You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

Business Ideas for Military Veterans Many veterans have made successful transitions from the service to business ownership. Here are a few options to consider.

entrepreneur daily

The discipline of military can be an asset to aspiring entrepreneurs. What's more, the training and experience of an armed-services career lend themselves well to a variety of different business ventures. Click forward for a sampling of business ideas that might appeal to veterans.

1. Off-Road Tours

Startup Costs: $50,000 - $100,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchise Available: Yes
Online Operation: No

Prefer to stay off the beaten track? Off-road, or four-wheel-drive, tours have become a popular day excursion for many vacationers. They can be a reasonably priced vacation activity and enjoyed by every member of the family. More . . .

2. Firearms Training

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

Put your firearms training to good use by teaching others how to safely use, store, and maintain their guns. But even military veterans must be certified to become an instructor. More . . .

3. Disaster Planning and Preparation Service

Startup Costs: $10,000 - $50,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

Hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters can wreak enormous destruction, and they seem to be occurring with increasing intensity. Disaster-planning can hold opportunity and appeal to those with an emergency-services background. More . . .

4. Special Event Security

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

Thousands of special events such as concerts require security staff control crowds and keep attendees safe. The business can be easy to set up and may be an attractive option for military or police background and industry contacts. More . . .

5. Extreme Adventure Trips

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

If you had enough adventure in the service, but want to stay close to the game, consider taking your next tour of duty in the armchair as agent or broker on a local basis for adventure travel companies located around the world. More . . .

6. Self-Defense Training

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time
Franchise Available: Yes
Online Operation: No

Self-defense training can be big business. Potential customers include just about anyone who wants to feel safe -- from kids to celebrities and even security guards. The more qualified you are, the more you'll be in demand. More . . .

7. Survival and Outdoor Training

Startup Costs: $10,000 - $50,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

Ventures related to survival and outdoor training can be a natural fit for veterans experienced in avalanche rescue, wilderness first aid and other operations. Outdoor enthusiasts across the country line up for such courses. More . . .

8. Residential Security Consultant

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchise Available: No
Online Operation: No

Residential security consulting is ideally suited to entrepreneurs with a military background. The business can go beyond selling homeowners alarm systems and include personal security and defense training. More . . .

Related:

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

He Took His Side Hustle Full-Time After Being Laid Off From Meta in 2023 — Now He Earns About $200,000 a Year: 'Sweet, Sweet Irony'

When Scott Goodfriend moved from Los Angeles to New York City, he became "obsessed" with the city's culinary offerings — and saw a business opportunity.

Marketing

I Got Over 225,000 Views in Just 3 Months With Short-Form Video — Here's Why It's the New Era of Marketing

Thanks to our new short-form video content strategy, we've amassed over 225,000 video views in just three months. Learn how to increase brand awareness through short-form video content.

Branding

94% of Customers Say a Bad Review Made Them Avoid Buying From a Brand. Try These 4 Techniques to Protect Your Brand Reputation.

Maintaining a good reputation is key for any business today. With so many people's lives and shopping happening online, what is said about a company on the internet can greatly influence its success.

Personal Finance

How to Get a Lifetime of Investing Experience in Only One Year

Plus, how day traders can learn a lesson from pilots.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Growing a Business

Looking to Achieve Your Goals But Don't Know Where to Start? Try These Proven Goal-Setting Strategies.

Find a more effective way of creating – and achieving – your goals. Get clear on your vision, make your plan, take action, reassess and then revise.