Group of Franchises Partner with TD Bank to Aid Veterans

Posted on by

Franchises are known for providing their franchisees with a support system from the beginning to end. Now, a group of franchises have partnered with TD Bank to help military veterans secure the capital necessary to become franchisees.

 

Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts, Domino’s Pizza and Papa Murphy’s are the first franchises to participate in TD Bank’s funding initiative.

 

According to TD Bank, those companies participating with veterans interested in opening a franchise within its Maine-to-Florida service area will be offered a streamlined loan application process, waived packaging fees and lower than average interest rates.

 

TD Bank’s head of Small Business Administration lending believes that a military background provides veterans with the skills and traits most often seen in successful small business owners.

 

To get more information about financing through TD Bank veterans should first approach one of the participating franchises.

Edible Arrangements Begins Veterans Recruitment, Support Program

Posted on by

franchises for veterans

Best known for it’s show-stopping arrangements of fresh and chocolate covered fruit, Edible Arrangements recently showed that its ability to wow the crowds goes beyond the sweet stuff.

 

Recently, Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements chief executive officer, made a sizable contribution of $125,000 to the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program. Farid’s contribution is part of Edible Arrangements new “Hero’s Welcome” initiative, which aims to create franchise and employment opportunities for military veterans.

 

In addition to the $125,000 donation, Edible Arrangements plans to offer specialized training, a franchise fee discount and mentorship opportunities (by military veterans who already own Edible Arrangements) to military veterans who choose to become Edible Arrangements franchisees. The franchise has also set an additional goal of employing at least 1,000 veterans throughout its locations nationwide.

 

Aside from its “Hero’s Welcome” initiative, Edible Arrangements’ CEO is also actively involved in the IFA’s Veterans Business Accelerator program. Established by the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Veterans Business Accelerator program provides free courses and resources for all veterans interested in entrepreneurship, franchising or otherwise. The program also provides financial support to wounded warriors while completing coursework.

 

Of course, those military veterans who do become Edible Arrangements franchisees will join one of the franchise industry’s most successful concepts to date. Edible Arrangements has been ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 every year since 2009; been named one of the “Fastest-Growing” franchises for four years; and listed as one of “America’s Top Global” franchises for four years, all by Entrepreneur magazine.

Veterans Franchise and the 2013 IFA Convention

Posted on by

franchises for sale

The buzz of Las Vegas was louder than normal last week as 3,500 people swarmed the MGM Grand to attend the International Franchise Association’s annual convention, making it a record-breaking show for the association.

Matthew Haller, a spokesman for the International Franchise Association said, “We always have higher attendance when we’re in Vegas.”

Those in attendance weren’t just franchise executives. New franchise concepts, franchisees, franchise suppliers (like Veterans Franchise) and famous speakers also made the pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the IFA convention.

franchise opportunities condoleeza rice

During the convention a central theme emerged: growth. Dr. Condoleeza Rice, a keynote speaker, spoke of the importance of galvanizing the American dream through a strengthened economy and that an economic resurgence lied in the hands of the private sector, of which franchising is a major player.

CKE Restaurants CEO Andrew Puzder delivered a speech along the same notes, citing that at the core of his “unconventional” business strategy was a desire to keep his franchisees successful.

“When our franchisees make money, we make money,” he said. Puzder’s strategy has kept Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s growing for ten consecutive years.

In recent years the tumultuous economy and recession resulted in loss for the franchise community in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The tables turned in 2012; it was a year of recovery and most predict 2013 to follow suit. By the end of this year, 757,055 new franchise establishments are expected to be in operation, a 1.4 percent increase from 2012.

franchises for sale

In addition to celebrating the return of growth to the industry, the IFA convention also shone a light on those who support the franchise industry through various products and services.  McDonald’s would be lost without fryers, frozen yogurt franchises would melt without freezers and franchise expansion would shudder to a much slower pace without the efforts of lead generation experts like Franchise Buy, who provide franchise concepts with a steady stream of entrepreneurs looking to become franchisees. IFA Suppliers showcased their businesses over the course of two days in the exhibitor hall, which included various law firms, accounting firms, telecommunications concepts, human resources software companies and Google.

franchises for sale

 

best franchises for sale

Veterans Franchise Goes to Las Vegas For IFA Convention

Posted on by

 

The crew of Veterans Franchise.com is heading to Las Vegas this weekend to attend the International Franchise Association’s 53rd annual convention. It’s the first time Veterans Franchise.com has attended the annual conference and all of the company’s members couldn’t be more thrilled to visit Las Vegas. While we’re there we hope to shake hands with our franchise clients and meet some new fellow franchise industry members. If you’ll be attending the conference please stop by our booth, #139, and say hello!

We’re giving away lots of fun prizes, including four HUGE gifts that all of Veterans Franchise.com’s employees desperately want to win: a Wii gaming system, an iPad mini, an iPod nano and a brand new laptop. All you have to do is enter your name into the twice daily drawings to be eligible.

The ABC’s of Franchising For Veterans

Posted on by

As a veteran, do you know your franchise industry ABC’s?

 

A is for Autonomous — Why did you want to become a franchisee in the first place? More than likely it was because you wanted to be your own boss. Who doesn’t crave more autonomy at work?

 

B is for Boost a Hero — Finding funding isn’t always as easy as applying for a loan. Sometimes, applying for a loan isn’t easy in itself. Thankfully, Sprigster has created Boost a Hero, a crowd funding platform designed to help military veterans and their spouses raise capital to start their own franchises and businesses.

 

C is for Crowdfunding — Funding remains a challenge for all entrepreneurs, not just those who are hoping to open a franchise. New legislation is sure to help crowdfunding’s popularity as a way to raise capital for .

 

D is for Directories — As the franchise industry picks up speed in its recruitment of military veterans and franchisees, directories have become an invaluable resource for both franchises and veterans. Directories, like Veterans Franchise.com, provides potential franchisees with free information on franchises specifically recruiting or offering special incentives to military veterans choosing franchise ownership as their next career move.  Some, like Franchise Clique, Franchise Buy and Veterans Franchise, have begun call-verifying leads as franchise sales and development teams field an increasing number of inquiries.

 

 

E is for Entrepreneur — Entrepreneur magazine has long celebrated franchising with its “Franchise 500”, their annual ranking of the industry’s top franchise concepts. The magazine also features a franchising section and often covers topics pertaining to the industry on its website.

 

F is for Fresh Coat Painters — Fresh Coat Painters is a low-cost, home-based and recession-resistant residential and commercial painting business that’s actively recruiting veterans.

 

G is for Growth — Growth despite economic challenges and uncertainty has become a hallmark of the franchise industry. Despite the woes experienced by many during the Great Recession, the franchise industry recovered well. The IFA expects the number of franchise establishments to grow by 1.4 percent in 2013!

 

H is for Helping Veterans Own Franchises Act of 2011 — Franchise small businesses find that veterans make great franchise owners because of the skills and experiences they have acquired through their military service.  This legislation directly supports the mission of VetFran and would allow more veterans to become entrepreneurs through the ownership of a franchise business.

 

I is for IFA — The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s largest and oldest organization representing franchising worldwide. It acts in the best interest of the franchising industry to promote, protect and enhance the franchise industry through policy, PR, and education.

 

J is for J Dog Junk Removal— This exciting franchise opportunity is only open to veteran, active duty and reserve personnel.

 

K is for King — Joel Libava, aka “The Franchise King”, writes a phenomenal blog on all aspects of the franchising industry. His posts range from evaluations of franchising concepts, helping potential franchisees and issues the industry faces.

 

L is for Little Caesars — Little Caesars is outpacing other pizza franchises when it comes to recruiting veterans. The franchise program provides qualified, honorably discharged veterans with the chance to become a Little Caesars franchisee when transitioning to civilian life.

 

M is for Military Franchises — Military veterans have been welcomed profusely to franchising by franchisors and the IFA alike. The push to hire military veterans has been facilitated by websites like Veterans Franchise.com, VetFran and crowd funding platforms like Boost a Hero.

 

N is for Nation’s Restaurant News — This magazine delivers breaking news about the $600 billion food industry, including franchises. Since 1967, NRN has been covering trends, operators, suppliers and major figures in all areas of the food service industry.

 

O is for Operations — As a franchisee, a large part of your day deals with the day-to-day operations that make a franchise unit run smoothly. Luckily, those with varying degrees of business experience can count on their franchisor counterparts to lead the way. After all, one of the best parts about franchising is the proven track record and support provided to each franchisee by its franchisor.

 

P is for Patriot Pilot Loan Initiative — Through the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative the SBA has approved more than $500 million in low-interest small-business loans for veterans, reservists and their spouses since its creation in 2007.

 

Q is for Quick-Casual — If you didn’t catch our recent post on food costs and the franchising industry, you missed out on a short and sweet explanation of how food franchises continue to grow despite rising food, oil and transportation costs. The real winner in the food franchise category? Quick-casual restaurants, which are predicted to grow 1.7 percent in 2013, the third largest growth percentage according to the IFA. Also, quick-casual restaurant franchises make up two-thirds of all food related franchise establishments.

 

R is for Restaurants — When you think of franchising, golden arches and drive-thrus probably spring to mind first. It’s no wonder, considering food franchise establishments comprise 33 percent of all franchise establishments.

 

S is for Steve Caldeira — Stephen J. Caldeira is the President & CEO of the International Franchise Association. As the President and CEO, Caldeira works with the IFA’s board to set the course for the organization’s strategic priorities: policy, research, education, PR, and various development programs. Mr. Caldeira has 30 years of government relations, political communications, fundraising and professional development experience. Prior to his current position, Caldeira served as the Executive Vice President of Global Communications & Chief Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.

 

T is for Trillion — Yes, that’s trillion with a “T”! The franchise community represents $2.1 trillion of economic output just for the U.S. economy.

 

U is for U.S. Lawns —  U.S. Lawns is aggressively recruiting former military personnel to become part of their franchise, which is part of a $50 billion industry.

 

V is for VetFran — The International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative aims to help returning military service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance, and industry support.

 

W is for Work — Despite the autonomy inherent in becoming a franchisee, there’s also a lot of hard work. Ask any small business owner and they’ll tell you how much they wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. As a veteran, you know all about hard work (can you say boot camp?) which is why you’re at the top of every franchise’s recruitment list.

 

X is for Xenophile — As far as we’re concerned, one of the very best things about the franchise industry is its acceptance of other cultures. Whether it’s a franchisee expanding outside of the U.S. or the birth of a new food franchise celebrating a cuisine that’s not quite mainstream yet, the franchise industry makes a point to bring “new” and “different” to the masses.

 

Y is for Yogurt — How many frozen yogurt places can you count driving through your city or town? The frozen yogurt craze, which hasn’t cooled yet, has been going strong for years. Though it’s not the oldest type of franchise concept in the industry, it’s certainly one that’s made other consider franchising as a viable means of making a living.

 

Z is for Zeal — It takes more than just energy and determination to be a successful franchisee. It takes passion and a zeal for each of the many components that make a business run successfully.

How Food Franchises Grow Despite Economic Obstacles

Posted on by

It’s no secret that food franchises are often the most searched for and requested on franchise directories and portals. It’s what we all think of when someone says “franchising.” Despite the popularity of food franchises– the how is that sector of the industry doing?

 

Why do I ask? Well, maybe you heard of this little thing called “The Great Recession” and, in its wake, the tightening of our collective belts. How have food franchises fared? Has development for food franchises slowed? If not, how is that possible when food costs have risen and disposable income has decreased for most families?

 

Fast-Casual Food Franchises Are On the Rise

 

Research suggests that fast-casual franchise restaurants, which are a subset of quick-service restaurants, rank as one of the five best franchises to open due to high demand. Presumably as a result of the Great Recession, consumers are concerned with maximizing their time and money when it comes to eating out. Eating establishments that are less expensive but still allow consumers the ability to escape the kitchen and feel as though they’re treating themselves.

 

The number of quick-service restaurants are expected to grow 1.7% in 2013, the third largest growth percentage according to the International Franchise Association.

 

Franchising is On the Rise— How? Why?

 

A recent study by the IFA shows that the number of franchise establishments increased by 1.5% last year.

 

Why? How? Simply, the economy is why and how.

 

Unemployment and underemployment (taking lower pay and lower-level jobs) are still unfortunate realities for the U.S.’ economy. As such, more Americans are mindful of their spending. Dinners at high end dining establishments have become increasingly rare. In addition, many individuals and families are working multiple jobs or longer hours resulting in a need for fast, inexpensive meal options– especially if you’re traveling between places of employment. This increased demand for quick-casual and quick-service establishments (think Panera and McDonald’s respectively) has permitted the franchise industry a growth coveted by many other economic sectors.

 

Exiled corporate executives and those who lost a substantial portion of their savings due to the Great Recession face the unfortunate reality of a shortened or no retirement at all. In order to earn a living, many entrepreneurs have chosen franchises as a means of business because of each concept’s proven track record.

 

What’s Behind Rising Food Costs?

 

Despite a reputation for quick and inexpensive meals, franchises are facing rising food costs because of four important reasons: increased fuel and transportation costs, reduction of food availability, and a continuation of economic circumstances that created 2011’s food price inflation.

 

  • The U.S. government’s subsidization of corn for bio-fuels has removed substantial amounts of the grain from the food supply, increasing overall prices.
  • The World Trade Organization limits the amount of stockpiling the U.S. and the European Union may do of corn and wheat in case of extenuating weather circumstances. As such, the price of corn and wheat remains volatile. (Note: wheat prices in 2011 more than doubled.)
  • As more of the global population becomes affluent, the demand for meat increases. In accordance with this demand, the need for animal feed– primarily grains– increases driving up the cost of both items.
  • The increase in oil prices means high food prices, as much of our food isn’t grown locally but shipped across oceans and nations.

 

How to Make a Difference As a Franchisee

Posted on by

The franchise industry has a bad reputation as an industry that force feeds processed foods to the masses and cons its franchisees into paying high franchise fees. Owning a franchise and saving the world don’t normally belong in the same sentence– until now, of course.

 

Truth be told, there’s more to franchising than just French fries and lawsuits. Concepts do exist that make a difference in the lives of customers, communities and franchisees. Some concepts help people change their lives for the better through charitable giving, others offer healthy alternatives to junk food and then there are those that are encouraging positive social change in the business world. Some franchises are determined to provide veterans with jobs above all others. Here is our list of favorite franchises that are making a difference:

Healthy Vending Machine Concepts

It’s not our three main meals of the day that are our unhealthiest, it’s our snacks. Healthy vending machines remind me of the saying, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” By stocking conveniently located vending machines with better, more nutritious options, these vending machine franchises are reinventing our definition of convenience foods.

 Personal Fitness Franchises

 Just watch one episode of “The Biggest Loser” and you’ll understand America’s fascination–and need– for businesses that empower others to get in shape, lose weight and be healthy. These fitness franchises give their customers and franchisees the power to change lives for the better.

 

Socially and Environmentally Conscious

Almost 70 percent of adults are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers food grown or raised in an organic or environmentally-friendly way. A full 83 percent of consumers want more products, services and retailers to benefit worthy causes. Over 40 percent of Americans say they’ve purchased an item solely because of its association with a social or environmental cause. If you think being a socially and/or environmentally conscientious business isn’t important, think again. These franchises have their minds set right.

  • Elevation Burger
  • Chipotle
  • Freshii
  • Apex Fun Run
 Committed To Veterans
As more and more military personnel return from overseas, more and more franchises are committing to putting veterans back to work. Some provide financial incentives, others recruit only veterans. No matter how they choose to do it, we’re glad they do!

 

 

 

5 Reasons Why Your New Year’s Resolution Should Include Small Business Ownership

Posted on by

You made it! The Mayans were wrong, your family didn’t drive you completely crazy during Christmas and civilization endures. But, there’s another hurtle left to jump: your list of resolutions for 2013. As the number of remaining days in 2012 shrinks, it’s time for you to consider your future…

 

Will 2013 be the year you (finally) learn to love kale and embrace the treadmill? Is this the year you start– and finish– all of those DIY projects? A year from now, as you reflect upon the past 12 months, will you pat yourself on the back because you did what you finally promised yourself you would do: start your own business and become your own boss?

 

Or, will you let 2013 be a carbon copy of 2012?

 

(The correct answer is no.)

 

If you plan on making 2013 your best year yet (and one of financial independence) owning your own business needs to top your list of new year’s resolutions, and here’s why:

  1. THE FISCAL CLIFF: Despite what you’ve heard or read, the majority of small business owners aren’t so doom and gloom about the fiscal cliff/slope/precipice as you might think. As the backbone of our nation’s capitalist society, small business owners know and live the value of progress and forward movement. They’re unafraid of putting their shoulder to the wheel and know that no matter what happens, they’ll make it work.
  2. FUNDING: Traditional SBA-backed loans remain a touch-and-go source of funding for small businesses. Some find traditional lending to be the best and easiest way to raise capital. For others, banks are unwilling to loan for whatever reason.  As a whole, banks say they’d like to make more loans but it seems that many have upped their standards due to regulatory pressure. Regardless, securing a loan is definitely possible.
  3. YOU’RE A VETERAN If you’re a military veteran you are in high demand– especially in the franchise industry.  Many franchises are so pro-veteran they’re onlyrecruiting veterans to become franchisees, like J Dog Junk Removal. Often, veterans are offered significantly discounted franchise fees, financial incentives and mentorship opportunities “regular” franchisees don’t receive. As an added bonus, Sprigster’s “Boost a Hero” program is specifically designed to help veterans and their spouses become franchise and small business owners through crowd-funding.
  4. YOU’RE A FORMER CORPORATE EXECUTIVE OR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER: Exiled or retired corporate executives and former small business owners make excellent franchisees. Franchisors are always keen to recruit those with business experience, especially those with an entrepreneurial spirit and previous management training.
  5. PREDICTIONS FOR 2013: Again, despite what you may have heard, the franchise industry is yet again poised for growth unseen by most other industries since 2008. The number of franchise establishments is expected to increase by 1.4 percent in 2013, from 746,828 to 757,055 with the number of jobs increasing 2 percent, reaching 8.262 million, according to a study by the IFA’s Educational Foundation. In addition, the same report also projects the gross domestic product of the franchise sector to increase 4.1 percent in 2013 to $472 billion.

Still not convinced? Consider the plethora of available franchise and business opportunities looking for eager entrepreneurs at Veterans Franchise.com.

Senate Republicans Vote Down U.N. Disability Treaty

Posted on by

A Republican senatorial opposition led to the rejection of a United Nations treaty on the rights of the disabled on Tuesday.

 

The treaty, modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act, has already been signed by 155 nations and ratified by 126 countries, including Britain, France and Germany. The treaty states that nations should assure that the disabled enjoy the same rights and freedoms as fellow citizens.

 

Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, who was disabled during his military service in World War II, and Sen. John McCain, who also suffered disabling injuries as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, were both in attendance along with other Republican heavyweights to vocalize their support for the treaty.

 

The 61-38 vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority needed to ratify a treaty. Only eight Republican senators voted “yes”, 38 voted “no”. Republicans objected to considering a treaty during a lame-duck session and they believed that the treaty threatened U.S. sovereignty, despite explanations from treaty backers that the committee created by the treaty has no power to change U.S. law, only to make recommendations.

 

The United Nations estimates that 650 million people, about 10 percent of the world’s population, are disabled.

 

What are your thoughts on this treaty’s rejection?

Obama Has Been Re-elected; Now What?

Posted on by

Small firms across America awoke on November 7 to news that their small business champion had failed. Governor Mitt Romney admitted defeat early Wednesday morning, just after midnight.

 

Meanwhile, incumbent Barack Obama won crucial electoral votes from swing states Florida and Ohio, the latter serving up the crushing blow for Romney and the GOP.

 

What can small businesses expect from Barack Obama now that he has won four more years as the President of the United States?

 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is here to stay.

 

The defeat of Mitt Romney and reelection of President Obama means one major thing for Obamacare: it’s here to stay. Small business (and franchises) would do well to research what this means for their particular firm, especially those with 50 or more full-time employees.

 

Beginning in 2014, firms with 50 or more full-time workers will be required to provide their workforce with health-insurance benefits or pay a penalty. Another proviso of the law enforces an additional 3.8% tax on upper-income households beginning Jan. 1.

 

Taxes will rise for couples making less than $250,000 a year.

 

Tax policy was a particularly important issue for small business owners during the general election as many of them declare their business incomes on their personal returns.

 

During his campaign, President Obama said he supported extending the Bush-era tax cuts for couples making less than $250,000 a year. Mr. Obama also supports letting those tax cuts expire for higher earners and also creating a new minimum tax for those who make $1 million or more.

 

For those who count themselves as ‘higher earners’ that means a top marginal tax rate of 39.6% for salaries and wages. The top rate on dividends for upper-income households would be higher — 43.4%– when the aforementioned 3.8% tax kicks in on Jan. 1.

 

The fiscal cliff still looms.

 

The aptly-named fiscal cliff still looms before the country as January 1, 2013 quickly approaches. The fiscal cliff, created by the laziest Congress ever and Mr. Obama last year in order to lift the debt ceiling, threatens the U.S.’ economic recovery. If the 113th Congress doesn’t do something– and do something immediately — the deep spending cuts and tax increases could push our fragile economy back into a recession– or worse.

 

Both Democrats and Republicans want to avoid the deep cuts but cannot agree on how to replace them.

 

Shocking, I know.

 

Promise on the horizon for small businesses that need capital.

 

Access to capital has been a substantial hurdle for business owners just starting out or looking to expand since the recession as banks — large and small — are slow to lend. The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act could provide relief as it includes a provision allowing small businesses to raise as much as $1 million in equity funding using crowd-funding websites. Of course, the crowd-funding websites will have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but it’s a step in the right direction.