If you’re a veteran looking to start your own business, you’ve come to the right place! In the U.S., there are numerous resources, benefits, and funding opportunities designed to support veteran entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, this guide covers everything you need to know.

This guide unpacks:

• Facts about veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. today
• Why veterans make exceptional business owners
• How veterans can start their own business
• The top resources for veterans looking to start a business
• And funding opportunities exclusive to veterans to kickstart their business dreams.

Facts About Veteran-Owned Businesses in the U.S. Today

Veterans are a powerful force in the American economy. According to the latest data:

• Over 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses operate in the U.S., employing approximately 3.3 million workers.
• These businesses represent about 5.5% of all U.S. firms and contribute over $884 billion in annual receipts.
• States with the highest concentration of veteran-owned businesses include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.
• Industries where veterans thrive: professional services, construction, utilities, and finance.

Why Do Veterans Make Exceptional Business Owners?

While in the military, service members display incredible amounts of discipline, perseverance, and dedication—all of which can be applied to a business setting. According to Michael J. Haynie, Director of D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, veteran business owners are more likely to out-earn their counterparts and are extremely entrepreneurial. Haynie says this is partly due to service men and women being trained to make things happen, especially in resource-strained and challenging environments.

In addition to tenacity and perseverance, veterans also have the following traits that make them exceptional business owners.

1. Natural Leaders: Service members are trained to lead and motivate others. They learn how to set goals, delegate tasks, and build strong teams.
2. Disciplined and Natural Planners: Owning a business takes discipline, focus, and planning—especially because you don’t have anyone above you giving you direction. Veterans possess strong discipline and planning skills that help them stay focused on short and long-term goals.
3. Born Problem Solvers: From the minute military training begins to retirement, service men and women are always learning to think critically and develop creative solutions to some of the toughest problems. In a business environment, problem-solving is a daily task, and knowing how to think on your feet, critically, sets you up for greater success.
4. Strong Worth Ethic: Veterans are dedicated to getting the job done and doing it to the best of their abilities. They’re also willing to go the extra mile, which is essential in the early stages of entrepreneurship.
5. Resilient: Resiliency is an important trait in the military. Addressing setbacks, bouncing back, and trying again are essential abilities when operating a business.
6. Thrive Under Pressure: Veterans are skilled at staying calm in the face of adversity. They take the most level-headed approach to issues—customer complaints, upset employees—and overcome obstacles.

Starting a Veteran-Owned Business

One of the best first steps is registering through the Vets First Verification Program, which qualifies you for VA contracting opportunities. According to the site: “Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) will have the opportunity to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA’s Vets First program. Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) will have the opportunity to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government.”

Remember to always go through .gov-based websites for your VetCert needs! There are third-party organizations promising certifications for hefty fees – those are not guaranteed by the US Small Business Administration.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Vets First?

• At least 51% ownership by one or more veterans or service-disabled veterans.
• Full control over day-to-day operations and strategic decisions.
• Must hold the highest officer position and devote full-time to the business.
• Be the highest-paid employee (or provide justification for lower pay).
• Meet SBA size standards for small businesses. [usveterans…gazine.com], [egbi.org]

Apply via: The U.S. Small Business Administration

Benefits of Verification

• Priority access to VA set-aside and sole-source contracts.
• Increased credibility with federal agencies.
• Access to training, mentorship, and procurement resources.

What are the Top Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs?

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Loans, counseling, and contracting programs.
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) – Free training and mentorship.
• Boots to Business – Entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members.
• Veteran Institute for Procurement – Federal contracting education.

Are There Funding Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses?

Grants and programs available now:

• Warrior Rising – Organization dedicated to helping veteran entrepreneurs through leadership training, master classes and mentorship. Training and grants can be up to $20,000.
• Military Entrepreneur Challenge – A three-party event led by Second Service Foundation that includes a live audience pitch and real-time voting to win various grant amounts.
• Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant (through the US Chamber of Commerce) – Awards 5 small businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses with a one-time $10,000 or $25,000 grant to grow business.
• NASE Growth Grants – $4,000 for business expansion and funding growth.
• Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund – $1,000–$5,000 for agricultural ventures and veterans looking to start farming or ranching.

Certain states—California, Texas, Michigan, and more—have their own grants and loans for veteran-owned businesses, so be sure to check with your state government to see if you qualify.

Veterans Supporting Veterans

Beyond funding, nonprofits offer critical support:

• Bob Woodruff Foundation – Housing and legal aid.
• Operation Homefront – Financial and food security.
• Hope for the Warriors – Job search and clinical services.
• Everyone for Veterans – Dental care for veterans and families.

How VensureHR Can Help

Administrative tasks can slow growth. VensureHR helps veteran-owned businesses by managing:

• Payroll and tax compliance
• HR support and risk management
• Benefits administration
• Workers’ compensation and more

Schedule a call today to learn how we can help you scale your operations.