Franchises offer breaks to would-be entrepreneurs leaving the military.
Indianapolis Business Journal:
On Veterans Day this year, retired U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Robert Flores didn’t attend parades or reminisce with friends. Instead, he worked from open to close at his Little Caesars Pizza store at 11530 Westfield Blvd.
‘I’ve been here every day since we opened,’ Flores said, who debuted the Carmel shop Oct. 31 after receiving assistance from a Little Caesars program created to help veterans become franchise owners.
As part of the program, Flores, 45, received a discount of almost $68,000 off startup costs because he’s a service-disabled veteran. He declined to share financial details, but Little Caesars said startup costs usually run between $200,000 and $250,000 depending on store size and location.
Detroit-based Little Caesars started its veterans’ discount program in fall 2006 because owner and founder Michael Ilitch, a former Marine, wanted to do something for others who have served their country.
‘Mr. Ilitch is really hopeful that other business leaders will look at this program and see that it’s possible to make opportunities for veterans,’ said Little Caesars spokeswoman Kathryn Oldham.
Little Caesars is one of many companies hoping to turn veterans into entrepreneurs. More than 260 franchise operators nationwide participate in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran. Members—ranging from Baskin-Robbins to Meineke Car Care—offer a discount for veterans buying a franchise.
The program started during the first Gulf War but was… continue reading.
IBJ Photo/Robin Jestard.
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