IFA revamps VetFran program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Franchise Association (IFA) has restructured its VetFran Program — which offers incentives for veterans looking to buy a franchise — into a three-tiered recognition system to broaden the program's participation base.

The revised system is inspired by the military's star system for generals and admirals.

"Over the last two and a half decades, the VetFran program has truly exceeded expectations and brought together two of America's great assets — our veterans and our engines of small business entrepreneurship," said Gordon Logan, CEO of Sport Clips Inc. and a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Now in its 26th year, VetFran has helped more than 238,000 veterans and military spouses find opportunities in the franchise industry as either employees or franchise owners, including 6,500-plus since 2011.

The new recognition system, comprised of 1 STAR, 3 STAR, and 5 STAR designations, will help participating companies showcase more effectively the types of incentive packages they offer veterans, IFA said, and encourage a stronger commitment to the veteran community.

The different designations are tailored to suit companies of varying sizes and are designed to provide veterans with more information beyond just an incentive discount.

Eric Stites, chair of the VetFran Committee and CEO of Franchise Business Review, noted that the new STAR system will allow IFA "to provide veterans with a clearer guide to the world of franchise opportunities, while giving us the ability to recognize the extraordinary levels of commitment that many of our members demonstrate."

Separately, IFA announced that Mr. Logan recently donated $500,000 to the VetFran Program, ensuring the program's ongoing growth.

Commenting on the donation, Mr. Logan said, "The two defining parts of my professional life are my service in the United States Air Force and my career in franchising…. Through my support of VetFran I want to share the dream of franchise ownership with even more of my fellow veterans,

"It is a mark of VetFran's impact that one in seven franchises in the U.S. are owned by veterans," Mr. Logan added.