Service to country doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. For many veterans and military spouses, the next mission is building something new—something of their own. Whether it’s crafting a community hub or solving industry challenges, veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs across the country are launching businesses that are making a difference.
With guidance, training, and funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), these entrepreneurs are transforming ideas into impact and finding success after the service.
Just ask military spouse Blenda Gann and Marine Corps veteran Jeff Anderson.
Blenda, a military spouse from Ecru, Mississippi, always dreamed of opening a coffee shop. But turning a dream into a sustainable business required more than passion—it required a plan. That’s where SBA training came in. Blenda enrolled in the Military Spouse Pathway to Business program, a no-cost, self-paced course that introduces the fundamentals of entrepreneurship to military spouses. Through the course, she discovered the behind-the-scenes operations that go into running a business.
Tip: The MySBA Learning platform has introductory and advanced training for veterans and military spouses to complete online.
Inspired to learn more, Blenda continued with Boots to Business Revenue Readiness—a follow-on course designed to help participants build and refine a business plan. With this training and mentorship, Blenda officially launched The Blissful Bean, a drive-thru coffee shop that quickly became a beloved spot for locals to grab their morning brew and connect with neighbors.
Meanwhile, Jeff was brewing a different kind of idea. After 24 years in electrical manufacturing and distribution, he recognized the industry need for smaller, family-owned businesses to work collaboratively as problem solvers with their customers. After launching his company, ATEK Distribution, and experiencing rapid growth and expansion, Jeff fought to stay ahead of the curve through efforts to be nimble and responsive.
Like Blenda, Jeff tapped into SBA resources. He worked with APEX Accelerators, an SBA resource partner, which helped him obtain his Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. In addition to contracting technical assistance, Jeff received support from his local district office and SCORE mentor to develop strategy and scale operations.
Tip: SBA resource partners—including Veterans Business Outreach Centers and Small Business Development Centers—offer free, expert business counseling to veterans and military spouses across the country.
As their businesses grew, both Blenda and Jeff turned to the SBA for funding support. SBA-backed loans gave them access to capital with flexible terms and personalized guidance.
Some of the most popular loan programs for veterans and military spouses include:
- 7(a) loans for general business needs, including working capital and equipment
- 504 loans for long-term investments like real estate and large assets
- Microloans for up to $50,000—perfect for launching or expanding a small venture
Blenda and Jeff are no exception; veterans and military spouses are uniquely equipped for business ownership. Their stories prove that the discipline, problem-solving, and grit refined during service extend beyond the military—and that with the right support, dreams can take shape.
If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or military spouse thinking about starting a business, now is the time. The SBA has tools, training, and resources to help you take the next step with confidence.
Here’s how to get started:
- Explore Training: Begin with Boots to Business, Boots to Business Reboot, or the Military Spouse Pathway to Business course.
- Find Local Support: Get personalized help from your nearest VBOC, SBDC, or Women’s Business Center.
- Secure Funding: Use SBA’s loan programs and Lender Match to finance your vision.
During Military and Military Spouse Appreciation Month—and every month—the SBA is here to help those who served build strong, successful businesses.
For additional resources, updates, and inspiration, follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). To learn more about OVBD and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.