CruiseOne, based in Fort Lauderdale, is seeking U.S. veterans to award free CruiseOne franchises to five qualified veterans. “We not only thank our veterans for performing the highest call of duty by serving our country, but we also invite them to put their military skills to use in the civilian workforce by owning a travel franchise and making vacation dreams come true,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of CruiseOne.
Contest Eligibility and Grand Prize Award
Any former Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard member, who is retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest date, is eligible. The contest is running to August 8, 2014, and winners will be awarded a free CruiseOne franchise valued at $12,700 each. The start-up and monthly service franchise fees will be waived. In addition, the prize includes one week of training at the CruiseOne headquarters in Fort Lauderdale and covers up to $500 travel expenses.
Contest Details
There will be three rounds of judging:
1. Contestants participate in a phone interview with a CruiseOne franchise developer.
2. Semi-finalists complete a franchise application, resume and business plan.
3. Finalists are chosen after a follow-up interview.
The five winners will be announced in August and training will begin in October.
Contest History
The annual CruiseOne giveaway, called Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General, began in May to celebrate Military Appreciation Month and was first launched three years ago.
CruiseOne has 875 franchisees and aims to have 25 percent of its travel franchises owned by veterans and their spouses. The company also offers military incentive programs, including a 20% discount on the franchise fee.
For those military veterans with a passion for travel and an entrepreneurial spirit who are interested in working as a CruiseOne franchise owner, please visit this site and complete the form at the bottom of the page.