The world’s oldest and largest organization to represent franchising worldwide, the International Franchise Association (IFA) has announced the launch of two new tools designed to provide training, financial assistance and industry support to returning service members who are interested in franchise ownership. Comprising a VetFran Toolkit and a Veterans Mentor Network, this latest initiative is part of IFA’s ongoing Operation Enduring Opportunity campaign to help put veterans back to work.

“With over 70,000 veteran-owned franchises in operation already and a million troops returning home in the coming years, franchise businesses are looking to recruit additional veterans into small business ownership and create employment opportunities for our returning heroes,” said IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira in a recent statement. “These tools will connect veterans with information about franchise ownership (and) potential lenders and determine which military skills may best translate to available franchise opportunities.”

The VetFran Toolkit includes both a skills/attributes and finance assessment as well as a Franchising 101 online course. The Veterans Mentor Network is designed to foster the sharing of knowledge and experience between an impressive array of successful franchise industry leaders and prospective or already established veteran franchisees.

Having also committed itself to the White House Joining Forces Initiative, IFA’s goal is to recruit 75,000 veterans and/or military spouses and 5,000 wounded warriors as franchise business owners or team members by the end of 2014. Thus far, 6,900 veterans have started their careers in the industry, including more than 4,000 as franchise business owners. Learn more today and get involved.