Dream Vacations is now accepting entries for its 14th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, which will award free travel agency franchises to three military veterans. Applications are open through Sept. 1, 2025.
Additionally, this year Dream Vacations has teamed up with Carnival Cruise Line to offer each of this year’s three winners a complimentary cruise, featuring an oceanview stateroom for two on sailings of up to eight days, as part of the grand prize.
The franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S.
To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before the winners are selected. The entry form and all contest details can be found at operationvetrepreneur.com.
Three winners will be notified in September 2025. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300 and includes the Carnival cruise and complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $10,500 initial start-up fee and monthly administrative service fees for the first year.
“Dream Vacations didn’t just open a door, they flung it open by flying us to training, providing the necessary tools to own and operate a home-based travel agency, and then continuing to surround us with unmatched support,” said Josh Bauer, Minnesota Army National Guard veteran and one of the “2024 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” winners from Saint Cloud, Minn. “Now, just months into launching my franchise, I’m not only planning dream vacations but also sharing my cruise experiences with fellow veterans and educators, helping them discover the joy and incredible power of travel.”
“At Dream Vacations, we’re proud to honor our military heroes—not just with words, but with real opportunities,” said Drew Daly, Sr. VP and General Manager of Dream Vacations. “With Carnival joining us as a partner for the ‘2025 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General’ contest, we’re more energized than ever to support veterans in building a successful future. This partnership strengthens our mission to give back to those who’ve served by helping them launch their own travel businesses and gain the freedom and flexibility they deserve.”
