On Monday, May 22, Dream Vacations will launch its sixth annual "Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General" contest where military veterans have the opportunity to win a free home-based travel agency franchise. Since the contest began in 2012, Dream Vacations has given away 25 free travel agency franchises to deserving veterans. This year, Dream Vacations will give five more military veterans the chance to join the ranks as Dream Vacations franchise owners.
The "Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General" contest is open to former members of any of the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form by Friday, September 1, 2017. After conducting an introductory phone interview with a franchise development specialist, candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan, video and resume. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before winners are selected.
Five winners will be notified in September 2017. Each grand prize is valued at $12,700 and includes a complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $9,800 initial start-up fee and monthly service fees. The new recruits will report for active duty in October, when they participate in a week-long franchise training boot camp at the Dream Vacations world headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Winners will be reimbursed up to $500 for their travel and provided with complimentary accommodations during the training program. Once training is completed, winners will be have all of the essential tools and knowledge they need to begin their dream business creating dream vacations.
All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. This includes a complimentary cabin for two at Dream Vacations' award-winning annual National Conference, limited availability, aboard a cruise ship; 20 percent discount off the initial fee; waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
The entry form and additional contest details can be found at www.operationvetrepreneur.com