Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Are Quietly Powering America.

Here's What That Means for You

Veteran-owned Pingree Detroit Raised over $123k on the Honeycomb Credit platform.

When you think of a small business owner, you might picture someone who wears all the hats—answering the phones, managing the books, handling orders, and still finding time to chat with every customer.

Now picture that person as a military veteran. Someone who’s already led teams under pressure, solved problems in high-stakes situations, and knows how to work with grit, strategy, and purpose.

That’s a veteran-owned small business (or VOSB). And right now, there are over 1.6 million of them quietly powering communities across the country.

These businesses aren’t just good for the economy—they’re good for all of us. And whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a proud supporter, or a veteran thinking about launching your own venture, here’s what you need to know.

Why Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Matter

Let’s talk impact.

Veteran-owned businesses employ nearly 3.3 million people. They generate close to a trillion dollars in revenue each year. That’s not small potatoes—that’s community-shaping power.

They also tend to lead with values. Integrity. Teamwork. Accountability. The kind of values that customers notice and employees stick around for.

But here’s what doesn’t always get talked about: veterans are natural entrepreneurs.

They’ve already been trained to lead, adapt, and solve problems under pressure. So when they step into the business world, they bring those same skills—and it shows.

Thinking About Starting a Veteran-Owned Business?

Here’s how to make it work (and make it count):

1. Use What You’ve Got—Your Military Experience

Your leadership, resourcefulness, and ability to handle stress? Huge assets. Don’t downplay them. These aren’t just soft skills—they’re business advantages. Talk about them. Build your brand around them.

Pro tip: Veterans who highlight their service often build stronger connections with customers and investors alike.

2. Get Certified—and Get in the Game

If you’re a veteran or service-disabled veteran, you can apply for a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification.

This isn’t just paperwork—it opens doors to federal contracts and other funding opportunities. The SBA’s VetCert program is your best place to start.

3. Keep Learning

Being in the military taught you a lot—but business has its own playbook. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Programs like Boots to Business and local Veterans Business Outreach Centers offer workshops, mentors, and resources tailored to veteran entrepreneurs.

4. Find Your People

Your mission might be solo—but your journey shouldn’t be.

Link up with other veteran entrepreneurs. Join networks. Go to events. Reach out to your local SCORE chapter or SBA resource partners. Surrounding yourself with like-minded leaders will help you move further, faster.

5. Take Advantage of What’s Already Out There

There’s a ton of support available if you know where to look.

From free coaching to funding assistance to tax breaks, organizations are ready to back veteran business owners. Here’s a shortlist worth checking out:

• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families

• Bunker Labs (great for networking + mentorship)

• VetFran (for veterans interested in franchising)

Veteran-owned PA Boys BBQ Raised over $25k on the Honeycomb Credit platform.

The Reality: Access to Capital is Still a Challenge

Even with all those strengths, veteran-owned businesses often face the same hurdles as other entrepreneurs. One of the biggest is funding.

A recent Federal Reserve report shows that veteran-owned businesses are less likely to receive the full amount of financing they apply for, even when their credit is strong.

That’s one of the reasons why more veterans are turning to community-focused funding options like investment crowdfunding. It’s a way to raise money, rally support, and grow on your own terms.

Why Honeycomb Credit Believes in Veteran-Owned Businesses

At Honeycomb Credit, we help small businesses raise the capital they need to grow. And when it comes to veteran-owned businesses, we’re especially proud to support the mission.

For us, it’s the best of both worlds. We believe in the grit, leadership, and values that veterans bring to entrepreneurship. And we believe in the power of local businesses to transform communities.

When a veteran opens a business, they’re not just creating a job for themselves. They’re creating jobs for others, investing in their neighborhood, and setting an example for future leaders.

We’ve seen veteran-led companies thrive with support from their communities. Through investment crowdfunding, they’re able to raise funds directly from the people who believe in them the most. And they’re doing it without relying on slow, traditional financing.

If you’re a veteran business owner looking for capital to expand, renovate, or hire, we’re here to help.

Let’s build something powerful—together.

Final Thoughts

Veteran-owned small businesses are more than a line on a report. They’re a force for good in the economy, a model of leadership in action, and a reminder of what service really means.

Whether you’re running one, supporting one, or dreaming about launching your own, know this: there’s room for you here.

There are tools, resources, and people who want to see you succeed.

And we’re one of them.

🔗 Want to explore funding options built for veterans and small business owners? Let’s talk.