20 Best Franchises for Veterans in 2024
Are you a Veteran looking for an opportunity to join the ever-growing franchising industry?
Transitioning from military service to civilian life comes with its challenges, but for many veterans, franchising offers a promising path to business ownership. The best franchises for veterans not only provide a proven business model but also often come with additional support according to military experience. This guide explores best franchises for veterans, helping you find the right fit to leverage your skills and achieve entrepreneurial success.
Whether you’re seeking franchise opportunities for veterans that align with your military background or looking for specific veteran franchise opportunities, the right franchise can pave the way to a fulfilling second career. From low-cost options to top-performing brands, we’ve compiled a list of franchises that cater specifically to veterans.
20 Top Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
We’ll give you a brief overview of each franchise on this list, including information on their franchise price, beginning fees, and any discounts or special offers they may have for veterans.
Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements, a gourmet food company based in Atlanta, Georgia, with more than 1,200 locations globally. Although Edible Arrangements specializes in floral-sculpted gift baskets, bouquets, platters, and boxes made of fresh fruit dipped in chocolate, they have recently started offering truffles and smoothies.
- Estimated total initial investment: $173,600 to $373,450
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000 to $30,000
- Veteran benefits: Veterans with honorable discharges and current active military personnel are eligible for a $10,000 franchise fee discount.
Baskin-Robbins
Among the most enduring and well-known veteran franchises on this list is Baskin-Robbins. Having started in 1946, Baskin-Robbins has grown to be one of the biggest ice cream franchises globally. With more than 7,900 outlets globally, the company maintains its headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts.
- Estimated total initial investment: $93,550 to $401,800
- Initial franchise fee: $12,500 to $25,000
- Veteran benefits: For the first restaurant, there is no initial franchise cost for the first 20 years. For five years (Year 1: 0%; Year 2: 0%; Year 3: 1.9%; Year 4: 2.9%; Year 5: 2.9%), royalty fees are waived. In the sixth year, the regular royalty rate of 5.9% is reinstated. For up to four additional stores, there is a 20% VetFran program discount off each 20-year original franchise fee and 10-year payment plan.
The UPS Store
With an estimated 5,075 sites and 40 years of franchising experience, The UPS Store is a well-known name in packing, shipping, and printing services. Thus, you will not only profit from their dependable business strategy but also take part in the organization’s tried-and-true franchisee assistance and training program.
- Estimated total initial investment: $138,433 to $470,031
- Initial franchise fee: $9,950 to $29,950
- Veteran benefits: $10,000 off the franchise fee for the first store and 50% off the initial application fee for the first store.
Dunkin’
- Estimated total initial investment: $95,700 to $1.6 million
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000 to $90,000
- Veteran benefits: Veterans can save 20% on the initial franchise price when they buy a Store Development Agreement for up to five locations.
ProSource Wholesale
With privately owned showrooms serving contractors, designers, and other home improvement professionals, ProSource Wholesale is the US nation’s largest wholesale home improvement franchise. The Earth City, Missouri-based business, whose showrooms also display kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing items, won the 2017 “Entrepreneur” award for best franchise in the flooring sector.
- Estimated total initial investment: $509,649 to $518,258
- Initial franchise fee: $46,450
- Veteran benefits: Veterans receive a 57% discount on the initial franchise price, which is reduced to $20,000.
- Check out the alternatives of ProSource Wholesale
- Wallaby Windows & Doors Investment Range: $158,606 - $241,690
- Blingle Investment Range: $281,000 - $419,000
- Stand Strong Fencing Investment Range: $178,000 - $300,000
- Bumble Bee Blinds Investment Range: $185,000 - $260,000
Pirtek USA
Pirtek USA is a global service and supply center with over 90 locations, and its headquarters are in Rockledge, Florida. The company specializes in hydraulic and industrial hose repair replacements. The business provides services to clients in various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, earthmoving, agriculture, and defense.
- Estimated total initial investment: $346,800 to $782,300
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000 to $50,000 (based on the tier selected)
- Veteran benefits: Veterans who meet the requirements might get their initial franchise cost discounted by 30%.
Link Staffing Services
Link Staffing Services, located in Houston, Texas, offers career development training and job placement services to job seekers. Link Staffing Services has over 50 sites nationwide, which makes them relatively modest in comparison to top franchises for veterans with more well-known brands. However, they have some of the low-cost franchise opportunities for veterans and beginning franchise fees on this list (which are further reduced by their veteran discount).
- Estimated total initial investment: $112,500 to $199,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Veteran benefits: $10,000 off the initial franchise fee
Mathnasium Learning Centers
Consider purchasing a Mathnasium Learning Center franchise if you have a strong desire to assist kids in excelling in arithmetic. As the name implies, this Los Angeles-based company uses a unique teaching strategy to offer K–12 students “math-only” coaching. Since launching their franchising program in 2003, Mathnasium has expanded to over 900 learning centers across the globe.
- Estimated total initial investment: $112,750 to $149,110
- Initial franchise fee: $49,000
- Veteran benefits: Veterans receive a 25% discount ($12,500) off the initial investment fee.
- Check out the alternatives of Mathnasium Learning Center.
- Club SciKidz Investment Range: $63,000 - $76,000
- Let Mommy Sleep Investment Range: $38,629 - $57,279
Fetch! Pet Care, Inc.
With more than 80 sites across 27 states, Fetch! Pet Care offers a variety of pet services, including dog walking, pet sitting, cat visits, and pet boarding. It would be a great choice for animal lovers or for seasoned businesspeople seeking to get into a low-cost franchise to join the Fetch! brand in Dayton, Ohio. Pet Care offers veterans a substantial bonus and the lowest upfront investment of any company on this list.
- Estimated total initial investment: $19,967 to $28,167
- Initial franchise fee: $6,000
- Veteran benefits: Veterans receive a 25% discount off the initial franchise fee.
- Check out the alternatives of Fetch! Pet Care, Inc.
- Woofie’s Investment Range: $160,123 - $274,351
- Zoomin Groomin Investment Range: $95,900 - $188,140
- Scoop Brothers Investment Range: $132,500 - $197,000
Qdoba Mexican Eats
One of the most well-known fast-casual Mexican restaurants in the nation, Qdoba Mexican Eats places a strong emphasis on using fresh ingredients and creating meals from scratch. Currently operating over 700 sites in 47 states, this San Diego, California-based business offers takeout and traditional dining options in venues including airports and campuses.
- Estimated total initial investment: $754,000 to $1.56 million
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Veteran benefits: Qualified veterans receive a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee.
Home Helpers Home Care
Home Helpers Home Care, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers seniors, expectant and new moms, stroke survivors, persons suffering from other medical issues, and a wide range of other people who require intense or sporadic in-home care, medical, personal, companion, and monitoring services. In every aspect of their business, including franchise opportunities, job options for veterans and military spouses, and in-home care services for veterans, Home Helpers is particularly dedicated to supporting active and retired military personnel.
- Estimated total initial investment: $84,750 to $136,900
- Initial franchise fee: $48,900
- Veteran benefits: Qualified military personnel and veterans receive $5,000 off.
- Check out the alternatives of Home Helpers Home Care.
- 1-800 Plumber + Air Investment Range: $180,000 - $250,000
- Groovy Hues Investment Range: $223,000 - $420,000
AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care
AAMCO, which has its roots in 1963, is among the most reputable and well-known brands in the US nation for thorough and intricate auto maintenance and repairs. With more than 2,000 facilities nationwide, this Horsham, Pennsylvania-based corporation can service conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
- Estimated total initial investment: $754,000 to $1.56 million
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Veteran benefits: Qualified veterans receive a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee.
- Check out the alternatives of AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care.
- RNR Tire Express Investment Range: $610,297 - $1,547,075
- Grease Monkey® Investment Range: $245,816 - $761,952
Eye Level Learning Centers
In 1976, Eye Level Learning Centers were founded in South Korea, and since then, they have expanded to over 1,000 sites worldwide. To enable each kid to learn at their own speed, Eye Level offers enrichment and supplemental education programs that prioritize self-directed learning. Their veteran bonus is extremely generous, and the franchise price is among the lowest on this list.
- Estimated total initial investment: $59,388 to $126,750
- Initial franchise fee: $5,000
- Veteran benefits: Qualified veterans receive a 50% discount off the initial franchise fee.
Dream Vacations
It’s possible to enter the $8.8 trillion travel industry without investing in a Dream Vacations franchise: This home-based travel business, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, was established in 1992 and is the largest supplier of cruise trips worldwide. With multiple honors and distinctions under its belt, the franchise is the only travel company to have a five-star rating from VetFran. It’s also among the least expensive franchises we looked into during our investigation.
- Estimated total initial investment: $1,795 to $20,300
- Initial franchise fee: $9,800 for a new franchisee
- Veteran benefits: Qualified veterans receive a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee.
U.S. Lawns
The $99 billion commercial gardening and lawn care industry’s fastest-growing franchise is U.S. Lawns, based in Orlando, Florida; it is the largest company in the nation for both types of landscaping services. As “strength, discipline, efficiency and service” are among U.S. Lawns’ key concerns, many veterans may discover that these principles coincide with their own.
- Estimated total initial investment: $39,800 to $81,300
- Initial franchise fee: $29,000 to $34,000
- Veteran benefits: Veterans are eligible for a $5,000 franchise fee discount. Additionally, 90% financing for the franchise cost is available to qualified veterans.
Snap-on Tools
For a century, experienced technicians across several sectors have relied on Snap-on Tools for their equipment needs. They are currently the industry leader in the creation, production, and marketing of these vital goods.
- Estimated total initial investment: $172,207 to $375,265
- Initial license fee: $8,000 to $16,000
- Veteran benefits: Honorably discharged veterans receive a $20,000 discount off the initial inventory purchase.
Merry Maids
Almost any kind of in-home cleaning service a customer could require is offered by Merry Maids, including detailed, festive, green, apartment, and house cleaning services. Since ensuring their clients’ safety is their main priority, all Merry Maids professional housekeepers undergo extensive training, background checks, bonding, and insurance.
- Estimated total initial investment: $89,616 to $125,023
- Initial franchise fee: $37,500 to $51,500
- Veteran benefits: Honorably discharged veterans receive a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee.
Anytime Fitness
All 3,500 Anytime Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day in all 50 states and 20 countries, as the name suggests. You don’t need any prior expertise in the fitness sector to become a franchisee of Anytime Fitness, which is the largest and fastest-growing fitness franchise in the world.
- Estimated total initial investment: $58,870 to $521,437
- Initial franchise/development Fee: $21,000 to $42,500
- Veteran benefits: Veterans can receive a variety of discounts from Anytime Fitness, based on the quantity and location of the units they purchase. A discount of 20% off franchise costs is one example.
Midas International
Midas is now among the biggest and most reputable names in auto maintenance, having grown from its start in 1954. The corporation currently operates 2,000 sites globally in addition to more than 1,000 outlets in North America.
- Estimated total initial investment: $191,650 to $460,482
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Veteran benefits: Midas waives the $30,000 initial franchise fee for veterans.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is a well-established and popular fast-food franchise known for its unique drive-in service model and diverse menu, which includes burgers, hot dogs, onion rings, and a wide range of beverages and desserts. Founded in 1953, Sonic has grown to become one of the largest drive-in restaurant chains in the United States, offering a nostalgic dining experience with the convenience of carhop service.
- Estimated total initial investment: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000
- Initial franchise fee: $45,000
- Veteran benefits: $5,000 discount on franchise fee
Read More:
FAQs
What is the best gym franchise for veterans?
There are many gym franchise for veterans that may be good for veterans, including those that offer discounts or support for veterans, as well as those that may be a good fit for veterans’ lifestyles
What are the benefits of veteran’s franchise?
Many franchises offer a discount on the franchise fee to Veterans. Plus, many Veterans have access to VA disability payments and military retirement pensions. All of this provides greater financial stability while you are starting your franchise.
Why veterans are good for business?
Veterans can be good for business because they have a number of skills and qualities that are valuable in the workplace.
Conclusion
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, but franchising offers a promising path to business ownership. Our guide highlights the top 20 franchises for veterans in 2024, providing a proven business model and valuable support according to your military experience.
Look into the perfect franchise that aligns with your skills and goals. For personalized advice or to explore these opportunities further, contact us today at (504) 345-1170 or [email protected]. Your successful second career starts here!
About The Author
