Many veterans are interested in starting up businesses after they've completed their military service. Fortunately, there are many veteran programs out there to help them get started on the road to success. You can find all kinds of startup business help for veterans online, including what it takes to open up a franchise, how to secure financial aid like grants for your startup business and more.

Here are some things to think about when planning to start a veteran-owned business:

1. Learn about government programs designed to help veterans start a business.

2. Find out about business opportunities for veterans.

3. Learn about the requirements to get financial aid or grants to assist a veteran-owned business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find information about business-related veteran programs

There is a lot of information available to help veterans get started in the business world. The U.S. government, as well as other agencies, has set up programs to help you start your business.

I recommend: Check out the Small Business Administration to learn about various resources available for a veteran who wants to get into business. You can also find programs and services designed specifically to help veterans start their own business at Veteranscorp.org.

Get financial aid assistance and grant information to help a veteran-owned business

There are many veteran programs to help vets get the financial aid necessary to start up their own businesses. Grants are just one source of funding available to veterans interested in starting a business.

I recommend: Go to VetBiz to find information about government loans and grants to help veterans start businesses. At Veteran Owned Business Network, you can sign up for a sponsor who will give you financial assistance for the first year you are in business.

Learn about business opportunities that have been tailored to help a veteran-owned business

If you've never been in business before, perhaps getting involved with a franchise is the best idea for you. Once you've decided what kind of business you want to run, look through lists of available franchises for that type of business.

I recommend: Visit Veteran Franchises to see a list of business listings available for vets. Here you can find all kinds of information about how to start a franchise, get financing and receive the latest news and information available for vets wanting to start a business. Go to the International Franchise Association to search through more than 1,200 franchises opportunities available. This site is updated daily, so come back each day to see what's there.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be afraid to ask for assistance from veteran programs and information. Contact local veterans organizations to ask for help in finding information about starting a veteran-owned business.