There are many reasons why business owners should hire veterans, but some of those same reasons would make vets excellent business owners themselves. Here’s how to leverage military values into a strong veteran-owned business.

How the Military Trains Leaders

The military builds a wide variety of skills essential for deployment and the future.

• Veterans are experienced in leading, motivating, building, and being a part of strong teams.
• Military training fosters critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills and trains how to develop creative solutions under pressure.
• Experience in risk assessment and decision-making is highly transferable to entrepreneurship.
• Veterans are accustomed to facing adversity and have the perseverance, discipline, and strong work ethic needed to overcome business challenges.

These are the same skills needed to start a business, making veterans well-equipped to handle the challenges of running a company. Even though veterans already have many of the characteristics of a strong leader, it still takes proper planning and support to sustain a new business venture.

Benefits of a Veteran-Owned Business

Ask any veteran why they went into the service, and they may respond with any of the following reasons:

• Patriotism
• Community service
• Fulfillment
• Making a difference
• Education

Ask any entrepreneur why they started their own business, and you may get some of the same responses. It’s because the military and business-ownership have similar personal and professional benefits.

• Starting a business can provide a new mission for military service members, such as creating jobs and contributing to a community’s economy.
• Business ownership allows for control over one’s professional path, schedule, and income potential.
• A business can provide flexibility in schedule and location, optimizing a work-life balance.
• It can be a rewarding way to apply military skills and gain new skills while bringing a business plan to life.

There are a number of available resources for veterans looking to transition from the military to an entrepreneurial life.

• VA disability payments or military retirement pensions may provide financial stability while starting a business.
• Many franchises offer opportunities and support to veterans.
• Business programs and organizations provide training and assistance specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

Just like in the military, the battle isn’t won alone. Finding the right support system can help veterans succeed in the business world. JDog Brands is one such company that offers franchise opportunities to veterans and their families. We are a veteran and military family-owned and operated business dedicated to supporting fellow service members. Learn more about our process to get one step closer to business ownership today.