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Franchising USA
Page 59
Don’t miss an issueGet the App
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
veterans in FranchisingAPRIL 2016
governMent FinanCingof Veteran franchising
ntY ProMises new challenges, opportunities for Veterans
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
in case you haVen’t heard
FranChsing is booMing
SAME DRIVE.DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD.
Veterans interested in franchising can take their skills learned in the military to successfully own and develop small businesses. Learn more and support veterans in franchising at www.vetfran.com.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP > VETFRAN.COM
• 650 franchise companiesparticipating
• 151,000 veterans and theirspouses found careers in thefranchise industry
• 5,100 veteran franchise owners
OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING & MENTORSHIP
Franchising USA
Page 61
Franchising USA
V E T E R A N S I N F R A N C H I S I N g S U P P L E M E N TA P R I L 2 0 1 6
Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become
a regular feature of Franchising USA.
TO SHARE YOUR STORY in the next issue, please contact
Vikki Bradbury, Publisher
Phone: 778 426 2446
Email: [email protected]
ContentsNews & Expert Advice66 In Case You Haven’t Heard,
Franchising is Booming! Jim Judy, Franchise Business Consultant
68 Using Credit Cards for Small Business Darcella K. Craven and Bill Rumping, Veterans Business Resource Center
72 government Financing of Veteran Franchising Jim Mingey, Founder and Managing Director, Veterans Business Services (VBS)
On the CoverNTY FRANCHISE COMPANY
Cover Story62 NTY Promises New Challenges,
Opportunities for Veterans
Profiles64 Bar-B-Clean
74 Postal Connections
Franchising USA
cover Stor y - NT y
ntY ProMises new ChaLLenges, oPPortunities For veterans
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One franchise that is in the business of turning the old into the new again wants to help entre-preneurial veterans start a new chapter of their lives.NTY, standing for ‘New To You’ is a company that owns the franchising rights to five brands in the resale retail industry: Clothes Mentor, Children’s Orchard, Device Pit Stop, New Uses and NTY Clothing Exchange.
“Our main goal is to sell franchises and then support the franchisees that we sell them to,” NTY’s chief operating officer Chad Olson said during a recent interview from the company’s headquarters in Minneapolis.
Clothes Mentor, which buys and sells used women’s fashion and accessories, started franchis-ing in 2007. Currently, it has 140 stores open and 43 stores sold and awaiting opening.
Acquired by NTY in early 2014, Children’s Orchard buys and sells gently used kids items. It cur-rently has 27 stores open with two sold and awaiting opening.
Device Pit Stop, meanwhile, has 11 stores open with another 10 sold and awaiting opening. NTY acquired the brand’s franchise rights in the fall of 2013. It buys and sells used electronics.
Buying and selling used home goods like furniture, artwork and small appliances is the business model for New Uses. The brand has 11 stores open with one sold
and awaiting opening and it’s been around since 2011.
And with two stores open and four sold and awaiting opening, NTY Clothing Exchange, which buys and sells clothes in the teen and young adult market, started franchising in Mid-2014.
The Need for Used to NewIn a world that is increasingly looking for environmentally friendly ways to deal with everything, all of NTY’s brands offer that coveted green alternative for people’s old clothing and other items, Olson said, giving people the option of getting cash for the stuff they’re no longer using rather than just throwing it away.
And with consumers often being highly cost conscious, NTY also gives them a way to save money, with products selling for, on average, 70 percent less than they would be sold as new.
All of the NTY brands make sure the items people bring them have resale value. It has to be in good condition and, in the case of apparel, it also has to be in style. Each brand will evaluate a product and they all have a pricing matrix they use to make sure they’re selling items at a price that gives value to the customer and also the business.
In the BeginningClothes Mentor was founded in Columbus, OH. with a store in that city and another one in Can-ton, OH. Olson and his father, Ron Olson, decided to go into business together, both having Resale/Retail franchising experience with another company.
When they began looking at what opportunities were out there for their own business, they found out about Clothes Mentor and noted the two stores were doing quite well. From there, the father and son negotiated the franchising rights to that brand and have been adding to the NTY family since.
entrepreneurial SpiritWhile their franchisees come from all walks of life — from teachers to former professional bull riders — they all have one thing in common and that’s the one thing NTY wants in a franchisee.
“We want people who have that entrepreneurial spirit,” Olson said.
They must have motivation and they must also have accumulated some wealth in the past that they’re able to invest.
While the company has just a handful of veteran franchisees at the moment, Olson is looking to change that, as he
“The collective experience of everyone who is involved with NTy is a huge incentive for any franchisee to choose one of the company’s
brands for opening a business.”
Franchising USA
Page 63
knows veterans have a stellar reputation as franchisees.
Veterans’ dedication and commitment to carrying out the processes they’ve been taught is what makes them good franchisees, he noted.
“That’s what franchising is all about, taking the business model and the processes that we have proven to be profitable and teaching it to others,” Olson said. “People who have had that military experience following processes fit really well into a franchise system because they will take those processes that we have developed to run and execute a successful business model and follow those processes to a tee.”
NTY has just submitted its application to join veteran franchising organization VetFran. Cur-rently, veterans receive a $2,500 discount off any NTY franchising fee.
As an added incentive — and this goes for any franchisee — three of NTY’s brands also offer a $40,000 jump start program.
Any franchisee that opens an NTY Clothing Exchange, a Children’s Orchard or a New Uses will receive a $20,000 marketing contribution from NTY when their store opens. In addition to that, every six months after their grand opening, they will receive an additional $5,000 marketing con-tribution from the parent company over a two-year period, totaling a $40,000 contribution toward marketing from NTY.
Training and SupportNTY helps franchisees find the right real estate, helps them procure financing, and brings them to Minneapolis for three weeks of comprehensive training in every aspect of running their busi-ness.
The company also offers support on site when franchisees are building out their store and get-ting it ready to open to ensure it’s being built out properly, they’re acquiring inventory properly and their employees are being trained properly. Then they’ll let the franchisee start running their store and come back out to help franchisees with their grand opening.
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NTY representatives will visit again 90 days after grand opening, a minimum of three times in that first year to check on inventory, customer service and if franchisees need any additional training.
Each brand has its own regional operations managers, which are assigned to franchisees. Each regional manager has about 20 or 30 franchisees in their region and their main goal is to be a small business consultant. They have monthly consultation calls with franchisees and answer any questions they have and visit franchisees at least once per year.
expansion and experienceAll of NTY’s brands are open to expanding anywhere in the United States.
The collective experience of everyone who is involved with NTY is a huge incentive for any franchisee to choose one of the company’s brands for opening a business, Olson said. Each brand has a vice president in charge of it, he explained, and all of those vice presidents have over 20 years of experience in the retail resale sector. His father, who is president of the company, has 30-plus years of experience in the sector and when you add in Olson’s 22 years of experience, that’s a lot of knowledge for new franchisees to draw from.
For veterans who are looking to make a new start in life, NTY gives them an opportunity to make that new start a success.
www.ntyfranchise.com
Franchising USA
Franchising USA
Bar-B-clean
Building on momentum from last year’s growth, Bar-B-clean, a franchised barbecue grill cleaning service, aims to open an additional 20 to 25 franchise locations in 2016.
Immediate franchise opportunities are available as the brand seeks dedicated owner-operators across the nation.
Bar-B-Clean offers residential and commercial customers a convenient, low-cost grill-cleaning solution. There are currently 20 Bar-B-Clean locations across seven states: Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
“The Bar-B-Clean franchise is innovative and caters to a vast majority of professionals,” says founder Bryan Weinstein. “We have structured it with simplicity in mind for current and aspiring entrepreneurs and find that it is a great business model for military veterans, home service providers like landscapers and pool maintenance professionals, as well as firefighters.”
The service offered includes a deep cleaning of the interior and exterior of the grill, as well as a thorough inspection of the burner and ignition systems. They remove harmful carcinogens and food particles that are transferred to your food and eliminate germs to keep your family healthy. Bar-B-Clean deters cockroaches, mice, and other pests that live and snack inside grills.
Bar-B-cLEan FranchisE turns up thE hEat
on FranchisE Expansion
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There is a strong demand for barbecue grill cleaning services in the United States yet little to no regional or national systems servicing this huge market. With minimal competition, this unique concept has a low cost and no need for a truck or trailer.
Bar-B-Clean’s franchise fee is $19,500, and the total investment to own and operate an exclusive territory -- around 100,000 households -- is between $19,500-$25,000. This fee typically includes travel to training, equipment, insurance, along with ongoing marketing support. Both multi- and single-unit territories are currently available.
And, as a veteran friendly concept, Bar-
B-Clean offers 30 percent off the initial franchise fee for qualified veterans.
Franchisee Matthew Sprague, a U.S. Army veteran based in the Los Angeles area, is an example of a veteran who found the right business model in purchasing a Bar-B-Clean franchise. Now operating multiple territories, Sprague serves areas including Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley, among other Los Angeles suburbs. He cleans hundreds of grills annually and continues to grow his business.
To inquire about available opportunities,
visit www.bar-b-cleanfranchise.com
“Franchisee Matthew Sprague, a U.S. Army veteran based in the Los Angeles area, is
an example of a veteran who found the right business model in purchasing a Bar-B-clean
franchise.”
Franchising USA
Page 65
FRANGUIDE.COM703-424-2980
F I N D Y O U R F R A N C H I S EW I T H F R E E G U I D A N C E
F R O M I N D U S T R Y E X P E R T S
Franchising USAFranchising USA
Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS’ Jim Judy, Franchise Business Consultant
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in caSe you Haven’T Heard,
FranChising is booMing!For the sixth consecutive year, the International Franchise Association (IFA) has projected small franchise businesses will grow at rates that will exceed non-franchised small businesses.
The IFA is also forecasting growth of more than 13,000 new franchise units, and growth is expected across all 10 franchising sectors.
With so much growth projected for the franchising industry, one would expect a seller’s market mentality among franchisors. However, with more than 3,000 brands in the franchise space, many companies are offering terrific incentives to help candidates launch their new business.
“There are a lot of competing franchisors in the space today, so when you find a good candidate to open a franchise unit, you want to give them every reason to choose your brand,” said NTY Franchise Company COO Chad Olson.
Olson’s company is a leader in the resale sector, featuring five franchise brands, including bellwether franchise Clothes Mentor, one of the largest women’s upscale resale brands in America. In March, NTY Franchise Company released details of its new Jumpstart program, offering $40,000 in funding for marketing initiatives for new franchisees of its Children’s Orchard, NTY Clothing Exchange and New Uses brands.
The $40,000 breaks down to $20,000 in grand opening marketing dollars and then an additional $20,000 that will be paid in $5,000 increments every six months over two years. The program will apply to the first 20 franchises opened for each brand in 2016.
“This is one of the most aggressive efforts ever put forth by a resale franchisor to support new franchisees,” Olson said. “It should send a clear message to franchise candidates regarding our commitment to their success.”
Other franchise brands are actively involved with IFA programs such as VetFran, which offers substantial discounts to military veterans interested in franchising. Moran Family of Brands, one of the nation’s leading franchisors of general automotive repair, transmission
repair and automotive accessories, offers $5,000 off the franchise fee to military veterans through the VetFran program.
Lawn care specialists Lawn Doctor offers 50 percent off its initial license fee to not only veterans but minorities and experienced professionals in the landscaping industry, as well. This saves the candidate $15,000 off the normal $30,000 fee, plus encourages desired segments of the population to give Lawn Doctor a serious look.
“We are always happy to participate in IFA initiatives to bring more vets and minorities into franchising,” said Lawn Doctor Vice President of Franchise Development Jason Barclay. “Extending the discount on our initial license fee to people who already work in the green sector helps us bring more experienced people into our franchise family.”
Lawn Doctor also offers in-house financing of up to 50 percent of the initial franchise investment, sweetening that benefit by requiring no loan payments until March, 2017, for a limited time.
“This really helps new franchisees get their business up and running without worrying about their note and equipment payments due to us until next Spring.”
Franchising USA
Page 67
they’d be a good fit, we want incentives like our Jumpstart Program to convince candidates to join our team,” Olson said.
Franchise business consultant Jim
Judy has spent the past 20 years
in the franchise industry, gaining
insightful knowledge and a keen
eye for opportunity. His passion is
developing relationships with current
and hopeful entrepreneurs to assist them
on their journey to franchise business
ownership. Jim leverages his experience,
success and close relationships in
the franchise industry to provide
valuable consultation free of charge to
entrepreneurs looking to explore the
benefits of a franchise.
To learn more, call 919-233-3534 or
email [email protected]
Franchising USA
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For candidates interested in multi-unit franchising, many brands offer substantial discounts on franchising fees. Wine & Design, the popular lifestyle-based business model hosting popular paint and sip parties, offers successful franchisees half off the initial franchise fees to open a second location.
One of Rhino 7’s brands named Scout & Molly’s, a women’s clothing boutique, has made multi-unit franchise ownership incentives a top priority. Scout & Molly’s offers candidates tens of thousands of dollars in savings to those wanting to develop multiple stores. A commitment to open five units saves the candidate more than $100,000 in franchising fees than if they purchased the one at a time. At 10 units, the savings is worth $240,000.
Rhino 7 founder and CEO Doug Schadle says they try to appeal to candidates looking to grow an organization, not just run a franchise unit.
“The critical piece of this is deciding they want to be a developer up front, not a single-store franchisee,” Schadle said. “As a franchisor, offering a steep discount on a multi-unit commitment gives us the ability to forecast an area’s development with greater accuracy. For the franchisee, it gives them an advantage in terms of developing real estate in the years ahead.”
Franchise executives agree that even appealing incentive plans like these are secondary considerations when it comes to selecting a franchise. Lifestyle design, personal and professional goals, skill-set match and a fit with a company’s corporate culture still rank as the top indicators of future success. However, once all parties agree that a franchise agreement would be mutually beneficial, the right package of incentives could be a candidate’s deciding factor.
“Once we’ve done our due diligence on a candidate and are reasonably certain
in caSe you Haven’T Heard,
FranChising is booMing!“The IFA is also forecasting growth of more
than 13,000 new franchise units, and growth is expected across all 10 franchising sectors.”
Jim Judy
Franchising USAFranchising USA
Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS’
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It is time to check in and ensure you are staying on track with your financial management goals now that the first quarter has passed. You may have used credit cards in 2015 to secure a loan, purchase business supplies or pay off debt. If that was not a deliberate tactic for your small business growth strategy, we want to help you avoid repeating financial decisions that might not be right for your business.
Business mentor and credit repair consultant, Bill Rumping, offers his advice on how to manage credit card use for small business purchases.
As debt advisors we talk to many small businesses who are experiencing high credit card debt and need assistance in order to stay in business. Consider these
guidelines to help your business avoid a credit card crisis.
Use Multiple Types of Financing Credit cards should not be your only source of financing. If you are just starting your company this is even more important because your spending may be higher than your income for an extended period of time.
All startup companies should have some startup funds that can be used to help the company establish itself until monthly revenue is consistent and covers much of the monthly expenses. Startup funds may come from savings, or loans from family, friends or existing business relationships.
Separate Personal and Business Purchases Whether you use personal credit cards or business credit cards, your business and personal expenditures should not be on the same card. Separating these purchases
makes reporting much easier and gives you clearer insight into the expenses needed to operate your business.
Separating your business and personal expenses also helps you separate the emotional way you use credit cards. If you tend to use your personal credit card for impulse purchases, you may find yourself making impulse purchases for your business - like the really nice desk lamp that you don’t really need. Keeping your business expenses on a separate credit card will help you avoid those impulse buys and focus on what you need for the business to operate.
Pick the right credit card Take the time to pick out the right credit card for your business. Business credit cards help you build business credit so if business growth and access to additional capital is in your future plans you should seriously consider a business credit card.
Consider your bank’s credit card offer but
Journal activity
using Credit Cards For sMaLL business
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Darcella K. Craven and Bill Rumping, Veterans Business Resource Center
Sponsored by:
#IFE2016IFEinfo.com
NYC - THE JAVITS CENTERJUNE 16-18, 2016
RESERVE YOUR EXHIBIT SPACE TODAY! CALL TODAY - 201.881.1666 OR EMAIL - [email protected]
YOUR COMPETITION IS GOING TO EAT YOUR LUNCH.For 25 years the International Franchise Expo has helped brands like these
gain an edge over their competition by connecting them with thousands
of qualified prospects. They are going to be in New York City in June and
they will be meeting future franchise owners...maybe even yours.
THESE BRANDS WILL BE AT IFE, WILL YOU?
» Denny’s » Ground Round Grill » Sbarro » Applebee’s » Johnny Rockets » IHOP Restaurants » Boston’s » Steak ‘n Shake » Salad Works » Burger 21 » Checkers & Rally’s » Hooters » Little Caesars
Franchising USA
also look at other options. Using Google you can search for ‘best small business credit cards of 2016’ or go directly to creditcards.com, cardratings.com or bankrate.com to research alternatives.
Consider these questions and choose the card that provides the best balance of business benefits to annual costs.
• Is there an annual fee?
• What is the yearly interest rate?
• Is there free interest for an introductoryperiod?
• Are there business friendly terms suchas discounts for paying early or optionsfor delayed payments?
• How high of a credit limit do theyprovide and how often could your creditlimit increase?
• What perks and services are offered?
• Do they offer credit cards for employeeswith spending limits?
• What would cause your interest rate toincrease?
credit card Usage requires Discipline Successful use of credit cards to finance a business requires discipline. Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has found that for every $1,000 in credit-card debt that a small business takes on, its chances of long-term survival fall by more than 2 percent.
Increase your chance of success by following some simple guidelines:
• Only buy what you need immediately tosupport your business.
• Make your payments on time to avoidbeing reported to credit bureaus.
• Don’t use cash withdrawals against yourcredit card.
• Avoid using your full credit limit. Yourdebt to credit ratio is an important pieceof your credit score.
• Pay off your credit card balance eachmonth. Or at least pay 2-3 times theminimum payment to prevent yourbalance from getting too high.
Remember to keep an eye out for any misuse of the business credit cards just as you would for your own personal credit cards.
Journal actiVity: Reflecting on Bill’s advice, take 30 minutes to do the following. After you separate the personal and business expenses reflect on your spending habits. Make a note of how you are feeling when you purchased an item. Think about what time of day it was. Was the purchase online from a pop up or in the store near the checkout lane? Did you notice the item because you needed it or because of the advertisement? What about the advertisement made you take a second look? These questions are important as they will help you to identify when you are making purchases and why. You should do this in real time as well. Right before you buy an item notice the time, surroundings and ask yourself why you are buying.
Now think about the use of the item. Did you use the item as soon as you got it, put it away never to be seen again or take it back? How often do you use the item? Did you give it to someone else to use and does that person use it? Again, this will help you to begin to discipline yourself when it comes to both personal and business purchases. We will add this activity to your Life Theme activity later in the quarter.
Darcella K. Craven
Bill Rumping
“your business and personal expenditures should not be on the same card. Separating
these purchases makes reporting much easier and gives you clearer insight into the expenses
needed to operate your business.”
Bill Rumping is the Debt Expert of St. Louis for PCS Debt Relief. If you or someone else you know has an outstanding amount of credit card debt contact Bill at [email protected] or 314-607-4204.
Darcella K Craven is currently the Executive Director of the Veterans Business Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Honorably Discharged Veterans, National Guard and Reservist and Active Duty personnel and their families with transitioning back into civilian life with starting and expanding businesses. Darcella has been featured in numerous articles for her transition from the military and the welfare system to an accomplished business woman and is actively involved in many civic organizations.
www.vetbiz.com
Darcella K. Craven and Bill Rumping, Veterans Business Resource Center
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T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R F R A N C H I S E E S
FINANCIAL & LEGAL ADVICE LATEST NEWS FRANCHISE DIRECTORY
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The UPS StoreEMPOWERING FRANCHISEES TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS
IS BIGGER REALLY BETTER?LEASING THE RIGHT FRANCHISE SPACE
LETTING GOTO LEVEL UP IN BUSINESS
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SIGNARAMA CANADA:
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ISSUE 3#1 - 2016
BUYING A FRANCHISE
FIND THE BALANCE
BETWEEN THE HEAD
AND THE HEART
FEATURE
BUSINESSSERVICES
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R F R A N C H I S E E S
FINANCIAL & LEGAL ADVICE LATEST NEWS FRANCHISE DIRECTORY
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R F R A N C H I S E E S
BEST PRACTICE WORKPLACE
GET THE BASICS RIGHT
VOL 10 ISSUE 03 MAR/APR 2016
$4.95 (AUD), $6.95 (NZ) inc. GST.
AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM WITH
SPECIAL FEATURE
RETAIL: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL
CONSUMER RIGHTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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LATEST NEWS FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R F R A N C H I S E E S
Franchising USAVOL 04, ISSUE 6, APR 2016
The UPS StoreEMPOWERING FRANCHISEES TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS
IS BIGGERREALLY BETTER?LEASING THE RIGHT FRANCHISE SPACE
LETTING GOTO LEVEL UP IN BUSINESS
SPECIAL MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING FEATURE
$5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com
Canadian Franchise Magazine
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LATEST NEWS FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE
SUPPLIERFORUM
SIGNARAMACANADA:
SHOWING OFF A NEW
SIGN OF ITS OWN
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ISSUE 3#1 - 2016
BUYING A FRANCHISE
FIND THE BALANCE
BETWEEN THE HEAD
AND THE HEART
FEATURE
BUSINESSSERVICES
Franchising USAFranchising USA
Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS’ Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS
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James Mingey
As I write this article I am also preparing to speak on this topic at the first entrepreneurial Bootcamp for veterans with Disabilities (eBv) at St. Joseph’s University on April 9th. The Bootcamp is championed by Ralph Galati, one of those Veterans who help Veterans by doing the right things for the right reasons. I’ve been asked to share what I know about accessing government financing methods for Veterans who want to pursue franchising opportunities. So what do I tell them? What resources are really available for Veterans at the Government level and what’s the real story for accessing these resources?
Some typical Veteran Federal Financing queStionS i get:
govErnmEnt Financing oFvEtEran Franchising so whErE do i Find thE piEcEs to this puzzLE?
Who do I talk to about getting my veteran Federal grant for starting my new business?anSwer: No-one!
Fact: There are no government grants offered to Veterans for franchises.
However, the Veterans Administration does offer a “subsidy” (not a grant) for Veterans in Vocational Rehabilitation (a Veteran needs a 20% minimum disability rating or higher and most importantly having a knowledgeable Rehabilitation Counselor who will champion your goal of self-employment through franchising as a necessity for your Individual Veteran Employment Plan).
Or, if you can legitimately partner with a nonprofit, you could possibly benefit from their federal grant if your franchise had something to contribute to their business model. But structuring an “arm’s length” partnership with a non-profit can be very tricky from a federal tax perspective. Beware of “private inurement”!
Who do I talk to in the Federal Government about getting my veteran business loan for starting my new franchise?anSwer: No-one!
Fact: The Federal Government doesn’t offer loans to Veterans for franchises. The Small Business Administration only offers “guarantees” through Banks who in turn actually make the loans to Veterans under existing small business programs.
However, you can at least find out who these banks are by requesting a list of
active SBA lenders available through your regional SBA office. Just ask for the quarterly SBA lending report from your SBA Veteran Regional Veterans Officer. He/she is not allowed to give a specific recommendation or endorse your loan but they can at least direct you to a knowledgeable SBA lender at one or more banks in your area. Before you contact the banks you might want to do research to see if your franchise is included in the SBA Franchise Registry. This will tell you if any SBA lender has financed your selected franchise before (and if it does, you should tell the bank that you approach).
Your Franchisor might also have some good suggestions about SBA lenders as well. Nevertheless, all of these banks have stringent rules on franchise startups, Veteran or not. A 60-70% loan to actual costs is probably the best you can expect.
Who do I talk to at the State level about getting my veteran business loan for acquiring a franchise?anSwer: State Economic Development Agency
Fact: There are State governments that offer Veterans attractive loans for acquiring franchises
AN ExAMPLE:
State of Maryland Veterans can solve their financing gap needs for their franchise acquisition with State Government financing. Veterans can and should look to the State level for Veteran and franchise finance. In Maryland for example, the State offers
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Franchising USA
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a 0% loan program up to $50,000 for Veterans starting small businesses. Just as important, they offer loans to acquire an existing franchise if the borrower is unable to obtain adequate business financing on reasonable terms through normal financing channels. So at least in Maryland there are a couple of important puzzle pieces. Check out your own State, you might be surprised.
Who do I talk to at the local level about getting my veteran business loan for acquiring a franchise?anSwer:
Fact: Local government can offer Veteran attractive loans for acquiring franchises
AN ExAMPLE:
community Development Financial
Institution (cDFI)
A CDFI receives some of its funding from the Department of Treasury for use in local economic development. Although they don’t specifically target Veteran loans, many would love to support Veterans and they offer very competitive terms. To find one, just google “CDFI” and your “location”. A CDFI might also be interested in seeing a Veteran partner with a local non-profit development actor as well.
So is there anywhere else Veterans might find more pieces to the Government lending puzzle? I’m not sure, but if you don’t find any, you might want to apply to Ralph Galati’s next EBV Bootcamp which will have plenty of knowledgeable folks who know where some of the pieces are hiding.
Good luck wherever you look!
VBS Founder and Managing Director, Jim Mingey, is a decorated Vietnam
veteran raised from a proud military
background. An entrepreneur for
more than 35 years, Jim can relate
on a personal level to the needs of the
veteran small businessperson, and
possesses the practical knowledge to
implement his experience in today’s
market. Jim participated in the EBV
Program at Purdue University, is a
mentor at American Corporate Partners,
developed the first approved franchise
training program for the Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment
(VR&E) Program at Veterans
Administration, and was instrumental
in forming the first equity fund in the
United States exclusively for veteran
owned small businesses and franchises:
The Veterans Opportunity Fund. Jim
intends to keep on ‘advocating’ for
veterans in franchising.
www.VeteransBusinessServices.us
govErnmEnt Financing oF vEtEran Franchisingso whErE do i Find thEpiEcEs to this puzzLE?
Franchising USA
Posta l connect ions
One of the best benefits of joining a franchise system is the opportunity to learn from likeminded franchisees from different backgrounds. This collaborative environment – learning from each others’ strengths and approaching problems with a team of open minds – fosters unity, franchisee satisfaction and overall personal growth within a proven system.
Of all the backgrounds we see looking seriously into entrepreneurship through franchising – marketing, customer service, management, business operations and more – we have found particular success with military veterans. Here are some qualities that set them apart.
Mission-Minded Men and women who have served in the military are especially adept at understanding the “mission” of the
franchise – and are extremely persistent in achieving that mission. An unmatched work ethic and adaptability to the proven system sets veterans apart – they are also wonderful at precise planning and implementation.
Goal-FocusedKeeping personal and professional goals top-of-mind is the priority for many people looking into business ownership through franchising. Meet Anne Marie Marvin, a former Naval Commander and current Postal Connections franchisee in San Diego. In addition to running one of the most successful stores in the system, Anne Marie is also a mother and has a jewelry-making business on the side. Her determination and work ethic has led her to career fulfillment in franchising.
Leadership PotentialVeterans also often display outstanding leadership qualities that are helpful as they are given opportunities to move up the ladder, so to speak, in different roles within the system. Postal Connections
miLitary vEtErans: thE idEaL FranchisEEs
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franchisee Marc Richard is a graduate of West Point and is celebrating his sixth year in business. Marc has seen incredible sales increases – consistently consistently 20 percent or better yearly – and is now harnessing his leadership and teaching potential as a franchisee trainer. His ability to inspire and guide newer franchisees has proven to be a great strength, developed during his time in the military and expanded upon through entrepreneurship.
These qualities align directly with our core operating values, meaning that our franchisees are trustworthy, friendly, savvy and leading edge. We are proud that our veteran franchisees mirror these traits as well. One way that we, and many other franchises, honor the men and women who have given their time and risked their lives for our freedom to pursue business ownership, is to offer a generous discount on our franchise fees. We also partner with VetFran, which is an excellent resource for franchisees and franchisors
Fred Morache is the co-founder of Postal Connections, a business services franchise connecting consumers with convenient access to postal products, shipping, printing, creative services, copying, faxing, passport services, notary and shredding in more than 15 states, and iSOLD It, which provides consumer support for selling on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist.
Visit Postal Connections online at www.postalconnections.com and iSOLD It at www.isoldit.com
“One way that we, and many other franchises, honor the men and women who have given their time and risked their lives for our freedom to pursue business ownership, is to offer a generous discount on our franchise fees.”
Franchising USA
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$577KAverage Annual Sales
$121K
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*As of 12/31/14, there were 99 UBREAKIFIX locations in operation. As published in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document
