CLEVELAND, Nov. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of our nation's military veterans and in support of their pursuit of the American dream, Proforma is pleased to announce it will offer $2 million in business grants to 100 honorably discharged veterans. This new initiative, created to make owning a business more affordable and accessible, will provide 100 veterans currently seeking new business ventures with the unique opportunity to start their own franchise at a steeply discounted cost. The standard $19,500 franchising fee for new Proforma Owners outside the industry will be waived, requiring qualified veterans to invest only $4,500 for a custom veteran's fast-track marketing kit to help get their business up and running.
"Our country's veterans deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams," said Greg Muzzillo, Founder of Proforma. "Our mission at Proforma is to help our Owners' dreams come true. It's an honor to help 100 veterans start a business by waiving $19,500 of their initial franchise fee. By making it affordable to join Proforma, small business ownership becomes more attainable for the men and women who have served our country. It allows them to enjoy the American dream they helped protect."
Proforma is a member of VetFran, a program sponsored by the International Franchise Association to give honorably discharged veterans better incentives than other qualified investors. Beyond this initial program, Proforma's standard will be to waive 50% of the initial franchise fee for all veterans. This incentive is designed to provide financial security as veterans invest in starting their own business. As a part of Proforma, veterans have access to award winning marketing tools, business development resources and world class back office support.
"In today's business climate, veterans who have honorably served their country bring the necessary leadership skills, forward thinking approach and discipline needed to succeed in the marketplace," said Jeff Truesdale, Owner of Proforma True Solutions. Truesdale, a Veteran of the US Army in the Vietnam War, owns a Proforma franchise in Gaithersburg, Maryland. "Associating with Proforma expands the influence and broadens the scope of opportunities for Veterans. The programs and incentives Proforma offers enable Veterans to become successful business owners."
Proforma offers extensive training and mentoring for franchise Owners joining the network from outside the industry. An Online Education Resource provides 24/7 access to proprietary online training information containing tested, proven, industry-specific information and advice on how to increase sales and improve profit margins. Proforma's ProVantage Business Development System also offers a variety of prospecting tools, presentation resources, sales coaching and idea-sharing webinars to help Proforma Member Owners earn while they learn the industry. Participants in the program have experienced 24% growth over last year.
Proforma is a $400 million industry leader offering each Proforma member a full suite of tools including access to a newly enhanced technology platform, financial backing, free credit insurance, the buying clout that increases their profits up to 5% - 15% with a proven vendor network and more. Veterans seeking new business opportunities or transitioning out of the military are encouraged to apply for this exclusive opportunity. Applications are being acceptable at www.onlyproforma.com/veterans.
About Proforma
With over 30 years of experience, Proforma remains clearly focused on providing solutions to North American businesses for their graphic communications needs. A leading provider of promotional products, printing services, business documents, and eCommerce solutions, Proforma has received numerous awards and is recognized as one of the top five largest companies in our industry. Proforma serves approximately 60,000 clients through more than 750 member offices in North America. The Proforma Worldwide Support Center is located in Cleveland, Ohio. www.proforma.com.
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