December 10, 2009 | Category: Success Stories | Tags: Small Business Success Stories

Many veterans have trouble transitioning into the civilian work force. Others, however, seem to take to the change in pace without a pause. Brian Iglesias is one of these success stories. After a thirteen year career in the Marine Corps, he knew that film making was his true calling. However, he quickly found that, despite his hard work and leadership serving his country, he was having trouble getting the big break he needed.

Iglesias realized that the only way to get the job of his dreams was to open his own business. He was further held back by a service-related disability, a neck problem requiring a metal plate to be fused in his neck. Many veterans in this situation feel that they are alone and without options. However, there are many programs available to help former soldiers open small businesses. Iglesias chose one of these programs, the fourteen month Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). Here, Iglesias learned the basics of opening and managing a small business, including how to develop a business plan, market a small business, attain financing, obey relevant laws, and manage a supply chain.

Run by James M. Haynie, a business school professor and former Air Force member, this program is available free to injured and disabled veterans at several American universities. It is a definite change of focus from most employment programs for veterans, which overwhelmingly encourage getting a traditional job. However, there are many other opportunities like this.

One such place, SCORE, has a Veterans Committee staffed entirely with veterans. This allows veterans to speak to people who understand the unique language of military service, people who understand the importance of their jobs in the military. This understanding attitude helps them to make a smoother transition to the world of employment. Another company, the Northeast Veteran’s Business Resource Center, offers information and assistance with financing, insurance, and writing grants. Founded by a 23 year Army vet, this business also understands the unique issues facing veterans opening small businesses.

There are also businesses that help veterans with one of the most challenging steps in opening a small business: procuring capital. The Veterans Corp. is just one of these businesses. With a new chief executive, this business is marching into the future, helping veterans present a package that will attract investors and then connecting them with lenders and grant writers. This eases the transition from the military to small business. Many states even offer direct assistance to veterans, either offering government contracts to veterans or offering advising services and referrals to local resources.

There are many different types of services for veterans looking to open businesses. The key to success is seeking them out and never taking no for an answer. In Iglesias’ case, this doggedness paid off. With business training under his belt, he has successfully launched his film company, Veterans Inc, and plans to start filming his first documentary in the near future. For people coming back from military service, and small business owners in general, the resources are out there for anyone seeking them.