IFA Promises Future for Veterans

By JORDAN BRANDES Earlier this week the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ VA Business Accelerator program in an effort to better prepare veterans for the world of franchising. All veterans enrolled in the program will receive access to the online Sales and Management Institute through the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The program provides veterans with courses, professional development resources and mentorship. "With its rapid training, defined systems and need for operational excellence, franchising provides an ideal opportunity to enable returning veterans to become leaders of and productive participants in the U.S. economy," said Steve Caldeira, IFA president and CEO. "Together, the education provided by the VA Accelerator and the opportunities and incentives offered by VetFran can open doors for many veteran entrepreneurs to start and grow a franchise suitable to their interests." The franchising industry has committed to hiring 75,000 veterans and military spouses as well as 5,000 wounded warriors through 2014 as a part of Operation Enduring Opportunity.