If you’ve ever hired a contractor you trust, chosen a brand because its mission resonated, or shared a small business that simply felt right—you already know that not every transaction is just a sale. Sometimes, it’s a statement.

Supporting Veteran-owned small businesses is one of the strongest statements you can make. With more than 1.6 million Veteran-owned companies operating across the country, these businesses fuel local economies, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Every contract, purchase, referral, or review isn’t just commerce—it’s impact.

And while special observances and national campaigns bring attention to Veteran entrepreneurship, the real opportunity to support Veteran-owned businesses exists every single day of the year.

The Impact of Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Veterans don’t simply start businesses—they lead them with purpose, clarity, and the kind of mission-driven focus forged through service.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

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• Veterans own over 304,000 employer businesses, representing roughly 5.4% of all employer firms.
• Including sole proprietors and non-employer firms, the total rises to 1.6 million Veteran-led businesses.
• These companies generate more than $922 billion in annual revenue and provide jobs for over 3.3 million Americans.

This is not a niche group—it’s a backbone of the American economy.
Every choice to work with them helps strengthen that foundation.

What Makes Veteran-Owned Businesses Different

Veteran-owned businesses don’t just bring skill to the market—they bring discipline, leadership, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Common traits you’ll see across Veteran-led ventures:

• Precision in operations
• Reliability in delivery and customer service
• Mission-first values
• Loyalty in hiring, especially toward other veterans and military spouses
• A purpose-over-profit mindset

These aren’t stereotypes—they’re patterns demonstrated across industries, including technology, logistics, skilled trades, e-commerce, manufacturing, consulting, and more.

If you want your dollars or contracts to have a lasting impact, Veteran-owned businesses make it easy.

The Real Question Isn’t Why to Support Veterans—It’s How

Most people genuinely want to support Veteran entrepreneurs.

The challenge is knowing where to find them—or how to verify a business is truly veteran-owned.

That’s why we created a simple, practical tool you can use anytime you shop, hire, or partner with a business.

Veteran Small Business Selector

Step 1: Start with Your Purpose

What outcome matters most today?

☐ Buy from a Veteran-owned brand
☐ Hire a Veteran-owned service
☐ Leave a review for a business you already trust
☐ Amplify a Veteran entrepreneur in your network
☐ Nominate a Veteran-owned business for funding or recognition

Step 2: Choose Your Category

What do you need right now?

☐ Apparel & Lifestyle
☐ Tech or Digital Services
☐ Construction / Skilled Trades
☐ Food & Beverage
☐ Professional Services / Consulting
☐ Health & Wellness

Step 3: Confirm It’s Veteran-Owned

Trust—and verify—using:

☐ SBA or VA Verified “Veteran-Owned” / “SDVOSB”
☐ NVBDC Certification
☐ State Veteran Business Registry
☐ Public founder bio confirming service
☐ Local Chamber of Commerce or VBOC directory

Step 4: Add Impact

Does the business also:

☐ Hire Veterans or military spouses
☐ Give back to Veteran causes
☐ Manufacture or source in the U.S.
☐ Serve underserved markets

Step 5: Take One Action Today

Every action counts.

☐ Make a purchase
☐ Leave a 5-star review
☐ Follow and share on social
☐ Refer to a friend, employer, or partner
☐ Nominate for grants, awards, or press

10 Ways to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

You don’t have to buy something to make a difference. Here’s what moves the needle:

1. Share a local Veteran-owned business on your social feed.
2. Leave a strong, thoughtful review.
3. Refer a Veteran-owned contractor or consultant.
4. Invite a Veteran entrepreneur to guest speak or mentor.
5. Nominate a Veteran-owned business for awards or grants.
6. Add a Veteran-owned vendor to your company’s procurement list.
7. Follow and engage with verified Veteran-owned brands.
8. Tag them in gift guides or shopping lists.
9. Pitch them to local blogs or media.
10. Ask your organization to increase Veteran vendor inclusion.

Veterans never stop serving—they simply serve differently. Now, it’s our turn to have their back.

Shopping, hiring, referring, reviewing, and advocating for Veteran-owned businesses strengthens more than the businesses themselves. It strengthens the communities they support, the families they sustain, and the values they represent.

Honor their mission. Back their businesses. Make it a habit.

Suggested reads:

• Inside the Heartwarming Mission of Operation Christmas Drop
• Last Remaining Unidentified Dead of the USS Arizona May Soon Be Identified
• How the Battle of Chosin Reservoir Became a Trap For the Marines