When members of the military transition to civilian life, many bring with them more than just their service record—they carry leadership skills, crisis management experience, and an unshakeable commitment to mission success. It’s no surprise that veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than their non-veteran counterparts, transforming their military training into entrepreneurial ventures that strengthen our communities and drive economic growth.
This National Veterans Small Business Week (November 3–7), we’re celebrating the veteran founders in the Hello Alice community who exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, adapt under pressure, and build businesses that create lasting impact.
From Service to Entrepreneurship: A Natural Transition
The skills honed in military service—strategic thinking, team building, resource management, and the ability to execute under uncertainty—translate remarkably well to small business ownership. Veteran entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they build operations with discipline, scale with intention, and lead with the kind of resilience that can weather any economic storm.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are approximately 1.8 million veteran-owned businesses in America, employing nearly 5.5 million people and generating over $1 trillion in receipts annually. These aren’t just statistics—they represent real communities being strengthened, families being supported, and innovations being brought to market by those who’ve already proven their commitment to serving something bigger than themselves.
The Unique Challenges Veteran Founders Face
Despite their natural advantages, veteran entrepreneurs face distinct hurdles. The transition from military structure to the often-ambiguous world of small business can be jarring. Access to capital remains a persistent challenge, with many veteran founders struggling to translate military experience into the language that traditional lenders and investors understand.
Additionally, building a professional network outside of military circles, navigating business regulations, and identifying the right resources can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re doing it alone.
That’s where community-driven platforms become essential. Veteran founders need more than just funding; they need connection, mentorship, and tools designed to meet them where they are in their business journey.
Hello Alice: Supporting Those Who’ve Served
At Hello Alice, we believe every small business owner deserves access to the resources, capital, and community support needed to thrive—and that includes the veteran entrepreneurs who’ve given so much already.
Our platform offers veteran-owned businesses:
- Access to grants and funding opportunities specifically designed for underserved founders, including those who’ve served in the military
- Free business-building tools including planning resources, financial management guidance, and growth strategies
- A nationwide community of entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of building something from the ground up
- Educational content tailored to help founders at every stage, from launch to scale
We’ve seen veteran founders in our network launch everything from manufacturing operations and tech startups to food businesses and consulting firms. What unites them isn’t their industry—it’s their approach: methodical, mission-driven, and committed to excellence.
Leadership Lessons from Veteran Entrepreneurs
What can the broader small business community learn from veteran founders? Plenty.
Adaptability is non-negotiable. Veteran entrepreneurs understand that the plan rarely survives first contact with reality. They build businesses with contingency strategies and pivot quickly when market conditions shift.
Team building matters more than individual heroics. Military service teaches that mission success depends on every team member. Veteran founders often create strong company cultures built on trust, clear communication, and shared purpose.
Resource optimization is a competitive advantage. When you’ve operated in resource-constrained environments, you learn to maximize every dollar, every relationship, and every opportunity. This lean mindset serves veteran entrepreneurs well, especially in the early stages of business growth.
Honoring Service Through Support
This Veterans Small Business Week, celebration means more than recognition—it means action. It means ensuring that the men and women who served our country have every resource they need to succeed in their next mission: building thriving businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our communities.
Whether you’re a veteran entrepreneur just starting out or you’re scaling an established operation, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The skills that made you successful in service can absolutely translate to business success—and the right support system makes all the difference.
Discover free resources and funding for your business at HelloAlice.com. Join thousands of veteran entrepreneurs who are building their next chapter with the tools, community, and capital they need to succeed.