Life after Service in Uniform: The next chapter
US Veterans should be inspired to own their own businesses
As 250,000 American Veterans return home from service each year, it is challenging to make the transition back to civilian life and into the civilian work force.
As a business owner and Recruiter, it’s tough for me to say, “Thank you for your service” but I can’t offer you a job because you don’t have the experience required in the private sector (hospitality industry).
My business is Veteran Owned & Operated, and I work hard to hire and place Veterans in great job opportunities…. but there are challenges in getting other business owners to do the same.
As a potential Business Owner, it was tough for me to hear “Thank you for your service” but we will not approve your business loan without more assets or equity. Getting an SBA loan seemed like an insurmountable wall!
I believe that Small business ownership for Veterans is a great opportunity to transfer our military skills – leadership, problem solving, process and systems thinking as well as the technical knowledge gained during our service to our nation. That is why Veterans should be inspired to go from “Boots to business” with support from VA, SBA, and corporate USA. I ask that we address the areas that make Small Business Ownership challenging.
Key challenges to address:
Whether you are a Veteran or Civilian, the key issues for Small Businesses are:
- Access to Capital. Existing Small Business Owners, and people who want to start new businesses or franchises, need to have access to liquid capital. The process needs to be streamlined.
- We need to do more to help Americans get into business and help them be successful. Small Businesses (including Franchise Small Businesses) are the #1 Job creators in the USA.
- “Over-regulate” small businesses. Be mindful not to weigh us down with too many regulations or stipulations
- Provide more opportunities for Veterans to create and start small business through corporate mentorship and partnership programs.
- Create and provide more opportunities to employ Veterans when they get out of active service.
Small Business Owners make “America Strong”!
Small business account for 60% of new jobs created annually. For areas in economic transition where manufacturing has vanished it has been the entrepreneurial spirit that has kept local economy in motion. Making small business loans, incubators and accelerators all provide must needed resources for small business. Affordable insurance, benefits and reasonable employment taxes will allow small business to attract the right employees and grow their businesses.
Promoting Veterans to start their own business strengths our relationship, keeps the faith in us, and truly thanks US for our service
This article was written about our superstar retired Army Colonel franchisee Ty Clifton in Virginia.
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