Michael Danielson, Veterans Business Outreach Specialist
About the VBOC
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.
Veterans across the United States are demonstrating that military service is more than just a chapter in life, it is a foundation for leadership in the world of business. As more former service members enter the realm of entrepreneurship, there is one defining trait that sets them apart: mission-driven leadership. Rooted in discipline, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of duty, this approach to business management is helping veteran-owned companies grow, adapt, and succeed in competitive markets. From logistics and cybersecurity to retail and professional services, veteran entrepreneurs are showing that the same qualities that made them effective in the armed forces, resilience, clarity of mission, and the ability to lead under pressure, are equally powerful in the world of small business ownership.
According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 1.76 million businesses in the United States are veteran-owned, making up about 6% of all U.S. businesses. These companies are responsible for employing over 4 million Americans and generating more than $1 trillion in annual revenue. This economic footprint continues to grow as post-9/11 veterans increasingly turn toward entrepreneurship. The trend is supported by a surge in educational programs, financing opportunities, and national campaigns promoting veteran-owned businesses. Programs and resources have emerged to help ease the transition from military service to business leadership, reflecting a national recognition of the value veterans bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At the core of their approach is mission-driven leadership, a concept deeply ingrained in military training. It is centered on the idea that every action taken serves a clear and purposeful goal. In business, this translates into a leadership style that emphasizes integrity, long-term vision, and team cohesion. Veterans are trained to operate with a well-defined mission. They learn to break down complex objectives into achievable tasks, align team members with shared goals, and maintain focus even under pressure. This level of strategic planning and execution is directly applicable to running a business where clear vision and measurable goals are essential. Entrepreneurship requires swift decision-making, often with incomplete information. Veterans are accustomed to this challenge. In military contexts, adaptability under pressure is a survival skill. That same capacity allows veteran business leaders to pivot when market conditions change and to approach uncertainty with confidence rather than hesitation.
Military service also cultivates a deep understanding of teamwork, trust, and mutual accountability. Veterans bring a team-first mindset to their business operations, often leading to strong organizational cultures where employees feel valued and aligned. These environments foster loyalty, reduce turnover, and drive performance. They also excel in establishing and maintaining systems that support consistent performance. This operational discipline ensures that small business functions such as budgeting, logistics, and quality control are handled with precision and efficiency. Perhaps most importantly, entrepreneurship, like military service, comes with inevitable setbacks. Veterans are trained to persevere through adversity and maintain composure under stress. These qualities are critical in business, where obstacles are routine, and long-term success often hinges on a leader’s ability to remain focused during crises.
Veterans leave the military with a unique mix of technical and leadership skills; most are directly transferable to small business ownership. These include project management, logistics and operations, strategic planning, financial oversight, and team management. Translating these skills into civilian terms is often the first challenge for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. However, an increasing number of public and private initiatives are stepping in to support this transition. Recognizing the potential of veteran entrepreneurs, government agencies and nonprofit organizations have developed a robust ecosystem of support. These programs offer training, mentorship, funding, and access to strategic partnerships. Programs such as Boots to Business, Bunker Labs, and the Veteran Business Outreach Centers provide foundational business education. These include courses in business planning, legal structure, marketing, and financial management. Participants also gain access to networks of fellow veteran business owners and instructors who understand the unique challenges faced during the transition to entrepreneurship.
Veterans often face difficulties securing startup capital, especially if they have limited personal savings or business experience. To address this, the SBA offers veteran-focused loan programs such as the Veterans Advantage loan program, which provides fee reductions and favorable terms. Additionally, certifications like the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business status allow eligible businesses to compete for government contracts and access set-aside procurement opportunities. Mentorship is a cornerstone of veteran entrepreneurial success. SCORE is a program that matches veterans with experienced business owners who offer guidance on scaling operations, securing funding, and navigating legal and regulatory frameworks. Peer networks also play a critical role, offering encouragement and sharing best practices. The culture of shared service often translates into a strong sense of solidarity and support among veteran business owners.
Beyond economics, veteran-owned businesses contribute to communities in meaningful ways. Their leadership often reflects a values-based approach rooted in service, ethics, and responsibility. Veteran entrepreneurs are known to prioritize employee well-being, give back to local causes, and promote inclusive hiring practices, particularly hiring other veterans and military spouses. Many also advocate for mental health awareness and trauma-informed workplaces, leveraging their experience to support others in transition. Campaigns like “Buy Veteran” and public directories listing veteran-owned businesses have further encouraged consumers to support these businesses as part of a broader movement toward value aligned purchasing.
Despite their strengths, veteran entrepreneurs still face several significant challenges. The shift from military service to civilian business life can be disorienting. Veterans may find it difficult to adjust to a less structured environment or to navigate unfamiliar business landscapes. Lack of credit history, limited personal networks, or insufficient collateral can hinder access to traditional business loans or investor funding. Many veterans are also unaware of the resources available to them or unsure how to take the first step in starting a business. Additionally, servicerelated trauma and stress can affect focus, confidence, and business stamina. Veteran entrepreneurs often benefit from integrated wellness programs that address both business and mental health needs.
As the veteran population continues to diversify across age, gender, and ethnicity, the future of veteran entrepreneurship is poised to grow more dynamic. Women veterans represent a fast-growing demographic of new business owners, reflecting broader societal trends toward inclusivity and empowerment. Technology is also reshaping the landscape. Veterans are increasingly entering techrelated industries, applying skills in cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing to launch scalable, innovative ventures. Government and private sector leaders are recognizing that supporting veteran entrepreneurship not only rewards their service, but it also strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and promotes civic engagement.
Veterans possess an inherent understanding of leadership, shaped by experience and grounded in purpose. Their approach to business is often characterized by a commitment to excellence, clarity of mission, and responsibility to their communities. As the business world grapples with rapid change and increasing demands for ethical leadership, veteran entrepreneurs stand out as models of resilience and integrity. Their continued success not only honors their service but also enriches the fabric of American enterprise. Veterans are not just starting businesses; they are redefining what it means to lead with purpose. In doing so, they are proving that the mission never truly ends; it just evolves
VBOC of the Dakotas
701-738-4850
und.edu/dakotasvboc
Facebook | /dakotasvboc
Twitter | @DakotasVBOC
4200 James Ray Dr
Grand Forks, ND