8 Resources to Help Launch Your Veteran-Owned Business

A career in the military is a great way to learn valuable skills such as leadership, self-sufficiency, integrity, and responsibility. These same qualities are also critical for successful entrepreneurs.  

If you are a veteran transitioning to a second career, starting your own business could be the perfect fit for you. These resources can help you get started.

Small Business Administration

As Credit Karma explains, the Small Business Administration offers a variety of useful programs for first-time business owners. The Veterans Business Outreach Center Program is specifically designed to help veterans start or grow a small business. The program offers business training, resource partner referrals and counseling. You can participate in pre-business plan workshops, concept assessments, business plan preparations, feasibility analysis, mentorship, and more.

Boots to Business

Boots to Business is a course offered by the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. It is open to transitioning service members and spouses and covers the fundamentals of owning a business, such as choosing a business concept and finding funding.

This course may be useful for new business owners who need help with basics such as choosing whether to form their business as a sole proprietorship or an LLC. While sole proprietorships are easy to form, LLCs offer protection for personal assets and tax benefits, and the process can be simplified by using a formation service. Additionally, employing a service may save you money on legal fees and help you navigate the specific laws in your state.

VETRN

VETRN is another SBA-funded program aimed at helping veterans grow businesses. This free program is open to veterans and immediate family members who have completed the VBOC program and have been in business for at least a year. As SEED notes, veterans and their families can even attend online.

The program provides training, mentorship, and resources for veteran business owners who are ready to expand their businesses. It covers topics such as goal setting, small business growth, financial analysis, marketing, human resources, and capital. The mentorship program also provides successful business owners with a chance to give back to the veteran community. 

Warrior Rising

This nonprofit, which was founded by a decorated Green Beret, assists veterans with mentoring, partnerships and funding. The program provides grants and loans and helps with the SBA loan process. Additionally, it helps veteran business owners establish relationships with bankers and investors.

Patriot Boot Camp

Patriot Boot Camp is a nonprofit organization for active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses. It features educational programming and mentorship from a community of peers and experts focused on building high-growth technology companies.

Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program

This program is offered by the LiftFund Women's Business Center in conjunction with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. It provides training for women veterans, service members and spouses to start or grow a business. The program consists of a 15-day online course, three days of entrepreneurship training and ongoing training, support, and mentorship.

Veteran's Accelerator

The Veteran's Accelerator provides support and networking opportunities for veteran business owners. The program's goal is to empower veterans to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurship. Services provided include customized training and coaching, with a focus on helping disabled veterans access economic opportunity.

Small Business Development Centers

Veterans can receive no-cost business advice and low-cost training from their local SBDC. Topics covered include marketing, regulatory compliance, and accessing capital.

Your hard work, dedication, and service to your country have prepared you to be a successful business owner. These resources can give you the help you need to launch your new business and then take it to the next level. - by Kelli Brewer