Travel agency franchise Dream Vacations is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 12th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest. Three veterans will be awarded a free franchise as part of the nationwide contest that, since 2012, has given away 58 franchises valued at nearly $700,000 dollars.
“Supporting our nation’s veterans is an ongoing commitment that we hold dear. At Dream Vacations, we strive to go above and beyond in assisting our military heroes and their families in every way possible,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “As we look ahead to the future, our dedication remains unyielding. Through our annual 'Operation Vetrepreneur' contest, we’re thrilled to make it easier for veterans to pursue their dreams of owning a business, achieving prosperity, and securing success for their families—no matter where they may be. It’s our way of expressing gratitude and giving back to those who have served our country with honor and valor.”
The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a franchise development manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before winners are selected.
Three winners will be notified in October 2023. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300 and includes a complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $10,500 initial start-up fee and monthly administrative service fees for the first year. After completing Dream Vacations’ New Franchisee Training, the winners will be armed with all the tools and knowledge they need to begin their next journey as small business owners creating dream vacations.
Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business immediately can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business now at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued no less than $5,000 and will have their administrative fees waived, which is valued at $1,800. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans and Gold Star families receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
The only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR-ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise.
The entry form and all contest details can be found at www.operationvetrepreneur.com.
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