The opportunity to win a franchise business might sound too good to be true. But for one lucky veteran that could just become a reality as Warrior Rising, a not for profit organisation that helps veterans to launch and grow their own business ventures, has formed a partnership with emerging cookie franchise brand Dirty Dough who are giving away one of their mobile cookie franchise opportunities, waiving the initial franchise fee altogether. The prize also includes a trailer, and a mentoring and support package for the new franchise business owner from Warrior Rising.
To be in with the chance of winning the prize, veterans are being invited to submit an application supported by a video shared on social media pitching why they believe they’d be a successful franchisee and worthy winner. The giveaway closes for entry later this month, on 24 September 2023. The information available suggests that shortlisted candidates will then be subject to an interview process and of course that Dirty Dough will have the ultimate decision in who the franchise is awarded too, as just as with the award of any new franchise opportunity it will be crucial to ensure that the winning veteran is going to be the right fit for their brand, and vice versa.
Any giveaway like this of course is bound to attract some great publicity. But Dirty Dough already has a reputation as a purpose-driven brand. Founded by Bennett Maxwell in an apartment kitchen at Arizona State University in 2018, the company strapline is “It’s what’s on the inside that counts”, spreading a message of authenticity and self acceptance. The brand, which specialises in topped and stuffed cookies, started expanding through franchising in 2021 and now has over 80 locations. It has also established the Life is Sweet Foundation, a non-profit organization with a self declared mission of funding 1,000 mental health wellness centres within the next five years.
There has long been a strong link between the veteran community and the world of franchising. VetFran is a strategic initiative of the International Franchise Association and the IFA Foundation with a mission to educate both veterans and franchisors about what it says is “the unique match between the skills and aptitude of entrepreneurial veterans and the demands and opportunities of being a franchisee”. The organisation states that although veterans make up only about 7% of the population in the United States, they account for 14% of all US franchisees. Former military personnel can enter a franchise business with a proven skillset of following systems and procedures, working as part of a team and with the strength and resilience to be able to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. They may also be in a position to fund a franchise purchase with the aid of military pensions or VA disability payments. A large number of brands, identifying veterans as an excellent potential source of franchisees, offer veterans discounts or other incentives to attract them into their franchise network.
The fortunate recipient of the Dirty Dough mobile franchise business will be announced on Veterans Day, Saturday 11 November.
Read the full article here
