Boot Camp for Vets Ready to Take the Plunge Into Business Ownership

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nova Southeastern University and its International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE) announced today the launch of a new educational program that will run July 11-23, 2011 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  The Veteran's Business Edge is designed for veterans as they transition from the military to the civilian business environment.  The 12-day business boot camp provides military veterans with information about opportunities that exist and how-to training in entrepreneurship, franchising and sales.  It helps them leverage and apply senior leadership and decision-making skills gained during military service into the civilian business world.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that former military officers are 55.6% more likely, and vets in general 45% more likely, to become entrepreneurs than their civilian counterparts with no active-duty military service.  This vet-friendly program is designed to help veterans and active duty service personnel achieve the American dream of business ownership.

"Making the transition from military life into the civilian business world can be a challenging and sometimes daunting endeavor," said Cheryl R. Babcock, CFE, Director of Executive Education and founding director of IIFE. "The Veteran's Business Edge is a comprehensive 12-day business boot camp specifically designed to help veterans gain in-depth knowledge about the opportunities that exist for them in entrepreneurship and franchising and put them on the right path for their future."

Two days of the business boot camp focus on franchising as a form of business ownership. "My father, Don Dwyer Sr., founded VetFran after the first Gulf War to honor and serve our veterans within the franchising community.  It's great to see this tradition grow with The Veteran's Business Edge program being offered by Nova Southeastern University at the Huizenga Business School," said Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO of the Dwyer Group. VetFran is a program of the International Franchise Association and includes over 400 franchisors that offer franchising financial incentives to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Veteran's Business Edge business boot camp is led by an elite team of instructors from both academia and the business world, all with expertise and real-world experience.  Many are former military leaders who have made the successful transition from the military to the business world.  A few of the topics that the instructors will speak about include Entrepreneurship 101, How to Be Successful in Sales, Negotiating Successfully, and Finance for Non-financial Managers.

"Our new program is unique in that many of our faculty members have been in the students' shoes before and know firsthand just how intimidating it can be starting out in the highly-competitive business world," continued Babcock. "This is the first year we are offering The Veteran's Business Edge, and we are looking forward to preparing veterans with the tools they need to pursue their goals."

Lonnie Helgerson, CFE, U.S. Army retired and President, Veterans Franchise Center adds, "I am thrilled to be able to assist veterans in discovering their business capabilities. As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the challenges of moving upward within a corporate environment. This program is designed to teach veterans how to leverage their business skills and springboard to the top of the corporate ladder through successful business ownership!"

For more information, a complete agenda or to register for the program, visit www.huizenga.nova.edu/Vets-Edge or contact David Harris at 800.672.7223 ext. 25079 or [email protected].

About IIFE

The International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE) is a demonstrated leader around the globe for its cutting-edge domestic and international education and leadership training programs for franchise executives. Programs are designed for start-up and emerging franchisors as well as founders, presidents, CEOs, COOs and key leadership team members who want to grow their franchise systems. IIFE is also the headquarters for the International Society of Franchising, comprised of educators and researchers from around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/franchise.

Press Contact:
Amanda Rich
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SOURCE International Institute for Franchise Education