From Service to Startup: A Veteran’s Guide to Building Your Own Business - Guest Post By Hazel Bridges of AgingWellness.org

 From Service to Startup: A Veteran’s Guide to Building Your Own Business

Guest Post By: Hazel Bridges of Agingwellness.org

Dear Henry,

My good friend Hazel Bridges, creator of AgingWellness.org, has developed some excellent ideas for supporting service members, veterans, and their families, and I would be delighted to share them with you. 

xoxo a.d. elliott

The Mission Never Ends

For many veterans, the end of active duty marks the beginning of a new kind of mission, one built on self-discipline, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re aiming to start a small shop, a tech company, or a logistics firm, the skills you’ve already mastered in uniform can translate directly into entrepreneurial success.

TL;DR

●      Veterans have unique access to startup capital, mentoring, and government-backed programs.

●      Resources like SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development, VetFran, Patriot Boot Camp, and Bunker Labs can jumpstart your journey.

●      A structured plan, ongoing education, and the right support network make the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

Step-by-Step: Your Field Manual for Launching a Business

Step	Objective	Resource Example	Mission Tip
1	Define your mission (what you’ll sell & who you’ll serve)	Hubspot	Treat your business plan like an operations order—clarity first.
2	Secure funding and benefits	SBA Veterans Advantage Loans	VA experience = credibility. Use that in your loan pitch.
3	Get mentorship & structure	Veteran Institute for Procurement	Pair with mentors who know government contracting terrain.
4	Register and certify your business	Forbes	This opens the door to federal contracts and set-asides.
5	Build visibility & operations	SCORE Veteran Entrepreneurs	Your brand is your new uniform — keep it professional.

Tactical Checklist: Launch Readiness

●      Write a clear business plan (include market, mission, and margins).

●      Apply for your EIN and register your LLC or S-Corp.

●      Create a separate business bank account.

●      Contact your local Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).

●      Attend at least one small business or startup boot camp.

●      Build your online audience (website, LinkedIn, Google Business).

●      Explore local veteran chambers of commerce.

Spotlight Resource: Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs is a national nonprofit that helps veterans and military spouses start and grow businesses. With local chapters, virtual programs, and pitch competitions, it connects you to both capital and community. Their programs, like the Veteran in Residence accelerator, can help you refine your mission and scale faster.

Education as a Force Multiplier

For veterans ready to enhance their business acumen, going back to school can be a powerful move. You can earn an online MBA to gain leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and data-driven decision-making skills. Online programs make it easy to run your business while learning, combining military discipline with modern management principles.

FAQ: Rapid Fire Round

Q: Can I use my GI Bill to start a business?

 A: Not directly, but you can use it for education programs in entrepreneurship at accredited schools.

Q: What if I don’t know where to start?

 A: Begin with a VBOC counselor — they’ll help define your business model, connect you with lenders, and guide your first steps.

Q: How do I get certified as a veteran-owned business?

 A: Apply through the VA’s VetCert program, which verifies your ownership and gives you access to federal contracts.

Q: Is franchising an option for veterans?

 A: Absolutely. Programs like VetFran offer discounted franchise fees and training for veterans.

Bonus Section: Tech Tools Worth Exploring

●      QuickBooks for bookkeeping

●      Canva for branding and marketing assets

●      Google Workspace for collaboration

●      Mailchimp for email campaigns

Final Thoughts

Veterans don’t lack grit or focus; they just need the correct map. The same mission-first mindset that guided you in service can guide you in business. Start small, leverage your networks, and treat every setback like training for the next mission.

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Hazel Bridges is the creator of AgingWellness.org, a website that aims to provide health and wellness resources for aging seniors. She’s a breast cancer survivor. She challenges herself to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do so as well.