The Motherlode Fall 2024

Honoring Veterans by Supporting Vet-Owned Businesses

by Jenn Morson

Supporting veteran-owned businesses helps save lives. Exponential Support Veterans who own businesses often employ other veterans, so by supporting their business, you are also supporting their employees. Because veterans know firsthand the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life, they are more likely to employ other veterans. Successful veteran-owned businesses can also provide hope to current military personnel that when their service has ended, they will be able to pursue business ownership or find meaningful employment. The more success that veterans have in the business world, the more veteran- owned businesses can thrive. Financial Stability for Disabled Veterans According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 30% of veterans are service-disabled, meaning their disability is directly tied to their military service. Finding employment can often be more difficult for persons with disabilities, and starting their own businesses is a more likely path to success and stability. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, you are likely to be supporting veterans disabled during active duty. This Veterans Day, consider seeking out and supporting a veteran-owned business as a way to honor and thank a veteran for their service to our country. By your small act of support, you can help better the lives of those who have done so much for their fellow Americans.

According to the US Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely than non-veterans to be self-employed. Veterans are no strangers to hard work nor to thinking outside the box. Their leadership skills translate to entrepreneurial skills in the civilian world. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is November 11. While acknowledging and offering our gratitude to veterans is a wonderful way to honor their service, supporting veteran-owned businesses is a tangible way to show them appreciation throughout the year. Here’s how having you as a customer can positively impact First and foremost, supporting veteran-owned businesses is a concrete way to show your gratitude to our nation’s veterans. Often, people are unsure how to help veterans, and this is a great way to show your support because it contributes to their financial well-being which can be unstable after service. Local veteran-owned businesses are easy to find through online databases like veteranownedbusiness.com! Boost in Mental Health Veterans, especially those who have served in times of conflict or participated in direct combat, often experience mental health crises such as PTSD. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, you may evoke feelings of fulfillment, security, and success, which help to combat depression and the stress of a business in financial trouble. veteran business owners: Feeling of Appreciation

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