Military veterans returning from duty have found themselves on a most-wanted list as two franchise industry major players join forces to combat veteran unemployment and encourage small business ownership.

Sprigster, a crowdfunding platform, and VeteransFranchise.com, an online lead generator that helps to inform and directly connect military veterans with franchise opportunities, have teamed up to help military veterans in their quest to become small business owners.

The franchise industry is known for its support of military veterans through its VetFran program and various efforts put forth by franchisors. Franchise concepts are aggressively recruiting military veterans to become franchisees because, as many have discovered, military training and skills translate well into franchise ownership.

While the franchise industry might be an ally, the small business loan environment remains an obstacle that prevents many from realizing their business dreams. Sprigster’s “Boost a Hero” program, a crowdfunding platform designed specifically for veterans and their spouses, fills the gap left open by traditional small business loans.

David Schwartz, CEO of VeteransFranchise.com, hopes his company’s partnership with Sprigster assuages veterans’ difficulty in finding funding. Sprigster hopes that an alliance with VeteransFranchise.com shows veterans and their spouses just how many franchises are recruiting their skill sets.

For more information on VeteransFranchise.com, visit www.veteransfranchise.com and for more information on Sprigster’s Boost a Hero program, visit www.sprigster.com.