Understanding TAPS
What Is the Transition Assistance Program?
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is an independent nonprofit Veterans Service Organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a DoD-mandated program that every separating service member attends before leaving active duty. It covers three pathways: employment, education, and entrepreneurship. The program runs 5 days and includes an optional Entrepreneurship Track (E-Track) for those exploring business ownership.
As a U.S. Army veteran and IFPG-certified franchise consultant, Brian Braggs works with transitioning service members who are exploring business and franchise ownership. He can connect with veterans during the TAP window — not just after separation — giving them a head start on evaluating franchise ownership while they still have the support structure around them.
Whether you are currently in TAPS, recently separated, or have been out for years, Brian’s consultation is completely free. He is paid by the franchisor, not the veteran.
The Process
From TAPS to Franchise Owner
Attend TAPS
Every separating service member completes the DoD Transition Assistance Program — a 5-day curriculum covering employment, education, and entrepreneurship pathways.
Explore Entrepreneurship Track
TAPS includes an Entrepreneurship Track (E-Track) where participants learn about self-employment and business ownership. Franchise consulting is a natural fit here.
Connect with a TAPS/VA Partner
Brian is an approved TAPS/VA Partner — meaning he can be introduced as a trusted resource during your transition window, not after.
Book a Free Discovery Call
No pressure, no cost. Brian walks you through franchise options that match your budget, goals, and lifestyle — and works for you, not the franchisor.
Why It Works
Why Veterans Excel at Franchise Ownership
The skills you built in uniform translate directly. Franchisors know it — which is why they actively recruit veterans and offer significant financial incentives.
Proven Systems
Military training prepares you to execute within a system. Franchises are built on exactly that — proven playbooks, SOPs, and support structures.
Leadership Transfer
You led people under pressure. Managing a franchise team is a direct application of that skill — and franchisors know it.
Mission Clarity
Franchise ownership gives you a clear mission, defined metrics, and a support network. It mirrors the structure you thrived in.
Financial Advantages
VetFran discounts (10–50% off franchise fees), SBA Veterans Advantage loans, and ROBS retirement funding are all available to you.
Independence with Support
You own the business — but you're never alone. The franchisor provides training, marketing, and operational support from day one.
Flexible Industries
From home services to healthcare to fitness to B2B — 300+ franchise brands across industries that match your interests and capital.
About Brian
A Fellow Veteran Who Has
Done It Himself.
Brian Braggs served in the U.S. Army before building two healthcare businesses from zero — Shining Star Therapy (Naperville, IL) and Right at Home Peoria. He knows what it means to transition out of uniform and build something of your own.
As an IFPG-certified franchise consultant and U.S. Army veteran, Brian brings 20+ years of operator experience to every consultation. He works for the veteran — not the franchisor — and his guidance is completely free.
U.S. Army Veteran
Served honorably. Understands the discipline, structure, and mission focus that defines military service.
Veteran Entrepreneurship Advocate
Works with transitioning service members and veterans exploring business and franchise ownership opportunities.
IFPG Certified Consultant
Member of the International Franchise Professionals Group. Vetted, trained, and held to a professional standard.
Buyer-First Guidance
Brian is paid by the franchisor — never by the veteran. His only job is to find the right fit for you.
VetFran Network Access
Direct relationships with 650+ VetFran-participating brands offering veteran discounts of 10–50% off franchise fees.
Common Questions
TAPS & Franchise Consulting FAQs
What is TAPS?
The Transition Assistance Program (TAPS) is a DoD-mandated program that every separating service member attends. It covers three pathways: employment, education, and entrepreneurship. The program runs 5 days and includes an optional Entrepreneurship Track (E-Track) for those exploring business ownership.
What does it mean that Brian is a TAPS/VA Partner?
Brian is an approved resource within the TAPS ecosystem. That means he can be introduced to transitioning service members as a trusted franchise consultant during the transition window — not just after separation.
Do I have to be currently separating to work with Brian?
No. Brian works with veterans at any stage — whether you are in TAPS right now, recently separated, or have been out for years. The veteran benefits and franchise discounts are available regardless of when you separated.
Is there any cost to work with Brian?
No. Brian is an independent franchise consultant paid by the franchisor — not by you. His guidance, research, and introductions are completely free to the veteran.
What franchise industries are best for veterans?
Home services, healthcare, fitness, staffing, and B2B service franchises tend to align well with military skill sets. Brian will match you based on your specific background, capital, and lifestyle goals — not a generic list.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your Transition Window Is an Opportunity.
Don’t Let It Pass.
Book a free, no-pressure Discovery Call with Brian. He’ll walk you through franchise options that fit your background, budget, and goals — and answer every question honestly.
General Disclaimer: Information provided by Brian Braggs and on this website is for educational and informational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Franchise ownership involves business and financial risk, and individual results vary. No revenue, earnings, profitability, financing, or business-success outcome is promised or guaranteed. Prospective franchisees should review the applicable current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), conduct independent due diligence, speak with current and former franchisees where applicable, and consult qualified legal, accounting, tax, and financial professionals before making an investment decision.
No Franchise Offer: This website is for general informational purposes and is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any particular franchise. Franchise offers are made only through the applicable franchisor’s current Franchise Disclosure Document and in compliance with applicable federal and state law. Franchise registration, exemption, filing, broker, and disclosure requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Veteran Benefits, Growth & Territory Notice: Franchise fees, veteran incentive amounts, years in franchising, total unit counts, system growth rates, and territory availability status shown on this page are sourced from publicly available FDD disclosures (Items 19, 20, and 21), IFPG research, and Franchise Business Review data as of 2025–2026. All figures are estimates and are subject to change at any time without notice. Territory availability indicators reflect general market conditions at the time of research and are not a guarantee that any specific territory is available in your desired market. Actual territory availability is determined solely by the franchisor and must be verified directly with the franchisor prior to signing any agreement. Franchise fees and veteran incentive amounts must also be confirmed directly with the franchisor. Eligibility for veteran incentives typically requires honorable discharge and may be subject to additional franchisor-specific criteria. SBA Veterans Advantage program terms are set by the U.S. Small Business Administration and vary by lender. Franchising is not a guarantee of success — individual results will vary.
Independent Franchise Consultant & Compensation Disclosure: Brian Braggs is an independent franchise consultant and is not an employee or agent of any individual franchise brand unless expressly stated. Brian may receive referral or consulting compensation from franchisors or related parties when a candidate enters into a franchise relationship. Compensation arrangements may vary by franchisor. Franchise opportunities are evaluated based on factors including candidate goals, qualifications, financial considerations, market availability, business-model preferences, and due diligence. Prospective franchisees should independently evaluate each opportunity and review the applicable Franchise Disclosure Document before making an investment decision.
For complete disclosures, see our Franchise & Advisory Disclosures.