Abrakadoodle joined with the International Franchise Association (IFA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as well as SIGNARAMA for a VetFran Independence Day press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Launch events at 12 other American cities highlighted concerns about veteran unemployment and encouraged the hiring of veterans. It also profiled business ownership through franchising as a great fit for veterans who return with great leadership skills and a deep commitment to operational excellence. Available through the campaign is a VetFran Toolkit designed to foster access to franchise opportunities for U.S. veterans and military spouses. Coming soon is a Veterans Mentor Network.

April Rose Jackson, a U.S. Army vet, joined Abrakadoodle in 2012. She  discovered the art education franchise while deployed in the Middle East, having read a cover story about Abrakadoodle in Black Enterprise Magazine. Amid rocket fire and the challenges of war, April planned for her new enterprise over nearly three years. She viewed franchising not just as a job but as a whole new life adventure. Today, April shared her story at one of the launch events hosted by FASTSIGNS in Dallas, Texas!