UK veterans starting a business: A guide to resources and support

Even with all the support available, transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging journey. More so if you are thinking of starting your own business.

The skills you have acquired in the military depend on your Corps and trade, but veterans possess a unique blend of capabilities and mindsets inherent to military experience that could make you well-suited to entrepreneurship.

Well-suited to entrepreneurship

Military service develops qualities like discipline, leadership, and resilience – all critical for running a business. In the military, you learn to assess risks, make quick decisions under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances, giving you an edge in navigating the uncertainties of business ownership.

You will have developed a strong work ethic, commitment to excellence and ability to lead diverse teams, all of which translate seamlessly into managing a business. Additionally, veterans are mission-focused, goal-oriented and accustomed to overcoming challenges, equipping you to handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

The military's emphasis on planning and strategy helps you and other veterans develop structured approaches to problem-solving, making you effective at identifying opportunities and executing business plans. These qualities often set veterans apart as determined, resourceful and capable entrepreneurs.

Do you have what it takes?

Having said all that, entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. You need to be sure you do have that right mindset and realise that you are starting again at the beginning; you will be responsible for your actions, and you won’t have a team to support you until you are a long way into your journey.

For many veterans, the idea of starting a business offers a sense of purpose, control and the chance to leverage skills developed while they were in service. But where do you begin?

This guide aims to provide practical advice and direct veterans to organisations and support networks tailored to help veterans succeed in business.

It is not aimed as a ‘how to’, you already have Enterprise Nation for that, more as a directory of business start-up resources specifically for ex-military.

For a general look at support for start-ups:

Starting a business requires a range of skills, from financial planning to marketing. Fortunately, veterans have access to expert guidance and training:

• X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) offers comprehensive support, including workshops, mentoring and networking and is a good place to get involved early on

• Heropreneurs connects veterans with mentors who understand the unique challenges of military life, providing free one-to-one mentoring support

• TechVets helps veterans transition into the tech industry, offering digital skills training and networking. While aimed at careers more than entrepreneurship, if you are starting a business with a strong technical intent, they should be able to support you

• Career Transition Partnership (CTP) provides resettlement support, including business skills workshops

Careers for veterans

• BFRS is aimed at building relationships with employers, but do contact them for advice

• High Ground is a horticulture and farming-based charity

• Salute My Job is a wide-ranging careers base

Financial support and funding options

Access to funding can be a major barrier for new businesses. These organisations offer grants, loans and advice:

• Veterans UK and the Royal British Legion (RBL) provide financial advice and welfare support

• British Business Bank and British Training Board's Veterans Enterprise UK offer funding and guidance for veterans

• Local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) is not veteran-specific, but one of the first ports of call for any business start-up. It provides regional support, grants and business advice

Networks and peer support

Building connections is crucial for business success. Many veteran-led communities offer camaraderie, mentorship and support:

• Veteran Owned UK and British Veteran Owned provide directories of veteran-owned businesses and opportunities for collaboration

• Veterans Business Base and Veterans Enterprise UK offer networking events and business support

• Forces Employment Charity and The Warrior Programme offer tailored support for personal development

• Facebook | Veteran Owned is a page for veteran business owners

Practical tips for veteran entrepreneurs

• Leverage your military skills: Discipline, leadership and resilience are invaluable in business

• Build a support network early: Engage with other veteran entrepreneurs and mentors

• Research your market thoroughly: Understand your customers and competition

• Create a detailed business plan: This helps clarify your vision and secure funding

• Be adaptable: Business landscapes change rapidly — use your adaptability from your service life

Final thoughts

Starting a business is a rewarding but challenging journey. By tapping into the right support networks, training and funding options, veterans can successfully transition from the armed forces to entrepreneurship. Explore these resources, reach out for support and take the first step towards building your own future.

Relevant resources

• Staying adaptable in an ever-changing market

• How to write a business plan: Advice and templates

• How to better understand your customers