Franchises Open Doors for Returning Vets
For one industry, veterans represent a successful and disciplined group whose experience transitions well into the world of entrepreneurialism: franchise owners.
May 17, 2012
With many veterans returning home from abroad, like other Americans they are looking for job opportunities. For one industry, veterans represent a successful and disciplined group whose experience transitions well into the world of entrepreneurialism: franchise owners.Franchise Program for Vets
The franchise industry believes that veterans make the perfect franchise owners because veterans know how to complete a mission, execute orders and lead when asked. One franchise industry trade group, the International Franchise Association, is dedicated to giving veterans a chance to enter or re-enter the civilian world through its Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative. The Initiative consists of 325 franchise owners who provide veterans with various incentives to become franchisees.
One franchise that offers special incentives and training to veterans is Snap-on Tools. One 35-year-old Army veteran interviewed by CNBC on the issue said becoming a franchise owner with Snap-on Tools was an easy transition from his military career because he used Snap-on in his work in the Army as a mechanic. Becoming a franchise owner also appealed to the 35-year-old because he had worked his way up in the military from private to sergeant and did not want to start over as an entry-level employee in the civilian workforce. Put simply, he wanted to be his own boss and Snap-on afforded the veteran the opportunity.
The total investment required for a standard Snap-on franchise is between $146,783 and $295,796. Veterans receive a discount on inventory worth $20,000. Other companies that are a part of the Initiative include Meineke, Sportsclips and UPS. Veterans who want to invest in a franchise should be aware of the legal and monetary risk.
Obtain Legal Counsel Before Signing Franchise Offering
If you are a veteran considering the purchase of a franchise, you should not sign any contract or make any payment until you and your attorney have had a chance to review the franchisor's offering. The Federal Trade Commission requires franchisors to provide potential franchisees with a disclosure that contains important information regarding the company. The document is sometime referred to as a "Franchise Offering Circular" and under federal law you must receive the disclosure at least 10 business days before you are asked to sign the agreement. The Franchise Offering Circular contains information on the franchisor's business background and the franchise's litigation history, bankruptcy, costs, restrictions, terminations, training, advertising, current and former franchisees, and earnings potential.
If you are considering the purchase of franchise ownership, contact an experienced business law attorney today to review your legal considerations.
Article provided by Usher Law Firm, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.usherlawfirm.com/