If youโve served in the armed forces and are looking to take your career in a new direction, check out veteran franchise opportunities. Companies want to partner with you because it is no secret that veterans are well-suited for entrepreneurship. Your military background and life experience serve you well going forward. Researching the best veteran-friendly franchises, the market, and discounts on startup fees will get you off to a strong start.
Table of Contents
1. Market Overview
2. How to Choose the Best Franchise for Veterans
3. Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
4. Car Wash Franchise for Veterans
5. Mobile Truck Wash
6. Brands Offering Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
7. Conclusion
Market Overview
The International Franchise Association (IFA) endorses the non-profit Vet Fran Program to support franchise opportunities for military veterans. Visit the website to connect with over 600 companies that are members of Vet Fran. These companies offer financial incentives for prospective veterans. Also, when looking for a suitable partner on the site, you can narrow your search by the price range you have to invest.
According to reports from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), one in seven franchises is owned by a military, around 15%. Moreover, a Vet Fran study says 99% of surveyed franchisors think veterans are a good fit for starting a business. For example, strong leadership skills in military life and being a team player transfer well to franchise training and business ownership. Visit the official US government VA website for news and more details on VA franchise opportunities.
Furthermore, the franchising economic outlook is bright. The industry created over 220,000 jobs in 2024. Now, total franchise employment is around 8.9 million. And the revenue generated increased by 4.1% to $893.9 billion in 2024, up from $858.5 billion the previous year. Explore which industries are most likely to franchise to find one that stands out for you in a competitive field.
How to Choose the Best Franchise for Veterans
Everyoneโs circumstances are different when pursuing a career after military service. For example, your health and well-being, financial status, and personality play a big part in your decision-making. So, explore different options, such as a work from home franchise and low-cost franchises. Here are some points to bear in mind:
- Financial incentives: Many franchises offer discounted franchise fees for veterans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has grants, loans, and funding options. For example, the 7(a) loan program can help you buy machinery and equipment for your business or acquire real estate. The SBA also has an office of veterans business development to help you start and grow your business. Its resources include online links to disabled veteran franchise opportunities.
- Training and support: A robust training program will smooth your transition from military life to business ownership. Ongoing support is essential, too. So, seek out franchisors who help leverage your skills developed in military service, such as leadership, teamwork and strategic planning.
- Veteran-friendly reputation: Pinpoint franchisors with a history of working well with veteran franchisees. I.e., read online reviews about the companies, talk to franchisees, and look at industry awards and recognitions for veteran inclusivity. For example, the Franchise Business Review lists top franchises for veterans. Entrepreneur Franchise 500 also highlights companies in this category.
Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
Startup costs are most likely a big deciding factor if youโre thinking about buying a franchise. For instance, you donโt have to invest millions in real estate if you want to control your spending. Equally important, look at brands in trending industries and sectors that will support your business growth and profits. Here are some popular low-cost sectors.
Affordable Mobile Businesses
Mobile businesses are much more affordable because you have no fixed location or building costs. For example, mobile detailing is one of the popular low cost franchise opportunities for veterans who want the freedom and flexibility of a home-based business.
DetailXPertsโ franchise cost is very competitive. The brand offers veterans an affordable mobile car detailing opportunity with an eco-friendly advantage over other car wash competitors. It is a green business that uses steam technology to conserve water and organic products to help protect the environment. Moreover, it has three profit centers: auto detailing, fleet washing, and commercial cleaning and janitorial services, see below.
Youโll find other eco-friendly opportunities in the recycling and restoration industry. For example, Fibre New is a home-based mobile business that repairs damaged leather, plastic and vinyl. Repairing instead of replacing items stops them from ending up in landfills. Like many other military franchise opportunities, there is a 10% veteran discount.
Commercial Cleaning and Janitorial Franchise Opportunities
A commercial cleaning franchise is another affordable, home-based business opportunity for veterans. The costs to enter this sector are relatively low, especially compared to the higher prices of some fast-food franchises where you must invest millions. Furthermore, commercial cleaning and janitorial services are part of a trending industry where service demand continues to grow. The target market is businesses that need buildings cleaned and sanitized for the health of their employees and customers.
Military-Inspired Fitness Franchise
If youโve spent years keeping in shape for combat and all-terrain drill occasions, why let all those years of training and high fitness levels go to waste? For example, Navy SEALS and Marine Corps veterans looking for entrepreneurial opportunities often take their post-career fitness levels in a new direction. Your leadership qualities will also be advantageous as a business owner in the sports franchise industry.
A Soldier Fit franchise is a gym franchise business providing challenging bootcamp-inspired workouts. Anytime Fitness could also be an option and is rated as one of Entrepreneur magazineโs top franchises for veterans. Contact the businesses directly to inquire about special veteran discounts.
Veteran Friendly Franchises in Home Improvement
Home franchise opportunities can open doors for veterans looking to start a business. One option is to explore the home improvement sector if you like practical, hands-on work. Statistics show the home improvement market in the US will exceed $600 billion by 2027. This is more than double the value it reached in 2008. So, it makes good business sense to seek out a thriving industry if you want a return on your initial franchise investment. Similarly, a water damage restoration franchise is part of a growing sector.
If you prefer to work outdoors, there is Superior Fence & Rail. This franchise is a manufacturer and installer of high-quality fencing products. The founder of the business is a former US military intelligence officer who has developed a proven franchise model. It operates in over 100 locations across the states, generating over $189 million in annual revenue.
Moving and Storage Franchise
If you are physically fit after a career in the military, perhaps it is time to flex your muscles moving furniture. Your target market is generally short-term renters who move home more regularly than homeowners. There are around 45 million rental households in the US, and almost half of these renters are under the age of 30. If you market your business to young professionals, there is great potential to grow a profitable business.
However, the market is not just about home moves. How about an office removal business or commercial relocation services? There are opportunities for entrepreneurial veterans to move offices to different buildings. Alternatively, you can offer different storage solutions for customers who need their belongings looked after during the transition period from one home/building to the next.
Two Men and a Truck moving and storage franchise is a member of Vet Fran. Inquire about its 10% military discount. It is also one of the absentee owner franchises.
Lawn and Garden Business
Going from an action-filled life in the military to a less active career may be one of your concerns. If a full-time desk job doesnโt hold much appeal, look outside for different opportunities. For example, a lawn and landscaping business allows you to get out and about in your community. You donโt need prior experience to make lawns and gardens beautiful. The right franchise should be able to offer training in providing landscaping services while also offering help with bookkeeping and finding and retaining clients.
US Lawns is one of the veteran friendly franchises in commercial landscaping. It is described as a great fit for veterans who are looking for their next challenge outside of the military. As a veteran incentive, it offers a discounted franchise fee.
Pet Supplies and Services
If you want a business with great growth potential, look no further than the lucrative multi-billion pet care industry in the US. Animal lovers drive huge demand for services such as dog walking, pet boarding, and pet food. Check out Pet Supplies Plus, an industry leader in pet food and dog grooming services.
Wild Birds Unlimited is an outdoor wildlife franchise selling high-quality bird food. Overall, a successful pet franchise should be able to offer turnkey solutions, enabling you to open a franchise within 14 weeks. Starting a business without delay is key to making money sooner.
Car Wash Franchise for Veterans
While cost is an important factor in your decision-making, you must also consider your interests, personality, and goals. Look closely at the different industries to see if youโre a good fit. For example, if car care interests you, why not build a career around this pastime? It can be a rewarding move as you adjust to adjust to civilian life. Car wash franchise opportunities suit veterans for the following reasons:
Leadership Qualities
Starting a car wash is not just about sanitizing and shining vehicles. It is about being a leader and being your own boss. With your military experience, you can take charge of situations, manage a team, and motivate and inspire others. Equally important, your strong work ethic will prepare you for the long hours and hard work of starting a business.
Team Spirit
Running a successful car wash and managing employees requires teamwork. As a veteran, you understand the importance of shared responsibilities, clear communication, and supporting each other. A team-oriented environment boosts morale and motivation, ultimately benefiting the franchise. If you thrive in team settings, you can create a strong, supportive work culture that makes recruiting and retaining employees easier.
Technical Knowledge
Car wash franchises offer straightforward, standardized operating procedures, making them well-suited for veterans accustomed to following protocols. The routine involved in daily operations can also fit well with a military background.
Exceptional Customer Care
Car wash business success depends on building a network of customers who are loyal to the brand. This is where you can put your people skills to the test. For example, excellent time-keeping, friendly and prompt communication, and personalized, high-quality service will ensure customers keep coming back. DetailXPerts is proud to be recognized as one of the top customer service providers in the car wash business.
Environmental Consciousness
Your commitment to service and working with purpose in the military prepare you well for owning a green business like a water-saving car wash. Furthermore, many eco-friendly businesses focus on community outreach, promoting awareness, and educating the public about sustainable practices. Veterans are often skilled in leadership and thought of as trusted, respected figures in their communities. This reputation can help you effectively lead environmental initiatives and inspire others.
Mobile Truck Wash
Like a car wash, a mobile truck wash can be a good veteran franchise opportunity. You donโt need a physical location. Therefore, you save on real estate and extensive equipment costs. These reduced overhead costs help reduce financial risk. Other points to consider:
Flexible Schedule
You can start a mobile truck wash franchise as a one-man team. Set your own hours and manage your schedule to fit around your other responsibilities. Also, with only yourself to pay, youโll save on labor costs until youโre ready to grow the business.
Hands-On Work
If youโre used to a physically demanding routine from military life, then youโll take to washing trucks with no problem. Moreover, your discipline and attention to detail will ensure high-quality results that your truck and car wash customers love.
Demand for Services
Truck wash services are consistently in demand. Fleet owners know that dirty trucks cost money if the vehicles fail roadside inspections from law enforcement officials. Therefore, if you can offer an efficient wash service that is environmentally compliant, you can secure lucrative fleet washing contracts.
Brands Offering Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
Many different brands want to work with veterans because of your dedication, discipline and reliability. Here are some examples of companies that want to partner with you.
Snap-on Tools
Snap-on Tools is one of the top veteran franchises ranked by Entrepreneur magazine. This professional tool and equipment brand sells contractors and workers everything they need. It has a proven business model and over 4,600 franchisees. The company offers international franchising options, too. Snap-On Tools offer veterans a $20,000 discount in cost of their initialย tool inventory. If you choose to finance your franchise through its affiliate Snap-on Credit, it may consider your veteranโs discount equity and reduce the down payment for your franchise finance loan. Check out other auto parts franchises to compare.
UPS
The UPS Store offers services like packing, shipping, printing, mailbox rentals, and more. It is a well-recognized brand with extensive support and training for franchisees. Of the over 4,800 UPS locations in the US, more than 400 are owned by veterans. It is also a member of the IFAโs Vet Fran Program, offering a 50% discount on franchise fees for veterans.
Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency highly ranked as one of the top veteran-friendly companies. As a franchisee, you work with clients to select destinations and help them plan their vacations. It is one of the franchise opportunities under 5K. You can get 30% off the franchise fee if youโre a US veteran. Free or significantly reduced travel rates are another perk of the partnership.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven is a convenience store franchise thatโs been going strong for 60 years. It introduced its Veterans Franchise Program in 2009. You can receive a 20% discount on the franchise fee if you have left the military in the last 5 years. There is a 10% discount if you have been out for over 5 years.
Sports Clips
Sports Clips Haircuts is a menโs hair-cutting franchise. It has over 1,800 locations open or in development. It is a manager-style business model. I.e., you hire a manager to manage the day-to-day operations in-store. As the Team Leader, youโll work on marketing, hiring, payroll and coaching the team, putting your leadership and teamwork skills to good use. There is a 20% discount fee for veterans.
Marcoโs Pizza
Marcoโs Pizza is part of the thriving $46 billion pizza industry. The business has 1,200 locations with territories available in the US and international markets. It is one of the disabled veteran franchise opportunities, waiving its franchise fee if you have a disability.
Matco Tools
Matco Tools is a mobile auto repair franchise. It supplies professional mechanics with tools and equipment for repair work. Startup costs for a mobile franchise are much lower since you wonโt need to purchase or rent storage space. Matco has a veteranโs franchise program, offering $10,000 military allowance.
Grease Monkey
Grease Monkey welcomes veterans if you are willing to follow the oil change franchise business model and have a passion for great customer service. Moreover, you are entering a thriving market. The US oil change services market has grown 2.4% annually over the past 5 years, reaching $10.8 billion in 2024. See its incentives for veterans, such as a 50% rebate on all royalty fees during the first year.
Servpro
Servpro is part of the home franchise sector. It has shown a commitment to hiring ex-military and has previously won a Hire Vets Medallion Award. Like other franchise opportunities for vets, it offers a discounted franchise fee.
TSS Photography
Franchise Business Review named TSS Photography a top franchise for veterans. This photography franchise is recognized for its exceptional support for veteran franchise owners.
Conclusion
To sum up, there is no shortage of franchise opportunities for veterans. Your reputation precedes you. For example, a disciplined and organized mindset helps you follow a franchiseโs established systems and procedures. Equally important, the military encourages a strong work ethic, resilience, and a โnever quitโ attitude, which are invaluable traits for overcoming startup business challenges.
However, do your homework carefully. Even if companies offer incentives, ensure you know your financial commitment and the available training and support. Mobile businesses can also be an affordable way to offer your services to customers. Check out DetailXPerts, a mobile cleaning franchise with an excellent training program and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition from civilian life to business ownership.
