Former Marine Becomes 700th Veteran To Open Franchised-Small Business Via Special Program
Former Marine Alan Martinez, with his purchase of a Virginia Barbeque franchise in Fredericksburg, Va., became the 700th U.S. military veteran to acquire a franchised-small business using financial incentives offered by the International Franchise Association’s “VetFran” program. Martinez will be recognized today during the 10 a.m. opening ceremony of the 16th annual International Franchise Expo at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center.
Virginia Barbeque, founded by entrepreneur Rick Ivey, discounted $5,000 from Martinez’s initial franchise fee. Headquartered in Fredericksburg, Va., the franchise has seven restaurants in operation and three under development.
VetFran, formally titled the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, is a voluntary effort undertaken by nearly 250 IFA-member companies which agree to offer financial incentives to honorably-discharged veterans. Most companies reduce their initial franchise fees.
IFA, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchisees, franchise companies and suppliers, does not receive government funding for the initiative. Honored by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Veterans Enterprise as a Support Sector Champion, the association is signatory to an official Memorandum of Understanding with the agency to jointly promote the program.
The three-day Expo will be conducted March 30 through April 1. Entry fees will be waived for veterans. In addition, a special “Franchising 101 for Veterans” seminar will be offered at no charge Saturday, March 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Panelists will include representatives of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Veterans Enterprise and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A current list of participating companies and the discounts they offer is available at IFA’s Web site, www.franchise.org, under “VetFran Directory.” There, veterans may review a franchise’s details and contact company representatives directly via e-mail.
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