: $29,000 – $110,000
Veteran incentive: Exclusive to veterans and military families
JDog is a veteran-only franchise built on military values like respect and integrity. Affordable startup costs, in-house financing, and a ready-made veteran support network make it ideal for service members transitioning to business ownership.
5. Dunkin’
Initial investment: $526,900 – $1.8 million
Veteran incentive: Special startup incentives via VetFran
Dunkin’ offers a well-established quick-service restaurant (QSR) model with strong brand loyalty. Through VetFran, veterans gain access to exclusive discounts and training support, making this high-traffic franchise a compelling choice for experienced operators.
6. Home Helpers
Initial investment: $84,500 – $136,900
Veteran incentive: Discounted franchise fees through VetFran
Home Helpers empowers veterans to serve their communities through in-home care services. With a modest investment and values-based mission, this franchise offers personal fulfillment and scalable business potential.
7. FASTSIGNS
Initial investment: $233,555 – $307,308
Veteran incentive: 50% off franchise fee
FASTSIGNS delivers B2B signage and marketing solutions with weekday operating hours. Veterans enjoy a significant fee discount and benefit from comprehensive training, making it an ideal option for those seeking structured, low-stress business ownership.
8. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Initial investment: $100,000 – $585,000
Veteran incentive: 10% off franchise fee
Built on teamwork and strong systems, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers reliable support and operational consistency. Veterans benefit from a discount and a business that mirrors military values such as leadership, logistics, and service excellence.
9. Budget Blinds
Initial investment: $140,500 – $211,500
Veteran incentive: 15% off franchise fee
Budget Blinds is a mobile home services franchise with flexible scheduling. With a 15% franchise fee discount and support from the Home Franchise Concepts Veterans Program, veterans can quickly launch a scalable, in-demand business.
10. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Initial investment: $277,000 – $584,000
Veteran incentive: 50% off franchise fee
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a fast-casual franchise with a healthy twist. Veterans receive a 50% discount on the franchise fee, making it easier to join this growing, lifestyle-focused brand with national marketing and ongoing support.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Franchise as a Veteran
Veteran small business ownership requires careful thought and consideration prior to getting started. Here are a few key aspects and questions you should use as guidelines to help you find the perfect franchise opportunity for you:
- Assess lifestyle fit: Are you looking for hands-on or semi-absentee models?
- Match with personal skills: Where do you strengths lie: logistics, leadership, operations, or customer service?
- Long-term goals: What do you want to achieve: passive income, scalability, or run a community-focused business?
- Evaluate support systems: Does the franchisor have a veteran support network?
Action Plan: Steps for Veterans to Start Their Franchise Journey
And as we reach the end, here are five suggestions that should form a major part of your action plan to get started along your road to entrepreneurial success. While they may seem simple at first glance, they are essential considerations that take time and deep research.
- Research veteran-friendly franchise directories and listings
- Evaluate funding options and pre-qualify for financing
- Reach out to franchisors and inquire about veteran-specific incentives
- Connect with veteran franchise owner networks for advice
- Seek legal and financial guidance before signing any agreements
Conclusion
Transitioning from service to civilian life is no small feat, but with the right guidance, it can lead to a rewarding new mission: business ownership. Ex-military franchise programs are designed to honor your service by helping you build a future rooted in independence, leadership, and long-term success. With exclusive incentives, structured systems, and strong support networks, franchising empowers veterans like you to thrive.
Explore Franchise Fame’s veteran-friendly franchise listings today, or book a free consultation with us. We deeply understand the unique needs of veteran entrepreneurs and are here to help you every step of the way.
