Military Times^® Ranks Franchise #13 on its Best for Vets List for Continuously Providing Business Opportunities to America's Veterans.

Hartland, WI (September 16, 2015) Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, and smartphone/tablet repair franchise, has been recognized as one of the top franchises for veteran business ownership by the Military Times. The franchises ranked in the Best for Vets: Franchises 2015-16 list were compiled with the goal of attracting current and former service members who aspire to become business owners. Batteries Plus Bulbs has been recognized by Military Times, for the second consecutive year, as being a leader in supporting veteran entrepreneurs entry into franchising.

At the foundation of Batteries Plus Bulbs' veteran support strategy is its membership with VetFran, a program created by the International Franchise Association to help military veterans become franchise owners. Batteries Plus Bulbs offers an ongoing $10,000 discount off their franchise fee to qualified military veterans in select markets who are looking to own their own business.

In April 2015, Batteries Plus Bulbs developed a landmark franchise incentive program for veterans that furthered its commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian life or seek a career change. The "Ownership with Honor" program offers qualified U.S. military veterans an extraordinary franchise opportunity and more than $210,000 in financial support to cover the lion's share of the initial investment to open a Batteries Plus Bulbs store. The company's longtime support of helping veterans into entrepreneurship has helped lead to nearly 13 percent of the company's franchise-owned locations being veteran-owned, with over 30 veteran owners representing nearly 80 stores nationwide.

"Despite our nation's veteran unemployment rates continuing to decrease, Batteries Plus Bulbs feels it is important to make strong efforts to increase opportunities for our nation's heroes to transition back into the workforce," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. "Between our ongoing VetFran incentives and our unique 'Ownership with Honor' program, veterans are benefiting from exceptional financial support unmatched in the franchise industry. We're hopeful this will allow U.S. veterans to pursue well-deserved business ownership opportunities while also strengthening the franchise industry and U.S. economy as a whole."

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information, including: pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment for service members and their families. The Best for Vets ranking is based on several different factors, including financial, brand performance and policies that cater to veterans and reservists. Companies were subject to a more-than-100-question analysis of a franchise's efforts to provide veterans an environment for success. The full rankings of the Best for Vets: Franchises is published on MilitaryTimes.com.