VetFran VetFran empowers veterans to pursue their dreams of business ownership. We connect you with franchise opportunities, resources, and a supportive community.

As an IFA initiative, VetFran equips transitioning service members with the tools to thrive! VetFran was born out of the desire of the late Don Dwyer Sr. - founder of The Dwyer Group - to say “thank you” to our veterans returning from the first Gulf War. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, IFA re-launched its campaign to assist U.S. veterans. Now, IFA’s VetFran program helps returning serv

ice members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance, and industry support. VetFran’s ranks have grown to include more than 600 franchise companies that voluntarily offer financial incentives and mentoring to prospective veteran franchise small business owners. Thousands of veterans have become franchise owners through VetFran and other programs. For more information on IFA’s VetFran program and how you can be involved go to www.vetfran.com

⏳ Deadline Tomorrow: Franchise Ascension Initiative ApplicationsThe application deadline for the Franchise Ascension Ini...
05/30/2026

⏳ Deadline Tomorrow: Franchise Ascension Initiative Applications

The application deadline for the Franchise Ascension Initiative is tomorrow, May 31. Submit your application today for the opportunity to join this six‑month accelerator program.

We look forward to welcoming the next cohort and empowering entrepreneurs through education, access, and opportunity.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION 🔗 https://bit.ly/applyFAI2026

Join Us for Pathways of Franchising in Austin, TXJune 25 | 1:30 PM CT | Indigo HotelYou’re invited to join us in Austin,...
05/27/2026

Join Us for Pathways of Franchising in Austin, TX
June 25 | 1:30 PM CT | Indigo Hotel

You’re invited to join us in Austin, TX, as we celebrate 35 years of VetFran helping veterans and military spouses transition into business ownership and learn more about franchising.

VetFran has connected members of the military community with franchise opportunities that value the leadership, discipline, resilience, and teamwork developed through military service.

At this special Pathways to Franchising event, sponsored by Zoho, you’ll:
🔹Hear real stories from Veteran Franchisees
🔹Learn why franchising is a strong fit for veterans and military spouses
🔹Connect with franchise leaders and fellow veterans

Whether you’re exploring your next career move, considering entrepreneurship, or simply looking to connect, this event is for you.

We hope you’ll join us for the celebration — secure your seat today, as spots are limited and filling quickly.

▶️ Reserve your spot today: https://zohoevents.zohobackstage.in/VetFranxZohoPathwaystoFranchising

Today and every day, we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.As we ...
05/25/2026

Today and every day, we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

As we honor the fallen, we also recognize the families, loved ones, and fellow service members who carry their legacies forward.

At VetFran, our mission to support veteran entrepreneurs is rooted in the values of courage, service, leadership, and sacrifice demonstrated by those who served. We are honored to help veterans continue their next chapter through business ownership and franchising.

This Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude. We remember. We honor.

Today, on Armed Forces Day, VetFran proudly honors the brave men and women currently serving in the United States Armed ...
05/16/2026

Today, on Armed Forces Day, VetFran proudly honors the brave men and women currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us every day.

At VetFran, we remain committed to supporting service members, veterans, and military spouses as they transition from military service to business ownership through franchising opportunities.

To all who serve — thank you for your dedication, strength, and sacrifice.

This Military Appreciation Month, VetFran proudly recognizes the veterans, service members, and military families whose ...
05/13/2026

This Military Appreciation Month, VetFran proudly recognizes the veterans, service members, and military families whose sacrifice and service continue to make a lasting impact in communities across the country.

For more than 35 years, VetFran has remained committed to supporting veterans as they pursue their next mission through franchising and business ownership.

To all who have served — thank you for your dedication and continued leadership.

05/11/2026

We are proud to announce that we are launching a national alliance between Zoho and VetFran, built on a shared mission to support the veteran community.

Through this collaboration, we’re empowering veterans and military families with access to business and technology education, along with the tools and resources they need to successfully launch franchises and pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. With the right support, those qualities translate into thriving businesses and stronger communities. This partnership is focused on opening doors, reducing barriers, and creating new pathways to success for those who have served.

We’re honored to play a role in helping veterans turn their ambitions into reality.

What an unforgettable day in Denver at our Pathways to Franchising event and the celebration of 35 incredible years of V...
05/08/2026

What an unforgettable day in Denver at our Pathways to Franchising event and the celebration of 35 incredible years of VetFran!
The day began with breathtaking sunrise views of Colorado’s snow-capped mountains — the perfect backdrop to kiick off our day filled with connection, opportunity, and purpose.
We were honored to bring together veterans, franchise leaders, and industry partners to explore pathways to business ownership and celebrate VetFran’s remarkable 35-year legacy of supporting those who have served our country. From meaningful conversations to powerful stories of entrepreneurship and service, the energy throughout the day was inspiring.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make this event so special. Here’s to continuing to open doors, create opportunities, and support our veteran community for many years to come! ❤️🤍💙

Veteran Franchisees… will you share your story with us?
05/08/2026

Veteran Franchisees… will you share your story with us?

Every franchise location has a local owner behind it. Someone who took the risk, hired the team, and invested in their community.

This , we're inviting our members to show the world what that looks like.
🎬 Join the campaign. Film a quick 15–45 second video from your location. All you need is your phone.

The formula is simple. Follow the steps in the toolkit and make sure to share your video with us!

https://franchisemeanslocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IFA-FranchiseMeansLocal-Social-Toolkit.pdf

Come and join us!
05/07/2026

Come and join us!

Celebrating VetFran with the Denver Franchise Business Network
May 7 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM MT | University of Denver, Joy Burns Center

Join us for a special Franchise Business Network event honoring 35 years of VetFran and the impact it has made connecting military veterans to opportunities in franchising.

This happy hour brings together franchise owners, operators, suppliers, and leaders from across Colorado for an evening built on connection and collaboration.

Throughout the evening, you’ll hear directly from Veteran franchisees and leaders connected to the VetFran program. Their stories highlight the power of franchising as a pathway for Veterans and the role our community plays in supporting their success.

Be part of the celebration—and the community behind it.

Reserve your spot: https://sites-polsinelli.vuturevx.com/108/6285/landing-pages/rsvp-blank.asp

Lead With What You Already Know — Build What Comes NextYou’ve already led under pressure. Franchise ownership is about a...
04/24/2026

Lead With What You Already Know — Build What Comes Next

You’ve already led under pressure. Franchise ownership is about applying those same skills to a business model designed to work. The Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) helps Veterans translate experience into ownership with structure, support, and a clear path forward.

What You’ll Gain - Take a structured, hands-on path into franchising:
🔹 Learn the franchise business model, operations, and leadership strategy
🔹 Work through real case studies and connect with experienced franchise operators
🔹 Build and present your own franchise business plan
Use the franchise accelerator to apply what you already know in a system that’s built to scale.

Unique Opportunity for Veterans: The Franchise Ascension Initiative is part of a broader effort by the International Franchise Association Foundation to expand access to franchising, especially for Veterans ready to take the next step.

You’ll work alongside mentors, franchise brands, and operators who understand how to turn structure into growth. If you’re ready to commit to 250+ hours of focused learning and build something of your own, this is your next step. More than 50 brand leaders and mentors are ready to help.

Apply by May 1, 2026: https://bit.ly/applyFAI2026

Address

1201 New York Avenue NW
Washington D.C., DC
20006

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+12026627781

Alerts

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