21 Small Business Ideas for Military Veterans to Conquer Entrepreneurship

Attention all Military Veterans: Tap into your military expertise and start a small business of your own – explore our collection of small business ideas for military veterans to make your dream a reality.

“There are approximately 16.5 million heroic veterans and 200,000 patriotic service members returning home to the United States each year.”

— US NEWS .COM

Their noble contributions and valiant efforts have kept our nation safe, and many of them are now heading down a new path – one of entrepreneurship and opportunity. We thank these brave individuals for their service and wish them success in all their future endeavors.

It’s amazing to learn that there are around 2.52 million businesses in the US that are majority-owned by veteran entrepreneurs! The Small Business Administration estimates that these companies employ a whopping 5 million individuals, generating an incredible $1.14 trillion in revenue – approximately 9% of all the businesses in our nation. What an incredible testament to the skill and determination of these men and women!

Blessed by expertise and experience, it’s clear why military veteran entrepreneurs are making a major contribution to America’s economy as well as their local communities. These entrepreneurs offer a myriad of services spanning many industries, with construction and professional, scientific, and technical services being some of the most commonly found. With their specialized know-how, these hardworking veterans are truly helping to shape the future.

Veterans possess a plethora of advantageous qualities perfectly suited to the world of business, such as discipline and leadership, exquisite attention to detail, and remarkable resilience. These assets provide veterans with a robust foundation to become successful entrepreneurs.

In recognition of those who have served in the military and are now seeking to apply their acquired expertise toward creating a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities, we present here twenty one innovative business ideas geared specifically to veteran entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, there are numerous resources and assistance initiatives available which can provide veterans with the necessary skill sets to become successful proprietors, secure financing and mentorship, and more. This article aims to objectively inform and detail the options available.

21 Small Business Ideas for Veterans

For any aspiring entrepreneur, selecting the ideal small business to launch is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions. As is often said, “Do something you are passionate about and work won’t seem like a burden.” It is thus critical to consider what current abilities can be applied and how much enthusiasm the endeavor will generate in order to achieve a successful small business venture. Here are the 21 business ideas for military veterans….

1. Pursue a Private Security Career.

Veterans possess invaluable skills that make them prime candidates for entering the field of private security. Their capacity to handle tense situations, expertise in self-defense and combat tactics, and drive to safeguard their communities all make them well-suited for these roles.

Veterans can choose to provide personal security for people or events, or even find their own security businesses. With so many possibilities, a career in the private security sector is the perfect fit for veterans.

2. Transform Lives — Become a Personal Trainer

As former service members, military veterans are already well-equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to become successful personal trainers. Having already gone through a period of rigorous physical fitness training, they understand the fundamentals of physical health – which will prove invaluable in any role as a personal trainer.

Moreover, veterans can use their experiences to motivate and inspire others toward achieving optimal levels of conditioning and fitness. Thus, a career in personal training can be an incredibly rewarding option for those who have served in the military, allowing them to draw from their past experiences and continue to positively impact their lives.

3. Be a Government Contractor 

When it comes to lucrative, secure career opportunities with great benefits, government contracting is an ideal choice for military veterans. The federal government has stringent requirements when it comes to contracting services, and one such provision ensures that at least 3% of those services are provided by veterans. This gives returning service members a significant advantage over their civilian counterparts.

Government contracts span a wide variety of sectors, from logistics management and networking security to IT and technology-related services. With the proper qualifications, experience, and credentials, military veterans can use their knowledge base to secure a highly rewarding government contract.

4. Transform your business with logistics

Veterans often possess the essential skills required to succeed in the logistics industry, such as multitasking, overseeing complex operations, having an eye for detail, and strong leadership.

Logistics covers a wide range of areas including transportation, warehousing, event planning, and organizing. Logistics isn’t just something veterans may already be familiar with from their service; it provides a plethora of exciting career opportunities that capitalize on their unique skills.

With the right resources and dedication, veterans can leverage their experience in the military to transition into an exciting role in the logistics industry. Through detailed and informative information, veterans can prepare to make a move toward establishing a successful business that utilizes these key skill sets.

5. Launch your own construction or contracting business

Running a construction or contracting business can be immensely rewarding and lucrative. Whether you have the technical skill to manage a team of workers or are adept with your hands, there is always some way to use your skills to your benefit.

To maximize success, it is best to find a niche market within your local area that will bring the highest returns on investment. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on providing informative yet concise facts, you can easily establish yourself as a competitive force in the industry.

6. Launch a retail store

Retail is an excellent way for many veterans to enter entrepreneurship, with the potential to customize their business according to their passions. Owning a retail store requires dedication, focus, and the ability to manage multiple tasks – all qualities veterans have in abundance.

With these qualities, veterans can launch their own retail stores and begin a path to success. From choosing the right products to stocking shelves and dealing with customers, vets have what it takes to provide quality service and make a profit. With the right knowledge and attitude, veterans can set up, shop and create a bustling business environment.

7. Start your restaurant or bar

For military veterans looking to start their own businesses, opening a bar or restaurant can be an excellent venture. With the ability to manage stressful situations and help ensure a smooth and efficient operation, these entrepreneurs can capitalize on their transferable skills from service life.

Careful consideration of location selection and marketing tactics targeting veteran customers can create a loyal customer base that other businesses may not attract. By taking advantage of their unique qualifications and experiences, veterans have the potential to launch a successful and fulfilling business.

8. Become a Leadership Guru

For military veterans looking to tread the entrepreneurial path, becoming a Leadership Guru is an ideal small business. Veterans are well-versed in the art of team collaboration, leadership and motivation which makes them uniquely suited to consulting firms that specialize in providing businesses with assistance in areas such as improving processes, structuring and developing lasting leadership skills. 

Working as a consultant, veterans can use their expertise to help managers, executives and business leaders hone their capabilities and acquire a better understanding of how to cultivate successful teams that thrive both professionally and personally.

By finding creative ways to merge their field experience into the business world, veterans have the opportunity to not only create interesting and fulfilling working lives for themselves but also help shape and strengthen businesses in whatever capacity is required.

9. Start an Automotive Sales or Repair Business

The automotive industry presents a great opportunity for military veterans looking to become entrepreneurs. Starting an automotive service garage is an attainable way to open a small business, and quickly expand as profits start rolling in. For those interested in automotive sales, a few vehicles can be the initial investment that eventually grows with the success of the business.

By taking the time to research each aspect of the venture beforehand, military veterans can feel secure and informed when making the leap into their new business endeavors.

10. Launch a Veterans-Supporting Business

Veterans returning to civilian life face a wide range of challenges and deserve immense support. For many, opting to establish their own business – tailored to the needs and requirements of fellow veterans – is an excellent way to both assist those in similar predicaments while simultaneously creating meaningful, lucrative employment.

Options include establishing rehabilitation centers, providing mental health counseling, giving access to programmes designed to ease reentry into society, promoting entrepreneurial endeavors, and more. 

Moreover, resources such as housing and other supportive services are invaluable to this process and should be made readily available. Undeniably, any business venture shaped around the idea of helping veterans reintegrate into society is an admirable undertaking – and one with potential for growth in the sector of veteran assistance.

11. Unlock Your Business Potential With Tech Skills

The United States military has been at the forefront of utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve greatness. If you are an ex-service member with expertise in this realm, then IT consulting could be a profession that would utilize your existing skill set.

Transitioning from service to IT will require a firm understanding of how current tech solutions can benefit a business – an understanding that veteran soldiers are uniquely equipped to possess.

IT consulting offers veterans a way to unlock their potential through their knowledge and experience, providing not just an exciting career opportunity but advice and guidance on how to effectively navigate today’s modern digital landscape.

12. Launch a Gym

For former military personnel, launching a gym can be a great business opportunity. With cities and towns of all sizes in need of quality gyms that offer general services or specialize in boxing, MMA, or fighting techniques, there is ample room for ambitious entrepreneurs to make a profit. Taking the initiative, the savvy business owner is armed with the knowledge to successfully create their own venture. 

From selecting the ideal location to building up a customer base, the process of creating a profitable gym requires careful planning and a willingness to take risks. By investing in quality equipment and marketing their services through social media channels, prospective gym owners have an opportunity to bring their vision to life and build a successful business.

13. Start a Firearms Training Business

If you possess a wealth of knowledge when it comes to firearms training and safety, why not start your own business?

As a military veteran, you have the skills needed to become a private firearms trainer or even open a shooting range. Providing education around safe and effective defensive strategies can be lucrative – and immensely rewarding.

By explaining gun usage in a detailed and factual manner, you have the potential to empower people who are interested in protecting themselves or their loved ones. You can equip them with the confidence required to handle firearms properly, ensuring everyone remains safe.  An understanding of safety protocol and appropriate courses of action is essential in any self-defense situation. Share your knowledge with others and help educate them on the responsible use of guns.

14. Start a workplace training service

As a veteran, you possess the unique skills and experience necessary to become a workplace trainer. You understand the difficulties of achieving work-life balance and adapting to shifting routines, making yourself an exemplary candidate for guidance in related matters.

According to Statista, in 2021 nearly 250 million people took domestic business trips in the United States, and forecast this figure will gradually increase to 487 million by 2026.

So, this is an ideal moment to capitalize on the need for efficient instruction in how to juggle work demands while away from home. 

As a qualified trainer, you can help those doing business travel adjust and reach their objectives, easing stress and providing peace of mind. Think of it as an opportunity to blend your expertise with market demand, evolving into an indispensable specialist who assists time-strapped business people in meeting their goals – all while maximizing your own potential.

15. Venture into an Adventure-filled Business

For military veterans looking to venture into a new extreme adventure business, the outermost experiences offer not only thrills but also potential profit. Think bungee jumping, white water rafting, horseback riding, and, of course, skydiving – all options that let you achieve those goals while still leveraging the skills you honed in service.

These activities provide customers with an adrenaline rush unlike any other, letting them experience things they could have never experienced before. 

Moreover, many of these activities are accessible to people of all fitness levels, making your business attractive to a broad range of individuals. With intense preparation, thoughtfully chosen equipment, and a great staff helping out, this kind of business can be both incredibly rewarding and highly successful.

16. Train outdoor skills.

Veterans possess a wide range of survival and outdoor skills, sought after by many individuals. These learned abilities can easily become the core of a burgeoning small business, in which veterans provide civilians with the proper guidance to navigate the wilderness and appreciate the outdoors.

With ingenuity and an intimate understanding of a particular niche – hunting, fishing, or trail hiking, for instance – veterans can craft a successful business venture that caters to their interests. Such an opportunity allows veterans to leverage their expertise while designing detailed instruction and informative strategies to others.

17. Be a franchise boss

For military veterans looking to pursue the entrepreneurial path, franchising presents an ideal opportunity. Instead of having to start from scratch like with many other new businesses, franchisors benefit from existing resources that provide a leg-up in terms of customer base and product line when they open up shop. 

With the right capital backing them, ex-service members are well equipped to embark on this venture as managing a business – a skill honed by their time in the military service – is one of their key strengths. Moreover, the supportive infrastructure of the parent business allows for a smooth transition into franchising for any veteran who has decided to make this their next endeavor.

18. Start a business from home.

Build a business from home is an attainable goal for military veterans. With minimal startup capital, you can pursue any enterprise of your choosing—from baking delectable treats to providing digital content creation, graphic design, drop-shipping services, affiliate marketing, or handyman work. Whatever captures your passion should be the driving force behind your business venture. 

Creating a successful home-based business requires careful consideration. It necessitates pinpointing your unique skill set and leveraging it to develop a plan of action. Look into potential markets, strategic partners, and competitors before taking the plunge. Do your homework first by researching legal implications and consulting reliable experts – only then will you have a sound foundation on which to build.

19. Provide Essential Training to face disasters

For military veterans, small business ideas such as delivering essential training to face disasters, survival tactics, and planning ahead have always been popular, and these services are only becoming more in demand. Those who have retired from service possess the valuable skills to teach others how to remain safe and prepared in the face of possible disasters. 

In order to make the most of this opportunity and stay within an area they know well, former service members can offer their expertise through detailed instruction on topics like first aid, emergency management strategies, safety protocols, and emergency response tactics.

Consequently, businesses supplying such services have always been popular and are unlikely to go away anytime soon.

20. Start a Garage 

If you consider yourself a skilled handyman, you might be interested in opening your own garage. It’s an ideal small business opportunity for veterans in rural areas because there is typically only one mechanic or service station. Gaining experience as a mechanic by taking a job at an existing garage would create a solid foundation for launching your own venture. 

Furthermore, crafting a specialty garage to cater to bikes, off-road vehicles, and other specialized mechanical services can be quite lucrative. Veterans can leave their mark in the field by leveraging their knowledge and technical know-how to create unique products and services that can be offered from their own garages.

21. Invest in other veteran startups

Investing in veterans’ startups is an admirable way to help military personnel transition into small business ownership. Many companies provide financial assistance, whether in the form of loans or ownership percentages, and it is critical to research their credentials and track records. 

Three reputable organizations include StreetShares, Hivers & Strivers, and V-Wise, which was specifically founded to support female veterans. When they sign up for its services, women veterans can look forward to additional resources, coaching, and funding so that they can bring their entrepreneurial dreams to fruition.

Ultimately, these organizations exist to ensure that veterans can move from service to entrepreneurship with the backing to make their vision a reality.

What makes veterans great entrepreneurs?

Veterans possess an array of skills that prove invaluable in becoming entrepreneurs – skills often difficult to come by naturally.

According to the American Census, veterans are currently responsible for operating 7.5 percent of the 5.4 million businesses across the country, demonstrating their drive and determination to rise above traditional career paths.

Such acquired talents from military life include self-reliability, leadership, and a capacity to thrive under adverse conditions; characteristics that heighten the likelihood of success in pursuing any business endeavor. If you are a veteran looking to become an entrepreneur, consider taking advantage of these natural abilities to get ahead and turn them into a working reality.

What Resources are Available for Veteran-Owned Businesses?

As a veteran business owner, you have plenty of resources at your disposal. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among veterans and their dependents or survivors.

For more information on support for veteran-owned businesses, visit the Veteran-owned Business page on SBA.gov. This page unlocks access to capital, offers guidance for business setup, connects businesses to supply chains, provides mentorship, and more! Step into Unique and experience the transformation today!

Additionally, the Lender Match tool can connect you with lenders and loan programs designed specifically for veterans. Furthermore, the Veterans Business Outreach Center Program provides a wealth of support centers across the country, offering services such as business plan workshops, concept assessment, mentoring opportunities, and training. Utilize these resources to make strides in your venture!

Bottom Line

The brave military veterans who have served our country already serve as an inspiration to us all. With the right investments in resources, funding, and support from their local communities, we can ensure that our veterans make a successful transition from a military lifestyle to civilian life.

By helping to create veteran-owned small businesses throughout the US, we can remind ourselves how important it is to pay tribute to the sacrifices of these heroes by providing them with opportunities to thrive in their careers after they have safely returned home. It’s time to invest in our veterans – let’s do it!