Veterans Get Help Starting Businesses
Franchises can help veterans get going in the civilian world. Photo courtesy flickr.com/regroupincBy Brandon Mulder
The unemployment rate for young male veterans is 29 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One organization that helps soldiers transition into civilian life is the International Franchise Association. Since 2011, the Washington-based group has worked with banks to help veterans buy franchises or start their own small businesses.
Former Marine Shawn Faulk owns a Great American Cookies franchise with locations in Austin.
“The military has been working for hundreds of years figuring out training techniques, leadership and continuous improvements,” Faulk said. “A franchisor has already figured out a product, operations manuals, and a business model that can create a profit. In both scenarios as long as you come in, follow the rules, work hard and execute a plan, the chances are very great that you’ll be successful.”
More than 1.5 million veterans live in Texas.
