Whether dishing it up at Baskin-Robbins or cleaning it up with Sears Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning, military veterans and reservists are putting the skills they learn in the service of their country to work as franchise owners.

Nearly 350 franchised businesses have signed on with VetFran, which is offered through the International Franchise Associations' Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative.

Four years ago, VetFran's results were recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with its Champion of Veterans Enterprise Award. More recently, the program was selected to vie for one of six American Society of Association Executives Summit Awards to be presented this fall.

Participating franchises of the IFA offer financial incentives in the form of discounts on the franchise fees. This often makes going into business for themselves, but not by themselves, more accessible to veterans.

Melinda Rayter said she received a discount on the Mail Boxes, Etc. franchise fee when she and her partner Flo Bringas decided to open their UPS Store in Merrillville nearly four years ago.

Jodi McCray, IFA spokesperson, said a visit to the organizations' Web site will yield such information from franchising basics to how to select and buy a franchise. A link to the VetFran directory also is included, she said.