Batteries Plus Bulbs Powered by Vetrepreneurs

By Megan Cummens

Veterans’ professionalism, organization, technical know-how, risk-tolerance and leadership skills often set them up for great endeavors after service. In fact, veterans are at least 45 percent more likely to take the plunge into entrepreneurship than people with no active-duty military experience. An example of one of these veterans is Jane Watts, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard (’82-’85) and the owner of four stores in the greater Atlanta area. Watts, who considers the service the building blocks for success, still relies on the knowledge she gained as an electrician’s mate to run her business and benefit her community—providing in-depth product expertise, especially related to batteries. The discipline, technical and leadership skills Watts learned in the U.S. Coast Guard transferred well to civilian life as a business owner. “I always wanted to own and operate my own business,” she shared. “I was drawn to the idea of following the processes and procedures put in place by a proven franchise system that could also offer me outstanding support and training.”

To offer “vetrepreneurs” like Watts the opportunity to use their multidisciplinary traits and start a business of their own, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers an ongoing $10,000 discount off their franchise fee to qualified military veterans in select markets through Vetfran, a national program created to help military veterans become franchise owners. Additionally, Batteries Plus Bulbs is currently accepting applications for its new landmark veteran program called Ownership with Honor. The first-of-its kind program offers select qualified U.S. military veterans more than $210,000 in financial support to cover the bulk of cost of opening a Batteries Plus Bulbs store. This extraordinary opportunity, available for a limited time, equates to a nearly 85 percent discount off of the initial store investment. It also provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to help these veterans get their store up and running. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to this program, let us know.

With nearly 1.5 million people expected to transition out of the armed forces over the next few years, many will look to franchising as a new business opportunity. As such, Batteries Plus Bulbs will continue its efforts to support and celebrate entrepreneurial-minded veterans.