The transition from military service to civilian life can be daunting, especially when trying to start a business. But what if there was a system designed to not only support but actively and empower veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors? Could a dedicated network, coupled with specialized training and resources, truly transform the veteran-owned business sector?
Key Takeaways
- The Veteran Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2025 increased federal contracting goals for veteran-owned businesses to 10% by 2028.
- Specialized programs like the Boots to Business Reboot, offered locally at the Atlanta Tech Village, provide veterans with business fundamentals training.
- Mentorship programs through organizations like SCORE, connect veterans with experienced business owners in their field for personalized guidance.
Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marcus Johnson always knew he wanted to own his own business. After 22 years in the Army, with multiple deployments under his belt, he returned home to Atlanta with a wealth of leadership experience and a burning desire to start a landscaping company. What he didn’t have was a clue how to actually run a business. He quickly discovered that leading a platoon in Kandahar was vastly different from managing cash flow and marketing his services in Gwinnett County.
Marcus wasn’t alone. Many veterans face similar challenges. The skills honed in the military – discipline, strategic thinking, and problem-solving – are invaluable, but they don’t automatically translate into business acumen. That’s where targeted support programs become essential.
I remember working with another veteran last year who had a fantastic invention but no idea how to protect his intellectual property. He’d spent his entire savings developing the prototype, only to discover that someone else was already selling a similar product online. A painful lesson, to say the least.
Enter organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and their resource partners. The SBA offers a variety of programs specifically designed to assist veteran entrepreneurs. One such program is Boots to Business Reboot, a two-day workshop that provides an overview of business ownership. Locally, the Atlanta Tech Village often hosts these events. According to the SBA [ SBA website ], Boots to Business Reboot has helped over 200,000 veterans explore entrepreneurship since its inception.
Marcus attended a Boots to Business Reboot workshop in early 2025. He learned about business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies. “It was like learning a whole new language,” he told me. “I knew how to lead soldiers, but I didn’t know a P&L from a balance sheet.”
But training is just one piece of the puzzle. Access to capital is another significant hurdle for veteran entrepreneurs. Many veterans lack the personal savings or credit history needed to secure traditional loans. Fortunately, there are programs designed to address this issue as well. The SBA’s Veteran Advantage Loan Program, for example, offers reduced fees and streamlined application processes for veteran-owned businesses. Furthermore, the Veteran Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2025 has increased the federal government’s contracting goals for veteran-owned small businesses, aiming for 10% by 2028 [ U.S. Congress website ].
This is where mentorship comes in. Finding someone who’s been there, done that, and can offer guidance and support can be invaluable. Organizations like SCORE, a network of volunteer business mentors, offer free mentoring services to veterans. SCORE has a strong presence in Atlanta, with chapters serving Fulton and DeKalb counties.
Marcus connected with a SCORE mentor, a retired landscape architect named Sarah, who had been running her own business for over 30 years. Sarah helped Marcus refine his business plan, develop a marketing strategy, and navigate the complexities of local regulations. She also introduced him to her network of suppliers and subcontractors. Here’s what nobody tells you: finding reliable suppliers is half the battle.
One of the biggest challenges Marcus faced was pricing his services. He knew he needed to be competitive, but he also didn’t want to undervalue his work. Sarah helped him calculate his costs, including labor, materials, and overhead, and develop a pricing strategy that was both profitable and attractive to customers. We spent hours poring over spreadsheets.
It’s important to remember that the legal and regulatory environment for businesses is complex. In Georgia, businesses must comply with state and local laws, including licensing requirements, zoning regulations, and employment laws. For example, landscaping businesses in Fulton County must obtain a business license from the Fulton County Department of Revenue [ Fulton County official website ]. Similarly, employers must comply with state and federal employment laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Georgia Minimum Wage Law (O.C.G.A. Section 34-4-3).
Marcus also needed to understand the importance of insurance. He needed general liability insurance to protect himself from lawsuits, workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees who were injured on the job, and commercial auto insurance to cover his vehicles. Getting the right insurance coverage can be confusing, but it’s essential to protect your business from financial ruin.
With Sarah’s guidance, Marcus secured a microloan from a local community development financial institution (CDFI). He used the funds to purchase equipment, hire his first employee, and launch his marketing campaign. He focused on targeting homeowners in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood, known for its well-manicured lawns and gardens. He knew competition would be fierce, but he believed his military discipline and attention to detail would give him an edge.
Within six months, Marcus’s landscaping business was thriving. He had a steady stream of customers, a growing team of employees, and a solid reputation for quality work. He even landed a contract to maintain the landscaping at a local office park near the intersection of Lenox and Peachtree Roads. The business generated $250,000 in revenue in its first year, with a net profit margin of 15%. Not bad for someone who didn’t know a P&L from a balance sheet just a year earlier. He attributes much of his success to the support he received from the SBA, SCORE, and his fellow veterans.
Marcus’s story illustrates the power of providing targeted support to veteran entrepreneurs. By combining specialized training, access to capital, and mentorship programs, we can and empower veterans to successfully transition to civilian life and build thriving businesses. The transformation is not just for the individual veteran, but for the entire industry, as veteran-owned businesses bring unique skills, values, and perspectives to the marketplace.
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What resources are available to help veterans start a business?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of programs, including Boots to Business Reboot, Veteran Advantage Loan Program, and access to resource partners like SCORE. Additionally, many states and local communities have their own programs specifically designed to support veteran entrepreneurs.
How can I find a mentor as a veteran entrepreneur?
Organizations like SCORE provide free mentoring services to veterans. You can also connect with other veteran entrepreneurs through networking events and online communities. Many industry-specific associations also offer mentorship programs.
What are the benefits of hiring veterans?
Veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the workplace, including leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. They are also often highly motivated and dedicated employees. The Georgia Department of Labor has programs to help connect employers with qualified veteran candidates.
Are there specific government contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses?
Yes, the federal government has set aside a percentage of contracts specifically for veteran-owned small businesses. The Veteran Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2025 aims for 10% by 2028. The SBA also offers resources to help veteran-owned businesses navigate the government contracting process.
What are some common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs?
Common challenges include access to capital, lack of business experience, difficulty transitioning to civilian life, and navigating the complex regulatory environment. However, with the right support and resources, these challenges can be overcome.
Marcus’s success story is proof that with the right support, veterans can thrive as entrepreneurs. If you’re a veteran considering starting a business, don’t hesitate to seek out the resources available to you. Your military experience has already equipped you with valuable skills; now it’s time to put them to use in the civilian world. The Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center in Warner Robins is another great place to start connecting with resources.
