Joel Libava
Dream Vacations has launched its 14th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, an award-winning initiative designed to empower military veterans with the opportunity to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.
The 2025 Military Veteran Franchise Giveaway
This year, 3 lucky veterans will win a free Dream Vacations franchise—a prize valued at $12,300—complete with waived initial franchise fees and a complimentary eight-day Carnival cruise. Entries are open now through September 1, 2025.
Since its inception in 2012, Operation Vetrepreneur has awarded 64 franchises, totaling over $787,200.
For 2025, Dream Vacations has partnered with Carnival Cruise Line® to provide winners with an unforgettable cruise experience, featuring an ocean-view stateroom for two on sailings of up to eight days. This collaboration reflects Carnival’s ongoing commitment to honoring military heroes through meaningful initiatives.
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“At Carnival, honoring our military members and their families is a part of who we are,” said Janet Wygert, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Marketing for Carnival Cruise Line. “Through this partnership with Dream Vacations, we’re proud to give veterans the chance to relax, recharge, and explore new opportunities.”
How to Enter the Free Dream Vacations Franchise Contest
To qualify, participants must be former members of one of the six U.S. military branches—Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard—who are retired, honorably discharged, or off active duty. The process involves:
- Completing an online entry form.
- Participating in an initial phone interview with a Franchise Development Manager.
- Submitting a candidate profile, business plan, and video.
- Engaging in follow-up interviews for finalists.
Winners will be notified in September 2025 and will receive comprehensive training to set them up for success as travel franchise owners.
Alongside their franchise, they’ll gain access to Dream Vacations’ robust resources, including marketing tools, ongoing support, and a veteran-specific training portal.
Why Veterans Choose Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations stands out as a veteran-friendly franchise, consistently earning top rankings from Entrepreneur, Military Times, and Forbes. Why?
Because the franchise offers unmatched flexibility, training, and support, empowering veterans to create thriving home-based businesses.
Additional perks for military veterans and Gold Star families include discounted franchise fees, waived administrative costs, and exclusive access to veteran networking groups.
“With Carnival joining us this year, we’re more energized than ever to support veterans in building successful futures,” said Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Dream Vacations. “This program is about more than starting a business—it’s about creating opportunities for freedom and flexibility.”
If you’re a veteran with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship, this is your chance to turn your dreams into reality.
Visit www.OperationVetrepreneur.com or call 888-249-8235 to learn more and apply today!
About the Author
Joel Libava is The Franchise King® — an independent franchise advisor with 25+ years in the industry, two published books on franchising, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, Entrepreneur® Magazine and others. In addition, he wrote exclusively for the U.S. Small Business Administration blog for eight years. He doesn't sell franchises. Instead, Joel helps you figure out if franchise ownership is actually right for you — and if it is, teaches you his powerful, proven-to-work franchise research techniques, so you can make a smart, informed decision on a franchise to own and be your own boss.
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