Veteran Innovation: How Military Skills Translate to Entrepreneurship
Veterans possess a unique set of skills and experiences that make them well-equipped to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. From discipline and leadership to problem-solving under pressure, the qualities developed during military service align perfectly with those required for successful business ventures. Today, more and more Veterans are turning their military training into entrepreneurial success, demonstrating that Veteran innovation is a powerful force in the business world.
At Veterans Guardian, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Veterans and are
committed to helping them navigate the path from military service to business
ownership. In this article, we will explore how military skills translate to
entrepreneurship, highlight success stories, and provide resources and tips to help
Veterans start and grow their businesses.
The Link Between Military Skills and Entrepreneurship
The stigma surrounding mental health is particularly pronounced in military culture,
where strength, resilience, and toughness are highly valued. Many Veterans feel
pressure to “tough it out” when dealing with mental health challenges, believing that
seeking help might reflect negatively on their military service or personal identity. This
can create a cycle where Veterans avoid discussing their struggles, leading to untreated mental health issues and further isolation.
1. Fear of Judgment and Perception of Weakness
Entrepreneurship requires a mix of traits that are often second nature to Veterans. Here are a few key ways military skills translate into success in the business world:
1. Leadership
In the military, leadership is not just about giving orders—it’s about taking responsibility, inspiring a team, and making strategic decisions under pressure. Veterans learn to lead by example, motivate others, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. These leadership qualities are invaluable when running a business, where an entrepreneur must guide their company through both good times and challenges.
As a business owner, Veterans can use their leadership skills to build strong teams,
make critical decisions, and set a vision for their company’s future.
2. Discipline and Work Ethic
The discipline instilled through military training helps Veterans stay focused on their
goals, maintain a strong work ethic, and stay committed to seeing projects through to
completion. Running a business requires long hours, careful planning, and a relentless drive to succeed—qualities that Veterans possess in abundance.
Veterans understand that success doesn’t come overnight and are willing to put in the
hard work needed to achieve their business goals. This tenacity is a key factor in the
entrepreneurial journey, where persistence often leads to breakthroughs.
Encouraging Open Mental Health Conversations
Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health for Veterans requires creating
an environment where open and honest conversations are encouraged. Here are some practical tips for starting these conversations, whether you’re a Veteran, family member, or friend.
3. Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Veterans are trained to think on their feet and make quick, effective decisions in high-
stress situations. In business, entrepreneurs often face unexpected challenges, whether it’s dealing with financial setbacks, navigating a competitive market, or managing operational crises. Veterans’ ability to remain calm under pressure and think critically to find solutions gives them a distinct advantage in these situations.
The military also teaches Veterans to anticipate challenges and plan for
contingencies—another skill that is crucial in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration
In the military, success often depends on working effectively as part of a team. Veterans understand how to collaborate, communicate clearly, and work toward a common goal. In entrepreneurship, teamwork is equally important—whether it’s collaborating with business partners, working with employees, or building relationships with customers and stakeholders.
Veterans’ ability to foster a team-oriented environment and work well with others is a
strong asset when building a successful business.
5. Adaptability
Military service often requires adaptability in unpredictable environments. Veterans are trained to adjust quickly to new circumstances and find creative solutions to complex problems. This adaptability is essential for entrepreneurs, who must be flexible and responsive to changing market conditions, customer needs, and industry trends.
Veterans’ ability to pivot and remain adaptable gives them the resilience needed to
weather the ups and downs of business ownership.
Veteran Success Stories in Entrepreneurship
Many Veterans have turned their military skills into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Here are just a few inspiring stories of Veteran entrepreneurs who have used their military training to build thriving businesses:
1. Jared Lyon, President and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Jared Lyon, a Navy Veteran, used his leadership and organizational skills to transform
Student Veterans of America (SVA) into a powerhouse nonprofit organization that
advocates for Veterans’ educational success. Under his leadership, SVA has grown to
serve more than 1,500 chapters nationwide, helping Veterans transition from military
service to higher education and, eventually, the workforce. His ability to build a mission-driven organization with a national impact reflects the leadership and strategic thinking
he honed in the Navy.
2. Craig Cummings, Co-Founder of Moonshots Capital
Army Veteran Craig Cummings co-founded Moonshots Capital, a capital venture firm
that often invests in military Veteran entreprensurs. Also the co-founder of several
technology companies, Cummings was able to leverage his background in logistics and problem-solving, to identify gaps in various markets and develop technology solutions to address them.
3. Matthew “Griff” Griffin, Co-Founder of Combat Flip Flops
Former Army Ranger Matthew “Griff” Griffin co-founded Combat Flip Flops, a company that manufactures footwear and accessories in conflict zones, with a mission to create jobs and promote peace. Griffin’s military experience gave him the resilience, adaptability, and sense of purpose needed to navigate the challenges of building a socially-conscious business. His commitment to making a positive impact is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Veterans.
These success stories show how Veterans can leverage their military skills to create businesses that not only generate profit but also make a difference in the world.
Tips for Veterans Starting a Business
Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting, but Veterans have many of the
qualities needed to succeed. Here are some tips to help Veterans on their
entrepreneurial journey:
1. Leverage Veteran-Specific Resources
There are numerous resources specifically designed to support Veteran
entrepreneurs. From mentorship programs to financial assistance, Veterans can
access a wealth of support to help launch and grow their businesses. Some valuable
resources include:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veterans Business
Development (OVBD): Offers business training, counseling, and access to
capital for Veteran-owned businesses. Learn more here. - Boots to Business (B2B): A program that provides Veterans with
entrepreneurship training as part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
Find out more here. - Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP): A resource from the VA that connects
Veterans with small business resources and support. Visit the VEP here.
2. Create a Business Plan
A strong business plan is the foundation of any successful startup. Veterans can use
their strategic thinking and planning skills to develop a detailed business plan that
outlines their goals, target market, competition, and financial projections. A well-thought-out plan helps guide decision-making and attracts potential investors or lenders.
3. Seek Mentorship
Veterans can benefit from connecting with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer
guidance and advice. Organizations like SCORE provide free mentoring services,
pairing Veterans with successful business owners who can share insights and help
navigate the challenges of starting a business. Learn more about SCORE’s mentoring
services here.
4. Use Your Network
Veterans often have strong personal and professional networks, both within the military and in civilian life. Leveraging these connections can provide valuable support, whether it’s finding business partners, securing clients, or getting advice from fellow Veterans who have transitioned to entrepreneurship.
5. Consider Franchise Ownership
For Veterans who want to start a business but may not have a specific business idea in mind, franchise ownership is an excellent option. Many franchisors offer special
incentives and discounts for Veterans, making it easier to get started. Veterans’ ability
to follow systems and lead teams makes them ideal candidates for franchise ownership.
Final Thoughts
The qualities Veterans develop during military service—leadership, discipline,
adaptability, and problem-solving—are perfectly suited to the world of entrepreneurship. By leveraging these skills, Veterans can build successful businesses that not only provide financial independence but also make a positive impact on their communities.
