Anago Cleaning Systems (Anago), a leading commercial cleaning franchise system with more than 2,200 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally, continues its mission of providing returning veterans the opportunity to start their own business and follow their entrepreneurial spirit by creating a $250,000 military veteran fund to help more veterans get into business for themselves.
Anago’s initiative is supported by its plan to award Master Franchise opportunities to 20 military veterans, who were honorably discharged at any time, in the next 20 months thereby adding the potential for more than 500 jobs to local economies throughout the United States. To launch its initiative, Anago’s two military leaders, founder David Povlitz and President Terry Mollica have created the fund, which will discount the franchise fee by $25,000 for the first five qualified veterans who enter the system (for first five to qualify, prospect must apply directly through Anago’s Facebook page,), and $8,000 for the remaining 15.
“Veterans clearly understand systems, processes and structure. With Anago’s Master Franchise program, these qualities are pivotal to the growth success of our franchise partners,” Povlitz said. “We truly understand how hard it is for some veterans to move forward with their civilian lives after service. With so many veterans looking for jobs at the moment, especially those who came out of the military, worked at a job for a few years, and now are interested in owning their own business, we believe we can help by increasing our discount toward becoming a Master Franchise Owner.”
The increased veteran financial support model comes on the heels of 1851 Project, a franchise industry resource, naming Anago as a top veteran-friendly franchise opportunity, with the brand earning a No. 25 ranking in the top 100. To earn its ranking, Anago had to showcase a continued effort to helping military veterans get into business for themselves. Anago achieves this through its participation in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program. IFA’s VetFran program helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance and industry support. VetFran’s ranks have grown to include more than 400 franchise systems that voluntarily offer financial incentives and mentoring to prospective veteran franchise small business owners. Thousands of veterans have become Franchise Owners through VetFran and other programs.
“Of the countless businesses slowed or crippled by the recent recession, the commercial cleaning segment is one of the few to emerge mostly unharmed,” Mollica said. “Anago is committed to keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive during this difficult economic period. These times are especially challenging for veterans who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, and Anago thanks you.”
One out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by veterans of the U.S. military, according to a recent study conducted by PwC for the IFA’s Educational Foundation based on census data estimates. More than 66,000 veteran-owned franchise businesses in the U.S. provide jobs directly for 815,000 Americans and generate more than $41 billion in GDP.
“Veterans have a proven track record of success in franchising due to the structure, systems-orientation, training, need for operational excellence, and support that franchising offers,” Povlitz said. “I understand how, upon entering the civilian world, veterans are looking for another great system to follow, and I’m confident I’ve built that in Anago.”