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If you’re a veteran, you likely developed valuable skills during your military service that could help you thrive in the business world. Discipline, leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, for example, are all qualities that translate well to entrepreneurship. In fact, there are more than 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. employing nearly 5.5 million Americans.
Whether you want to start a solo business, grow a company, or buy into a franchise, there are a variety of business opportunities at your fingertips. From government contracting to IT services to fitness coaching, here are some of the best small business ideas for veterans.
Key Points
• Military service builds core skills like discipline, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving that translate directly into entrepreneurship and give veterans a strong foundation for business ownership.
• Government contracting opens a wide range of business opportunities, spanning IT, cybersecurity, construction, consulting, logistics support, and facilities management.
• Security and risk management expertise gained through military service can be channeled into a consulting business serving companies, schools, or private clients.
• Skilled trades and construction are in-demand options, particularly for veterans with technical or mechanical backgrounds who can offer services like electrical work, plumbing, or carpentry.
• Launching an IT services business or opening a franchise are additional paths that allow veterans to apply their technical skills and military experience in profitable ways.
Why Veterans Make Strong Entrepreneurs
Veterans develop unique skills in the military that translate well to the world of entrepreneurship. They often work in high-pressure environments that call for teamwork, strategic thinking, adaptability, and quick decision-making.
Veterans gain experience following procedures and develop technical skills in specialized military roles. Many veterans also have strong communication and leadership skills, both qualities that can give them a leg up in starting and running a business.
Plus, there are various resources for veterans who are interested in starting a business, including mentorship, training programs, and funding opportunities. With this support, you can leverage your skills as a veteran and turn them into a successful business venture.
Recommended: 10 Steps for Starting a Small Business
Best Small Business Ideas for Veterans
There’s no single best business for veterans to start — it all depends on your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some small business ideas for veterans you can explore to find the right fit.
Government Contracting
The government awarded $755 billion in contracts in 2024, and it sets aside a percentage of its contracts for veteran-owned businesses. You can access these contracts by getting a formal business certification through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Some examples of government contracting businesses include IT and cybersecurity services, construction, consulting, equipment supply, logistics support, and facilities management. Government contracting is one of the best veteran business ideas for anyone with a background in one of these fields.
Security and Risk Consulting
Through your military training, you may have developed a deep knowledge of security protocols and risk assessment. You could use this expertise to offer security and risk consulting to companies, schools, or private clients.
You could offer security training, cybersecurity consulting, emergency preparedness planning, or other services to help organizations boost their security and protect their data.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
If you gained experience with logistics and supply chains in the military, you could transfer this knowledge into a similar business. You might start a business that offers warehouse management, transportation, or supply chain consulting, to give a few examples.
With more and more people shopping online, there’s a great demand for shipping and logistics support. You may even start small with local transportation services before expanding into a larger operation.
Skilled Trades and Construction
Skilled trades and construction are another in-demand business idea. If you held a technical or mechanical role in the military, you could offer services like electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or general contracting.
You may need to procure licenses or certifications, depending on your trade and location. If you need funding for equipment, vehicles, or other startup costs, you might explore startup business loans or other financing options.
Franchise Ownership
You don’t necessarily have to start your own business from scratch. An alternative option is opening a franchise under an established company. You’ll fund and manage the local operation while benefiting from the parent company’s brand name and systems.
There are all kinds of franchise opportunities, including fitness centers, restaurants, cleaning companies, and automotive services.
Fitness and Wellness Coaching
After going through boot camp, you may have a strong understanding of physical training and discipline. You could translate these skills into fitness and wellness coaching.
Some business ideas include personal training, group fitness coaching, and nutrition coaching. Some entrepreneurs work at gyms (or open their own), while others build businesses online by offering online coaching programs and marketing themselves on social media.
Technology and IT Services
Veterans who have worked with technology or IT could turn their skills into a profitable business, such as web development, software consulting, managed IT or cybersecurity services, or digital marketing. You could offer services as a freelancer or consultant or scale into a larger business.
Resources to Help Veterans Start a Business
There are several resources designed to support veterans in starting a business, with some providing small business loans and grants for veterans. These include:
Boots to Business: An SBA entrepreneurial education training program that teaches veterans and military spouses how to start and manage a business.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): Centers that provide business training and mentorship.
Other SBA resources: The SBA offers SBA loans, including 7(a) loans and microloans.
Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP): This connects veterans with opportunities like government contracting and business readiness training.
Warrior Rising: A non-profit organization that offers education, coaching, and other resources to veterans building a business.
Along with organizations that offer grants, business lines of credit, mentorship, and networking opportunities, you can also benefit from educational resources, like following these tips for starting a small business.
The Takeaway
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, but veterans possess unique skills they can leverage into successful entrepreneurship, including leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. You may also have specialized skills you developed in the military that you could use to launch a business in IT, risk assessment, logistical operations, or another field.
The best business for veterans all depends on your individual experience, interests, and ambitions, but opportunities are plentiful. You can find mentorship, networking opportunities, and small business loans to support your business.
By leveraging these training programs along with your valuable skills, you can build a business that aligns with your strengths and long-term goals.
Ready to grow your business? SoFi Small Business Loans can give you fast access to the capital you need. Check your eligibility in minutes.
FAQ
What businesses can veterans start with little money?
Service-based companies often require less money upfront than businesses with physical storefronts or inventory. Some examples include freelancing, consulting, IT services, or personal training. You can also explore financing options.
What certifications can help veteran business owners win government contracts?
The SBA offers certifications that can help veteran business owners win government contracts. These include the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications.
Are there grants specifically for veteran-owned small businesses?
There are grants specifically for veteran-owned small businesses, such as the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program and the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. Veterans may also qualify for special loan programs, mentorship opportunities, and SBA resources.
What is the Boots to Business program?
The Boots to Business program is an SBA training program that helps support businesses for veterans to start. It includes education around entrepreneurship and business planning.
How do veterans transfer military skills to running a business?
Veterans develop various skills that can transfer well to running a business, including leadership, adaptability, communication, strategic planning, and teamwork. Veterans may also have specialized skills in technology, cybersecurity, logistics, operations, or other fields that they can leverage into a successful business.
Photo credit: iStock/Golffywatt
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