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Talk This Week with Veterans Who Own Businesses

November 7, 2014
By Cindy Bates

I’ve always thought of small-business owners as heroes. They’re the women and men who battle for success despite obstacles, fears, physical challenges and mental exhaustion as they work towards success. As we approach Veterans Day and the end of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), I want to recognize the unique heroism of America’s veterans who own small businesses.

Veteran-owned businesses contribute more than $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy every year and employ nearly 6 million, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During their military service, veteran owners learn to be dynamic leaders and tremendous problem-solvers. Those core skills may account for the fact that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than others. Did you know one in 10 small businesses is veteran-owned? Even the hit TV show “Shark Tank” – which I happen to be a big fan of – is supporting NVSBW by dedicating an episode (Friday, 11/7) exclusively to veteran-owned businesses.  (more…)

Young Veterans Show Strong Interest in Business Ownership, Creating Quality Careers As Earnings Far Outpace Those Of Average Vets

August 4, 2014

boots.jpgIn the third of a series of articles investigating who is buying and selling small businesses in America, BizBuySell identifies how military veterans are faring in the business-for-sale market.

It’s no secret that U.S. military veterans are a force to be reckoned with in the nation’s small business economy. But according to the latest research, both older and younger veterans are emerging as major players in the buying of small companies.To better understand todays’ business-for-sale market, BizBuySell.com recently commissioned a demographic study of individuals engaged in buying or selling a small business. The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 buyers and sellers, highlighted several trends that are shaping today’s market.

One of the trends the survey revealed is that a surprisingly large number of veterans are shopping for small businesses. According to BizBuySell’s study, 13 percent of prospective small business buyers listed themselves as veterans.  (more…)

Success Story: Veteran Business Owner

January 15, 2014

David Otano is owner/operator of Coqui Disposal Services LLC, an 8A and Service Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business providing refuse disposal removal services that was formed in March of 2008. He is president/owner of Coqui Disposal Services, LLC and has been a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) client from initial start-up in February 2008.

David has built his business by successfully submitting proposals on and winning small sub contracts to haul and dispose of trash at Tyndall Air Force Base within months of start- up. VBOC assisted David with preparing a capabilities statement and guiding him through use of his Service Connected Disability Status for proposing on set-aside procurement opportunities in Government contracting.

The discussion of David acquiring 8a company status began as early as October of 2008, as well as discussions on registering with the Veterans Administration through the CvE program in their closed bidding system for Coqui to provide waste disposal services to the Veterans Administration (VA). David is currently working under a $3,000,000, Sub contract to provide waste removal at Tyndall Air Force Base. (more…)

Traditional Crowdfunding Can Help Vets Start Businesses

April 11, 2013
Veteran crowdfunds for franchise, hires six employees 

Many veterans come home to a persistent high unemployment rate and a mountain of debt. They’re not welcomed by banks for small business loans because of their bad credit, their lack of assets and at the beginning, no cash flow. However, certain franchises are inexpensive to get into, and finding the kind of money that veteran Larry Colley needed to acquire an air conditioning service business can be relatively easy via crowdfunding.

Through the veteran themed crowdfund platform Sprigster, Colley found $4000, and soon after hired six people. This is surely one of the best ROI for jobs on record.

For determined veterans seeking to start a small business in a local setting, the help of friends, neighbors, veterans groups and eager consumers can quickly turn a well conceived dream into reality, with a built-in fan base. (more…)

Farming Can Ease Return to Civilian Life

October 1, 2012

When many people think of the term “small business,” quaint shops or down-home restaurants often come to mind. But small farms offer growing (pardon the pun) business opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurial veterans.

And the timing couldn’t be better. Interest in sustainable, organic farming and locally sourced food products has found a new home with Millennials who embrace these trends—and have the money to support them.

Farming can provide veterans multiple advantages. The nature of farm life itself can be a strong draw, offering the opportunity to be your own boss and to see tangible results from your work. Organizations working with veterans note that the decision-making skills and discipline of military life translate well to running a successful farming operation. (more…)