Veteran Franchise Opportunities: Tactical Choices for Former Military

Transitioning to civilian life and finding a new career path can be challenging for veterans. Get a fresh start by exploring entrepreneurship. Learn more about veteran franchise opportunities and how to find the right one.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), more than 1.6 million U.S. businesses employing 3.2 million people are veteran-owned. These businesses generated nearly $9.84 billion in total sales.

To help veterans acclimate to civilian life, the government’s U.S. Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program offers numerous programs to foster entrepreneurship. The Boots to Business program gives an overview of business ownership. Participants learn the steps to develop business concepts and how to create a business plan. The program also outlines the SBA’s resources for veterans.

Veterans Shine as Franchisees

Many veterans turn to franchising to launch a business because it offers a proven business model with training and ongoing guidance to be successful. Although veterans account for only 7% of the U.S. population, 14% of franchisees are veterans, VetFran reports.

Veterans tend to have higher success rates in franchise ownership due to their leadership skills and operational discipline. Franchise brands with veteran programs report higher retention and satisfaction rates among veteran franchisees, according to VetFran.

Top Franchise Opportunities for Veterans

Veterans spend their time in the military following structured systems and being team players, making them ideal franchise candidates. Their experience leading teams makes them well-suited for managing employees, delegating tasks, and maintaining a productive work environment. The military also instills a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and commitment, which translates into dedicated business ownership.

Here are some of the leading veteran franchise opportunities:

1. Automotive: The average age of cars on the road hit 12.6 years in 2024, ensuring strong demand for aftermarket auto shops. Auto repair is also an essential service—cars always need maintenance and repairs. Many veterans have mechanical experience from working on military vehicles or equipment, making them well-suited for the automotive industry.
2. Fitness and wellness: Veterans are used to maintaining high levels of physical fitness, making an exercise business a natural extension of their lifestyle. As Americans continue to focus on physical health, a fitness franchise can be a lucrative opportunity. At least 45 health and wellness franchises earned a spot in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 ranking.
3. Disaster restoration: Disaster restoration requires quick thinking and problem-solving, often in high-pressure situations. Veterans are accustomed to handling stressful and unpredictable scenarios. A disaster restoration business provides valuable service to the community. As severe weather events continue to rise, the need for restoration services will continue to grow.
4. Home services: Nearly half of homeowners plan to tackle a large-scale home project over the next five years, Angi reports. They’re turning to remodeling to enhance functionality and add long-term value to their homes.

Home services opportunities, like The Tailored Closet, are veteran-friendly franchises. They have a low initial investment, minimal overhead, and a high return on investment. Home services franchises are typically designed to be operated from a home office or a small footprint showroom.

The Tailored Closet’s initial investment starts at less than $112,000* with $44,000 of in-house financing. Our whole home organization solutions franchise offers a 15% discount off our initial franchise fee for veteran entrepreneurs.

The Tailored Closet: A New Mission for Veterans

The Tailored Closet provides veterans with a structured, customer-focused business model requiring minimal overhead. Our franchise is an ideal fit for veterans who want to pursue entrepreneurship. Here’s why:

• Strong demand: Home improvement and organization services are consistently in demand. The home remodeling market is forecast to generate $509 billion this year.
• Operational structure: The Tailored Closet has spent almost 20 years honing its proven systems, which align well with military training and discipline. You don’t need contracting experience to achieve your business goals.
• Scalability: With The Tailored Closet you can start with a single territory and add locations as you gain confidence and experience. Our territories start at 100,000 households.
• Work-life balance: As a The Tailored Closet owner you can create your schedule, reserving time for personal commitments. Flexibility provides a welcome relief from the demands of military service.

Invest in Your Success

Ready to invest in your success as a business owner? The Tailored Closet helps veterans achieve their full potential. Inquire now to learn more about our franchise opportunities.

*See Franchise Disclosure Document for details.