VetLaunchPad helps veterans become franchise owners with less risk, proven systems, and hands-on guidance from veterans who've done it — at low or no cost to you.
30 minutes, confidential. Leads to a free 1.5-hour consultation.
Many veterans are underrated or unaware of what they're owed.
Gary MacDermid, retired Naval officer and nuclear engineer, on what VetLaunchPad does for veterans and what it costs you.
Confidential. No cost. Leads to a free 1.5-hour consultation.
Franchise systems run on structure, standards, and repeatable process. If you served, you already know how to operate inside one.
Guided by Frank Caperino: franchise owner since 1996, multi-unit franchisee, and adjunct professor of franchise management at SDSU for 9 years. Veterans pay him nothing — franchisors do.
Start the questionnaireFrank was excellent at guiding us through the entire process. He helped us explore what types of franchises we were and were not interested in. Once we selected a franchise, he continued to guide us through the vetting process.
Brian · AKT DanceHe is an advocate for his clients and is truly looking out for their best interests, rather than the just end game of making a transaction and a commission.
Marla · The Barre CodeFrank took the time to interview us and find franchise opportunities that were a great match. He helped to guide us through the evaluation process and prepared us for each conversation.
Krystina & Josh · SpeedProAs first-time franchisees, it was great having someone with direct knowledge of the franchising process in our corner.
Jim, Zach, Eric & Josh · LaundroLabReviews from Frank Caperino's franchise consulting clients. More at franchisefrank.com/testimonials.
Franchise evangelist for veterans
U.S. Marine officer (Major), 10 years active service commanding elite tank, maritime special-operations, and drill-instructor units. Founded Commercial Training Institute during the 2008 financial crisis and grew it to 8-figure revenue in two years — no investors, no debt. National Chairman, Disabled Veterans PAC.
Franchise growth coach
Retired Naval officer and nuclear engineer. Business owner, finance coach, and capital-raising advisor. Author of Set Your Own Goals or Someone Else Will.
"Franchise Frank" · Franchise consultant
Navy tech-rep contractor for 20 years. Franchise owner for nearly three decades, multi-unit franchisee, and SDSU adjunct professor of franchise management. Represents 200+ franchises.
Once you're operating, Gary and Jason offer structured coaching to shorten the learning curve and keep the business on plan. Optional, flexible, and priced case by case.
Coaching opens to new owners after launch — tell us you're interested in the questionnaire.
VA disability compensation averages about $2,500 per month, tax-free, and ranges from roughly $400 to $4,000. Many veterans are unrated or underrated. A free estimate tells you where you stand — whether or not you pursue a franchise, and even if you've been approved or denied before. Higher documented income can also strengthen loan applications.
Get your free estimateNothing upfront, and nothing at all unless you buy a franchise. Franchisors pay Frank directly — the standard model in franchise consulting. If you do purchase a franchise with his help, the non-profit receives a royalty on gross revenue, set out in a written agreement you sign beforehand. Coaching is optional and priced separately.
No. Franchises are built to be operated by first-time owners: the model, training, and support systems come with the business. What matters is discipline, coachability, and the ability to run a proven process — which is exactly what your service taught you.
Typically 10–25% of total startup costs. The rest can be financed through SBA 7(a) loans, and TSP or 401(k) funds can be used through ROBS rollover programs. We help you map the funding path during the process.
After the questionnaire and your free consultation, structured franchisor meetings run roughly 4–6 weeks — covering economics, disclosure documents, validation calls, and Discovery Day — before you make a decision.
No. The Veterans Franchise Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, founded and run by veterans.
Answer the questions below to be connected with Frank Caperino for no-cost franchise consulting, to have your potential veteran disability income estimated, or both. Both services are entirely optional, with no obligation to proceed, purchase a franchise, or pursue a claim.
Frank Caperino does not charge you a consulting fee. If you use his services and ultimately purchase a franchise with his assistance, you will be asked to support the Veterans Franchise Foundation with a royalty on the franchise's gross revenue, so VFF can keep helping veterans become business owners. The terms are set out in a written agreement you sign before any introduction is made.
If you choose to receive assistance pursuing benefits, the independent service provider may quote you a fee. Whether to engage them is entirely your decision. We simply make the referral — we do not participate in the engagement and receive no portion of the provider's fee. We always welcome your feedback.
Not ready to start a business? Check what VA compensation you may be owed — free, no obligation, and yours whether or not you ever pursue a franchise.
CONFIDENTIAL · NO COST · NO OBLIGATION · BUILT BY VETERANS, FOR VETERANS