TORONTO, Ontario -- Little Caesars Pizza has launched its Little Caesars Canadian Veterans Program, which provides franchise business opportunities to qualified, honorably released veterans transitioning to civilian life or seeking a career change.
The Little Caesars Veterans Program in the United States, launched in 2006, offers honorably discharged service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees a benefit of up to approximately $68,000 to help them open their own location.
The program got its start when Little Caesars chairman and founder - and U.S. Marine - Michael Ilitch read about Army Staff Sgt. Robbie Doughty, who lost his legs while serving in Iraq. Ilitch was impressed with Doughty's attitude and strength of character, and wanting to show his appreciation, gave him a Little Caesars store, which he runs in his hometown of Paducah, Ky. Little Caesars then used Doughty's story as the basis for the Veterans Program.
The Little Caesars Canadian Veterans Program provides the following benefits for all qualified veterans:
- Franchise fee reduced by $5,000 for the first new store
- $5,000 credit on the initial equipment order
Medically released veterans are eligible for greater benefits up to $35,000:
- Franchise fee ($20,000) waived for the first new store
- Additional financing options and benefits up to approximately $3,000
- $10,000 credit on the initial equipment order
- Grand Opening support from leading national companies (approximately $2,000)
"Helping to create opportunities for our veterans is a win-win for both the veterans and Little Caesars," said Richard Greville, general manager and vice president, Little Caesars of Canada. "Veterans have a chance to become entrepreneurs, own their own business and get involved in their communities. Little Caesars benefits by adding hard working, committed, qualified franchisees who know how to achieve goals as part of a team."
