New initiative helping veterans become business owners

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A hundred United States veterans will become business owners within a year thanks to a new program.

The announcement that dozens of veterans would become business owners happened at the Great American Franchise Expo in Cincinnati.

“Quickmont TV, through their Heroes Initiative, is giving 100 franchises to veterans who served our country,” Great American Franchise Expo CEO Nick Neonakis said.

Quickmont TV is veteran-owned. The company’s owner said he wanted to pay it forward by supporting other veterans looking to open their own businesses.

Each franchise is awarded in honor of a fallen hero.

The first franchise was given to local veteran, Matt Alison, in honor of Army Staff Sergeant Matt Maupin.

Matt Maupin became the first American Prisoner of War in Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 9, 2004, when his fuel convoy was attacked.

His remains were found in 2008.

Matt Maupin’s father, Keith Maupin, has since dedicated his life to sending care packages to military members overseas.

“It took a long time to get Matt home,” said Keith Maupin. “Ya know, we do a dinner every year and honor 100 [soldiers] there. My opinion is that we can’t help those boys where they are, but we can make a difference today, tomorrow, and somewhere down the road and that’s our mission.”

[Found out more about the Heroes Initiative]

Quickmont TV says it will provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to its business model for selected veterans.

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