Calling all veterans: Home Instead wants you as possible franchisees.
The Omaha, NE-based provider is launching a new annual program called Mission to Service, which waives its $59,000 franchise fee to two eligible veterans. Home Instead will accept applications for the program from now until Nov. 1.
Kathleen McKay, Home Instead director of franchise development, told McKnight’s Home Care Daily that veterans make ideal franchise owners because they are natural servant leaders.
“It is in their DNA to serve others for the greater good. That inclination fits perfectly with our mission of enhancing the lives of aging adults and their families,” McKay said. “Their military experience also helps them see the value of following a well thought-out plan or business model, which is often laid out by the franchisor. Pair that experience with typical skills and values, like leadership, goal setting, people management, problem solving and discipline, and that makes veterans excellent candidates for franchise ownership.
The new program is the result of a pilot Home Instead tested last fall when it awarded a franchise fee waiver to Catrice Morris, a human resources sergeant and veteran with the U.S. Army. Morris opened a Home Instead franchise in Smithfield, NC, and is currently providing care to older adults in that community.
“My military career has provided me the opportunity to give back to my country, and I have found that continuing my service commitment with Home Instead is very rewarding,” Morris said in a press release.
The franchise comes with some restrictions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to a market where a Home Instead franchise is available. Veterans must also have a track record as a manager and leader.
The Mission to Service program builds on another program Home Instead offers called VetFran. That program is part of the International Franchise Association and encourages ownership by offering financial incentives to honorably discharged veterans. Home Instead offers a 20% discount off the initial franchise fee to military veterans who are approved for the program.
Home Instead has more than 1,200 independent franchises in the U.S. and 14 other countries.
