Nearly 250,000 active-duty servicemembers transition out of the military each year and wonder what's next for their careers. Many turn to business ownership - a decision that pushed the number of veteran-owned businesses to a little more than three million.

"Regardless of what branch of the military they served in, veterans possess the right skills and mindset to thrive as small business owners," says James Young, president of Plainfield, Ill.-based Spring-Green Lawn Care.

"They're comfortable in leadership roles and as members of larger teams, able to complete the task at hand while thinking one step ahead and 100-percent willing to keep working until the job is done right. Our CEO Tom Hofer is a retired Navy lieutenant and some of our most successful franchisees are veterans, all of whom are using the experience they gained serving our country to serve their local communities."

Spring-Green began capitalizing on this influx of highly skilled potential entrepreneurs in late 2007 with a grant program designed to help military veterans interested in owning a Spring-Green Lawn Care franchise. The Military Assistance Program (MAP) applies up to $15,000 of the initial franchise fee toward the start-up expense to make it easier for veterans to get back into the civilian workforce. Additionally, the Military Assistance Program, Spring-Green is also active in VetFran, a subsidy program offered through the International Franchise Association. Veterans who qualify for the program immediately gain Spring-Green's unwavering commitment to help each and every franchise owner achieve their business goals.

"We recognize that many veterans returning to a corporate environment may not find what they are looking for, but the Spring-Green franchise opportunity allows for freedom and flexibility for individuals who enjoy the outdoors and want to take control of their own lives," Young says.

"Returning to civilian life may seem difficult but with organizations like Spring-Green that not only utilize but reward military experience, that transition can be more comfortable."

Ten of Spring-Green's 120 franchisees are military veterans and five have taken advantage of military assistance funding, such as former Sailor Matt Denney. Denney served in the Navy for nearly 15 years before medically retiring in 2007. But, instead of scrolling through job search websites and going on countless interviews, Denney felt his military experience left him better suited to act as his own boss.

"Franchising was ideal for a first-time business owner like me because there was already a proven system in place to follow but enough freedom for me to run my own operation," says Denney. "Like in the Navy, I was part of a team but required to think on my feet and be ready to handle any challenge that came my way. The franchise model was a perfect fit; I just needed to find the right concept."

After working mostly desk jobs in the Navy, Denney wanted the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and provide a useful service. After a little research, he found the best of both worlds in Spring-Green with the added bonus of MAP.

He began servicing the lawn and tree care needs of residents throughout North Carolina's Pender, New Hanover and Onslow counties two years ago.

"If my time in the Navy taught me anything, it's the importance of delivering on your promises and Spring-Green adopts that mindset. By doing my due diligence and weighing all of my options, I found a concept that fit my wants and needs and also recognized and rewarded my military service. If you're a veteran thinking about opening a business, franchising is definitely the way to go."

About Spring-Green Lawn Care
Founded in 1977, Plainfield, Ill.-based Spring-Green Lawn Care has been delivering both traditional and organic lawn and tree care services nationwide for over 32 years. Its service is centered on the beautification of local neighborhoods and communities with both residential and commercial customers. Spring-Green is an attractive opportunity for candidates who do not want to be tied to a storefront operation, retail hours or set appointments. Franchisees enjoy flexibility of schedule and an outdoor-based business with recurring revenue. Spring-Green currently has 120 franchises operating in 25 states and projections call for 12 new franchises in 2009. For more information about Spring-Green, visit http://www.springgreenfranchise.com or http://franchise.spring-green.com/map.aspx for more details about the Military Assistance Program.