“For veterans stepping out of uniform and into entrepreneurship, franchising offers a powerful pathway. With organizations like VetFran (Veterans Franchise Initiative) and the International Franchise Association (IFA) standing alongside you, you’re not going at it alone. Veterans today are succeeding in franchise ownership in increasing numbers, and the signs for 2025 look strong.

According to the IFA’s 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook, the franchise sector is projected to add more than 20,000 new units, bringing a 2.5% growth rate and employment gains of roughly 210,000 jobs. For veterans, that expansion means more opportunities in a model built on discipline, consistency and leadership traits honed in the service. In fact, VetFran reported that although veterans account for only around 7% of the U.S. population, they represent approximately 14% of all franchise owners.

If you’re a veteran ready to leave military life behind and build your own business, you already have many of the core ingredients for success. You know how to lead teams, follow systems and adapt under pressure, all of which are skills that align with franchising’s structured model. Franchising doesn’t mean starting from scratch, it means stepping into a proven system with support.”

Originally Written by Rose Mango (FDM November 2025) – revised by Erika Ortega