Veteran interest in franchising isn’t new. Carvel, the country’s first ice cream franchise, was started by WWII veteran Tom Carvel in 1934. Many other well-known franchises were founded by veterans and continue to support the military community, including Sport Clips, RE/MAX, and Insulation Commandos. Today, former military members and franchise operations are a common combination — and this trend is poised to grow.
At SWAG4BRANDS, we’re a veteran-owned company ourselves, so we pay close attention when veterans are making big moves in the business world. Franchising is one of the most exciting areas where military discipline, leadership, and grit are translating directly into entrepreneurial success. Let’s break it all down.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Veterans Are Franchise Powerhouses
“IFA’s VetFran identified that an impressive 14 percent of franchise owners in the United States are veterans with numbers trending upward, as 65 percent of franchisors noted their overall number of veteran hires has increased in recent years — and for good reason,” stated Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations for Mister Sparky, Authority Brands, in an IFA statement.
Last year, three franchise industries stood out — 77% of veterans who completed franchise coaching chose one of the top three sectors:
- 34% opened a home services franchise
- 26% went into a business service franchise
- 17% opened a senior care franchise
*According to Vetrepreneur data.
Along with these popular franchise sectors, several brands have a solid history and offer franchise financing opportunities specifically designed to attract veterans and military families.
Travel: Dream Vacations Leads the Way
Dream Vacations has built a large network of veteran and military-affiliated owners — nearly 35% of its system — supported by incentives such as discounted franchise fees and waived monthly fees during the first year. The home-based model means low overhead, no territorial restrictions, and the ability to relocate if deployed or transferred. It’s been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the best affordable franchises for veterans.
Pet Care: Woofie’s Serves Veterans and Their Furry Friends
Veterans interested in animal care may consider Woofie’s, a pet-care franchise offering mobile grooming, pet sitting, and dog-walking services. Military veterans can receive reduced franchise fees along with additional service discounts. The company actively participates in Lifetime TV’s “Military Makeover with Montel” program, demonstrating its deep commitment to the veteran community.
The Only Military-Only Franchise: JDog Brands
JDog Brands was founded by Army veteran Jerry Flanigan and his wife, Tracey, to support military veterans and their families. JDog Junk Removal is a national franchise under the JDog Brands umbrella, which can only be franchised to former members of the armed forces and their families — making it a truly unique military-only brand.
In addition to supporting franchisees, its nonprofit foundation raises funds for suicide prevention and mental health programs for veterans — extending its support beyond brand building into the well-being of the entire veteran community.
Fast Food & Quick-Service Restaurants
Quick-service restaurants are among the most popular veteran franchise opportunities due to strong brand recognition and highly structured systems — key advantages for veterans exploring how to open a restaurant.
One standout example is PJ’s Coffee, which has built a reputation for supporting veteran entrepreneurs and annually gives away a $40,000 valued free franchise license to a veteran. U.S. Veterans magazine ranked Dunkin’ third on its Top 10 Franchises for Veterans in 2025, citing the company’s 20% franchise fee discount for veterans.
Service & Home-Based Franchises
Neighborly, the world’s largest home services franchise, reports having over 425 veteran owners across its brands. These types of businesses are among the fastest-growing veteran-owned franchise opportunities, due in part to lower start-up costs and steady consumer demand for services like pool and home maintenance, HVAC and electrical, pest control, and other services homeowners are willing to pay for repeatedly.
Home-based franchises — such as payroll, tutoring, education, and operational support — are a growing field and could be excellent choices for disabled veterans or anyone with mobility issues who prefer a small setup and home-based work.
The Future is Airborne: Drone Franchises for Veterans
There’s also a growing interest in franchises that target technology and may directly lend themselves to skills acquired in the military. Last September, Connecticut-based drone manufacturer Aquiline Drones Corporation announced a new strategic partnership with Ryder System, Inc., and Vets to Drones — to create and provide a discounted drone franchise program only available to veterans interested in drone technology.
“This partnership offers veterans more than just a career path; it presents the opportunity for ownership in a rapidly growing sector crucial to U.S. defense and economic competitiveness,” stated Chris Lewis, founder and CEO of Vets to Drones, during the announcement.
Senior Care: A Growing Mission Field
Individuals age 65 and older will make up over a quarter of the total population by 2060, and senior care is positioned for major growth in the franchise market. As more older adults live longer and want to age in place with support, there are real opportunities for veterans to give back to their communities through a franchise model.
Home Instead is one of many senior care-centric franchises offering a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee for military members and veterans. In addition, Visiting Angels and A Place At Home offer a 10% discount to veterans who are interested in opening a senior care franchise.
Franchises for Disabled Veterans
As of 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, veterans with service-related disabilities make up 30% of veterans — more than double the percentage in 2008. No current figures exist for service-disabled veteran franchise owners, but data show that 14.9 percent of small business owners nationwide are service disabled.
Self-employment can be a strong option over jobs without an accommodating work environment. Because there are so many franchise options and brands that support veterans, operating a franchise can allow disabled service men and women a path to entrepreneurship that isn’t hindered by a disability.
A good starting point is the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, which works with the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development to support veterans with disabilities. Training programs like the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans exist specifically to support disabled veterans in launching their own businesses.
Why Franchising and Military Service Are a Perfect Match
The reason veterans excel in franchising isn’t a mystery. The structured systems of franchising mirror the military’s emphasis on training, processes, and execution. Veterans are trained to follow proven systems, lead teams, adapt under pressure, and complete the mission — all qualities that translate directly to running a successful franchise.
With organizations like the IFA’s VetFran program paving the way, veteran franchise ownership isn’t just growing — it’s becoming one of the most powerful paths to entrepreneurship for those who served.
Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs Is What We Do
At SWAG4BRANDS, we’re proud to be a veteran-owned company ourselves. We know what it takes to transition from service to business ownership, and we support fellow veteran entrepreneurs every chance we get.
Whether you’re launching a franchise, building a brand, or gearing up for a trade show — we’re here to help you look sharp doing it. Custom branded merchandise, corporate gifts, and promotional products are our specialty.
Check out more inspiring veteran stories on our Vetrepreneur Spotlight page, and if you’re ready to gear up your brand, request a free quote or call us at 1-800-745-0424.
Veteran Owned. Locally Trusted. Let’s build something great together.
The SWAG4BRANDS Team
