If you’re thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, there are tools and resources designed to support your journey and help you succeed.
When you consider what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur, what skills seem essential? A successful entrepreneur should be focused, disciplined, and resilient in the face of challenges. They should also be willing to take risks and understand how to thrive in new or difficult situations. They should also be good at problem-solving and leading others toward a common goal.
This diverse set of skills is unique but transitioning Service members and Veterans possess many of these skills due to their training, challenging service, and real-world experiences.
If you’re thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, there are tools and resources designed to support your journey and help you succeed.
Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of War (DOW), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as private companies, partner to provide several resources Veterans need to help them create and grow successful businesses. Check out the resources below and start taking steps to make your entrepreneurship dreams come true.
DOW Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Every year, approximately 200,000 men 
and women separate from the U.S. military and return to life as civilians. TAP provides information, tools, and training to ensure Service members, their spouses, and/or caregivers are prepared for the next step in civilian life. The TAP curriculum includes information designed to help transitioning Service members and Veterans interested in entrepreneurship. TAP resources includes a Boots to Business course, where you can learn business ownership fundamentals, analyze the feasibility of your business idea, and tap into additional resources.
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA is a federal agency that provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise to small businesses. SBA offers several resources to support Veterans through the entrepreneurial process, including funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.
For example, SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development provides Veterans, Service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members with programs and services to start, grow, and expand their small businesses. The office offers support for counseling and education, access to capital, contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance. Search for support specifically designed for Veterans with service-connected disabilities, women Veterans, and more.
SBA also offers a step-by-step guide for starting a business, with tips on planning, making key financial decisions, completing a series of legal activities, and more.
Learn more about all the ways SBA is working to support Veteran entrepreneurs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) 
works to support Veterans with service-connected disabilities explore employment options and address education or training needs. VR&E provides services such as job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job coaching. In addition, VR&E’s Self-Employment Track for interested entrepreneurs offers help in developing a business plan, training in small-business operations, guidance in getting the right resources to implement your plan, and more.
Read more about the partnership between VA and the SBA on behalf of Veteran entrepreneurs.
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. SCORE mentoring is free and available to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S. business. SCORE offers local workshops, recorded webinars, resource hubs, and more. In addition, SCORE offers specific support for Veteran entrepreneurs including helping you translate military skills into business success through navigating available services, funding opportunities, government contracts, and more.
Hiring Our Heroes connects the military and Veteran community with employers through hiring events, fellowship programs, and educational workshops. Its educational support includes some events and information sessions geared toward entrepreneurship.
Healthy Homefront has additional articles
related to Veterans in the workplace that may interest you, including information about the ongoing dedication of TriWest Healthcare Alliance to recruit and hire Veterans.
- Loyalty, Leadership, and a Strong Work Ethic: Hiring Our Nation’s Heroes
- TriWest Is Committed to Hiring Veterans and Military Spouses
- National Hire a Veteran Spotlights Commitment, Dedication, and Work Ethic Through Service
- Understanding Your Workplace Rights as a Veteran Living with a Disability
- Employment Resources for Veterans With Disabilities
The most recent U.S. Census recorded 2.45 million Veteran-owned businesses employing more than 5.7 million individuals and representing 9% of all U.S. firms. These numbers serve as an important message to Veterans considering entrepreneurship – it’s achievable. Use the resources outlined above to get started on your business dreams today.