Are you currently serving in the National Guard or Reserve and approaching separation or retirement … or just looking to make a civilian career pivot? Have you considered entrepreneurship?
The leadership, management and organizational skills (and technical knowhow) you have honed while in uniform make you uniquely qualified and well-suited for business ownership (or to support/partner with a spouse’s business plan). You are skilled at thinking on your feet and jumping into action, and your innate qualities of resourcefulness will pay dividends should you decide to chart your own entrepreneurial path.
[2025 MOAA TRANSITION GUIDE: Support for Servicemembers-Turned-Entrepreneurs]
Here are three key steps to help you get started:
1. Know Your Resources
It can be a challenge to know exactly what to do when embarking on your business journey. To help you get started, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development has tools and resources to point you in the right direction across the full range of entrepreneurship opportunities.
If you are specifically interested in franchising, VetFran is your go-to source to help educate and facilitate your transition to the franchise world.
Feb. 12 MOAA Virtual Classroom: Guard and Reserve Retirement Benefits
What to learn more about your Guard and Reserve benefits? This MOAA workshop takes on topics skipped by programs that are geared toward active duty servicemembers.
2. Build a Foundation
Consider attending the Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) course: This one- or two-day program, offered at locations nationwide, is designed to instruct servicemembers (including National Guard and Reserve members), veterans, and military spouses on entrepreneurship basics, including:
- Evaluating your idea
- Creating a business plan
- Exploring funding sources
- Understanding potential contracting opportunities
Online and in-person options are available. Find the full schedule and registration information at this link.
[RELATED: Find Local Support for Your Small Business]
3. Take Action
After deliberate planning and securing a firm grasp on the business environment, it’s time to bring your idea to fruition. Start with a visit to your local Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC): They can help guide you along every step of your journey, from startup to growing and expanding your business.
VBOC counselors specialize in working with the military community. They are uniquely qualified to offer expert advice to veteran-owned and -operated business ventures.
Want more support? Visit MOAA’s Transition and Career Center to learn how MOAA can assist at all stages of your professional journey.
