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Although starting a business while in the military isn’t always easy, it’s a good idea. When you start a business while on active duty, you can set yourself up for civilian life. Plus, that extra income can help support your spending now.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may affect which companies we write about and where the company appears on a page. However, any analyses, or reviews expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been approved or endorsed by any partner.
Key Points:
- Can you start a business while in the military? Yes, but you should avoid conflicts of interest.
- Starting a business in the military can increase your income now. Plus, a functional business creates a smoother transition to civilian life.
- Military members have access to training and advice while starting a business.
- Building a business takes hard work, perseverance, and resilience. Military members have those qualities in spades.
Small Business Ideas For Military Members
You want to start a business while in the military. The first step is to come up with an idea. Luckily, there is no shortage of businesses to start while in the military. Here are some ideas to start the brainstorming process and to help you explore how to start a veteran owned business:
- Part-time commitments: You already have a full-time job. Any business you start will need to be part-time, for now. Be realistic about your time commitments when deciding on a business idea.
- Provide service for soldiers on deployment: What do you know that soldiers need taken care of while they are gone? A few options include pet sitting, house sitting, and keeping up with yard work.
- Leverage your skills: What specific skills do you have that set you apart from the crowd? Brainstorm ways to turn that skill into a business.
- Team up with your family: If you are still on active duty, you might not be around to run your business at all times. Consider working with a family member that can pick up the slack when necessary.
- Build an online business: An online business is portable enough to take with you wherever the military takes you. Consider focusing your efforts on a mobile business operation. An online business and can also be a great business opportunity for veterans.
- Help other military members: What do you wish you have known at the beginning of your military career? Consider starting a business that helps new members navigate the system better.
- Personal training: Are you in great shape with a passion for fitness? Consider starting a personal training business.
- Self-defense classes: You know how to defend yourself. Can you teach others? Or can you defend others as a bodyguard?
- Inspire others: Military members have to overcome incredible challenges. That could be the base for an inspiring business as a paid speaker.
- Security: You might know the ins and outs of protecting a space. Brainstorm security services you can offer to protect potential customers.
Once you have settled on a business idea to pursue while in the military you may wish to consider which business loans for veterans are available, to help get you started. You might like to explore our list of the best small business loans for veterans reviewed by finance experts.
