Honoring Veterans: Building Bridges to Business

The challenges faced by veterans extend far beyond the battlefield, impacting their families and communities in profound ways. Understanding and stories impacting the lives of veterans and their families is paramount to fostering a supportive society. How can we truly honor their service by ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marcus Hayes always envisioned owning his own business after retiring from the Army. He spent 22 years serving, deploying multiple times, and earning numerous commendations. But transitioning to civilian life proved more challenging than he anticipated. Marcus dreamed of opening a custom woodworking shop in his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, near the Big Chicken and off I-75’s exit 267A, specializing in handcrafted furniture and personalized gifts. He envisioned a place where veterans could gather, share stories, and find camaraderie while learning a new skill.

His initial plan was solid: he had a business plan, some savings, and a burning desire to succeed. What he lacked was access to capital. Banks were hesitant to lend to a startup, and the paperwork involved in securing a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan felt overwhelming. Marcus was stuck. This is a common problem, and one reason why so many veteran-owned businesses never get off the ground. The bureaucracy can be stifling.

The good news? Several organizations are dedicated to helping veterans like Marcus overcome these hurdles. The VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) offers resources and training programs specifically tailored to veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, nonprofits like the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) provide networking opportunities and advocacy support. These resources are crucial for navigating the complex landscape of starting and growing a business.

I had a client last year, a former Marine, who faced a similar situation. He wanted to open a brewery in Athens, GA. He had the passion and the brewing skills, but securing funding was a nightmare. After countless rejections, he finally found success through a combination of a microloan from a local community development financial institution (CDFI) and a grant from a veteran-focused foundation. This combination of resources is often the key.

Marcus eventually connected with the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center in Warner Robins. The VECTR Center provides accelerated, high-demand training to veterans and their spouses. They offered a business boot camp specifically designed for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. The program covered everything from crafting a compelling business plan to securing funding and marketing strategies. Even better, they provided mentorship from successful veteran business owners. This is where Marcus found his footing. He learned about alternative funding options, including crowdfunding and angel investors, and refined his business plan based on feedback from experienced entrepreneurs.

Another significant challenge veterans face is mental health. The transition from military service to civilian life can be jarring, leading to issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. A study by the National Center for PTSD found that veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population. Access to timely and effective mental healthcare is therefore essential.

The VA offers a range of mental health services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and specialized programs for PTSD and substance abuse. They’ve also expanded their telemental health services, allowing veterans to access care remotely. According to the VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, telemental health appointments increased by 40% between 2024 and 2026, demonstrating the growing demand for and acceptance of this approach. Telehealth can be a real lifeline for veterans in rural areas or those with mobility issues.

But there’s more to it than just treatment. Creating a supportive community is equally important. Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project offer peer support groups and recreational activities that help veterans connect with others who understand their experiences. These connections can combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging. You can learn more about veterans’ mental health challenges in our related article.

Marcus, for example, found solace in a local woodworking club. He discovered a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for crafting and provided a supportive environment where he could de-stress and connect with others. This social interaction was crucial for his mental well-being and helped him stay focused on his business goals.

Beyond entrepreneurship and mental health, employment remains a significant concern for many veterans. While the unemployment rate for veterans has decreased in recent years, many still struggle to find meaningful and well-paying jobs. This is often due to a lack of transferable skills, difficulty translating military experience into civilian terms, and employer biases. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when helping a client with a wrongful termination case. The client, a former Navy SEAL, was fired for “lack of communication skills” despite consistently exceeding performance goals during his probationary period. It was clear that his military background was a factor in the termination.

To address this, several initiatives are in place to support veteran employment. The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers job training, counseling, and placement services. Many states also offer tax credits and other incentives to employers who hire veterans. In Georgia, for instance, O.C.G.A. Section 38-2-17 provides a tax credit to companies that hire veterans who have served on active duty for at least 180 days. These incentives can make a real difference in encouraging employers to consider veteran candidates. What if Georgia’s job programs failed veterans?

Here’s what nobody tells you: simply having a veteran employment program isn’t enough. Companies need to actively cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment for veterans. This means providing training to managers on how to effectively communicate with and support veteran employees, as well as creating opportunities for veterans to network and connect with other employees. It’s about more than just checking a box; it’s about creating a culture of respect and appreciation for veterans’ service.

Marcus’s woodworking shop eventually opened its doors in early 2026. He secured a microloan from a local CDFI, supplemented by a successful crowdfunding campaign. He partnered with the VECTR Center to offer woodworking classes to other veterans, creating a sense of community and providing valuable skills training. His business quickly gained popularity, attracting customers from across the Atlanta metropolitan area. He even started selling his handcrafted furniture online through Shopify, expanding his reach beyond the local market. You can read more about benefits for Atlanta veterans on our site.

Marcus’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of veterans. It also highlights the importance of providing comprehensive support to help them transition to civilian life. By addressing the challenges of entrepreneurship, mental health, and employment, we can ensure that veterans have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their communities.

Supporting veterans requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their unique needs and challenges. By investing in programs and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, mental health, and employment, we can empower veterans to lead fulfilling lives after their service. Let’s make sure those who served our nation have the resources they need to thrive in their communities.