Why veterans can make good entrepreneurs

A career in the military might be the ideal preparation for starting your own business, allowing you to draw on your experience, skills, and connections to launch a business once you’ve left the service for civilian life.

Your enlistment may have given you the chance to develop your personnel and professional skills, giving you the confidence, skills, and determination to become an entrepreneur.

According to research from the Federation of Small Businesses, around 340,000 companies in the UK are run by ex-military personnel.

Read on to discover the skills that helped them succeed and learn why veterans can make good entrepreneurs.

What military skills equip you for entrepreneurship?

A first career in the military can instil countless transferrable skills invaluable to new business owners.

Here are ten traits that can help military veterans stand out.

Discipline

The structured environment and rigorous military training can create a strong sense of discipline, which can be crucial when running a business.

It can help you set clear goals, stick to schedules, and maintain focus, ensuring your entrepreneurial ventures remain on track even when challenges emerge.

Determination

Military service may place you in challenging situations, and it can require grit and determination to complete your objective.

The same can be true in business, as you navigate setbacks and other complex tasks.

New business owners who’ve served in the military can lean on their past experiences to face those challenges with positivity and resilience.

Discover other traits of successful start-up owners.

Teamwork

You’re often working as a team in the military – whether that’s with a few others assigned to a task or as part of a broader campaign.

The skills you develop in these situations can be essential when starting your own business.

Initially, your team is likely to be small – and in many cases, you’ll be doing the bulk of the work alone – but you’re often required to relay instructions to others.

Whether working with a business partner, securing investment, or hiring your first employees, you need to communicate your objectives clearly so that others can do their part.

Confidence

Successful entrepreneurs can be self-assured, projecting confidence in their abilities and demonstrating an understanding of the job.

This belief is instilled in all areas of the military, and it can give veterans the skills to pitch their ideas, negotiate with stakeholders, and overcome self-doubt.

Leadership

Even the most business-savvy entrepreneurs can stumble if they don’t have leadership abilities.

But this is something that many veterans may have already overcome, thanks to a chain of command that gives successful personnel experience in a leadership capacity.

Problem-solving

Things don’t always go to plan in either the military or the business world.

When problems arise, you need to think on your feet and find solutions – often against the clock.

Military experience can help entrepreneurs to anticipate obstacles and find workarounds in stressful situations.

Attention to detail

The military teaches you just how important the small details can be.

It’s why so many veterans are adept at planning projects, as they’re often sure to check details meticulously and leave nothing to chance.

This attention to detail is priceless for entrepreneurs, helping them to deliver quality products and services.

Composure

Not everyone is equipped to deal with high-pressure scenarios where quick, effective decision-making is crucial.

Whether you’re in the military or a business setting, you may face stressful moments no matter how carefully you prepare.

This should be a familiar experience for military personnel, who are often trained to handle high-stakes situations with composure.

Learn how to deal with stressful workplace situations.

Versatility

Entrepreneurs need to take on many different roles when starting a business.

They’re responsible for everything from strategic planning and marketing to operations and financial management.

However, these competing demands may be less of an issue with veterans, with their military career giving them opportunities to handle varied tasks.

Passion

Throwing yourself into a new business venture, like enlisting in the military, requires passion.

You need to love what you do and be willing to commit time and energy to your project.

This sense of dedication is what draws so many people to the military, and that same passion can be used when developing a business idea.

Find out how you can turn your passion into a business.

Veteran case studies

You don’t need to take our word that veterans thrive when starting their own business.

Discover examples of military personnel who have secured a start-up loan through our partner X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), and visit XFE to learn more about their start-up journeys.

Mr Decorate-It

After five years in the Royal Navy, Garry Bradbury wanted to spend more time with his wife, Catherine, so he took a job as an insulation contractor and later decided to start his own business.

Thanks to support from XFE and a £4,000 Start Up Loan, he got Mr Decorate-It off the ground.

“Trust is important in the trades. When I mention to customers that I was in the Navy, you can see that it builds their confidence in me,” Garry said.

“I think the Forces experience has provided my strong discipline.

“There are times that I feel exhausted, I’ve done a 12-hour day, but I won’t let anyone down.

“If I’ve promised a visit or a quote, I won’t put that off.”

Learn more about Garry’s business.

Sand Lizard Technical Solutions

In 2019, John Burfield decided he had the necessary experience to start his own business – Sand Lizard Technical Solutions, which offers environmentally friendly hygiene services.

He’d served in the army as an engineer and enlisted in the Royal Navy before spending almost two decades in buildings and estate management.

John said he received “invaluable help and support” from XFE after initially struggling to find investors who recognised his qualifications.

“I had to start at the bottom again, but it was ingrained in me to work hard and get on, which meant I climbed the ladder faster.

“There is a can-do attitude among veterans that you can spot from a mile away, and I’ll always advocate employing from the military community if you want a job well done.”

Learn more about John’s business.

Carfreqz

Andy Dawson always loved fitting car speakers for his friends in the military – and after a stint in Royal Artillery 1st RHA and four years as a reservist, he and his partner, Trish, decided to turn his hobby into a career.

They accessed a Start Up Loan of £17,000, which they used to purchase a reliable van for their company, Carfreqz, which offers valeting, detailing, and electronic installations.

“Having support from XFE has made a huge difference. [They’re] in contact every month and [encourage] us to meet our goals,” Andy said.

“The Forces community is still a big part of my life; an ex-Army colleague contracts us to look after their company vehicles, and we’re proud to offer a discount for serving personnel and veterans.”

Learn more about Andy’s business.

What you need to start a business

Starting a new business can be an exciting prospect for military veterans, but it’s important to plan your project carefully.

Ask yourself what your aims and objectives are, whether there is a gap in the market for your products or services, and how much money it will take to get started.

This information will form part of your business plan, which you can use to secure funding.

You can find more tips by reading our Essential Guide to Starting a Business.