Gregory Bresiger: Helping the veterans who power our economy (Opinion)
Veteran-owned businesses are a major force in the U.S. economy. They generate an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual sales and employ about 4 million people. Those numbers represent more than economic output: they reflect millions of jobs, services, and opportunities created by people who have already learned to lead under pressure. As Veterans Day approaches, it’s a good moment to ask how communities, customers, and policymakers can help these entrepreneurs thrive year-round.
Military experience can provide a strong foundation for business ownership. Veterans often bring skills in logistics, team leadership, planning, and decision-making when circumstances change quickly. They know how to set priorities, communicate clearly, and keep a mission moving. Those abilities translate naturally to managing a crew, coordinating suppliers, or serving customers. Still, being a capable leader does not automatically make the transition to civilian business simple. Founders also need access to capital, market knowledge, professional networks, and practical guidance.
That is where targeted support can make a real difference. A veteran launching a construction company, consulting practice, restaurant, or technology firm may need help understanding licensing, pricing, bookkeeping, and local regulations. Business mentors can help turn military experience into a clear value proposition for civilian customers. Workshops and one-on-one advising can also help founders build realistic budgets and avoid costly early mistakes. These resources are most useful when they are easy to find and tailored to the stage of a business.
Financing is another important piece. Many small businesses need money for equipment, inventory, staff, or a first commercial lease, but a promising idea is not always enough to secure a loan. Lenders and community development organizations can help entrepreneurs understand their options, prepare applications, and plan for repayment. Veteran-focused programs may offer additional guidance, but owners should compare terms carefully and seek advice before taking on debt. Sound financing supports growth; unaffordable financing can put a young company under strain.
Customers and larger companies can help, too. Choosing a veteran-owned supplier can direct revenue to an entrepreneur and, in turn, support the jobs that business creates. Corporate procurement teams can make their bidding processes clearer and easier for small firms to navigate. Local governments can review whether their contracting opportunities are visible and accessible. These steps should be grounded in fair standards: businesses need to compete on quality, reliability, and value, while having a genuine chance to be considered.
Veteran entrepreneurs can also benefit from connections with one another. Peer networks provide a place to trade lessons about hiring, marketing, and cash flow without having to learn every hard lesson alone. They can lead to partnerships, referrals, and introductions to customers or investors. These relationships matter especially for founders outside major business centers, where specialized advice may be harder to access. Online communities can help close that distance, while local events make it easier to build trusted, lasting connections.
Supporting veteran-owned businesses is not a once-a-year gesture. It means making useful resources visible, buying from these companies when they meet our needs, and opening doors to mentorship and contracts. It also means recognizing that veterans are not a single kind of entrepreneur: their industries, ambitions, and support needs vary. When communities help each founder build a sustainable company, the benefits reach employees, customers, and local economies. Honoring service can include helping veterans turn their skills and ideas into lasting businesses.
👁️ READ MORE: Gregory Bresiger: Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs Who Keep America’s Economy Moving (Opinion)
🎖️ Veteransss.us 🎖️ VetBiz Resources 🎖️ Veterans Support Syndicate
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