Starting Your Own Business After Military Service

Military experience teaches organization, resourcefulness, persistence and the ability to take strategic risks—skills that also distinguish smart business owners. It’s no wonder that the most recent data from the Small Business Administration (SBA) shows over 2.52 million small businesses are owned by veterans, making up 9.1% of small businesses in America. If you’re interested in starting or buying your own business, a number of resources and programs can help you get started.  

Boots to Business Training

The SBA offers a training program called Boots to Business (B2B) as a track through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This course is a two-day in-person introduction to entrepreneurship, offered to transitioning servicemembers and their spouses on military installations worldwide. If you don’t live near a military installation, outreach programs are also available. Learn more about the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development.  

Veterans Business Outreach Centers

The SBA provides assistance for veterans who own or are considering starting a small business with Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Serving 22 regions of the United States, these outreach centers provide: 

• pre-business plan workshops
• concept assessments
• business plan preparations
• comprehensive feasibility analysis
• entrepreneurial training and counseling
• mentorship
• other business development-related services 

You can find the outreach center nearest you on the SBA website. 

Veteran Fast Launch Initiative

Learning the ins and outs of running your business doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The SCORE Foundation®^{Footnote 1} provides mentoring and training to entrepreneurs with its network of 13,000 volunteer mentors and trainers. Through the Veteran Fast Launch initiative, you can access free software and services such as SCORE’s mentoring program to get your business running sooner with the tools you need to succeed. Learn more at SCORE’s Veteran Fast Launch page. 

Veterans First Contracting Program

Are you looking to contract with the government for your small business? You may be able to participate in the VA’s Veterans First Contracting Program, which gives contracting priority to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB). This program is part of the VA’s mission to care for our nation’s veterans. To qualify for the Veterans First program, you must be verified. You can learn more about the program and how to get verified on the VetBiz website.

VetFran®^{Footnote 2} Directory

If you’d like to own your own business but don’t have an innovative idea ready or are wary of start-up risks, buying a franchise may be right for you. Through the VetFran program started by the International Franchise Association, you have access to financial incentives, such as lower franchise fees, that aren’t available to civilians. Currently, over 500 franchise companies participate in the VetFran program. You can find the list of participating businesses and veteran discounts offered on its website. 

You can find more links to programs and resources for military veteran entrepreneurs at the SBA’s Veteran-Owned Business Guide. And, when you’re ready to take the next step to making your business a reality, Navy Federal Credit Union is your financial resource for making it all come together. See how Navy Federal Business Solutions can help you today.