Business Ideas For Veterans [2024]

Are you a veteran thinking about starting your own business? This article aims to help you explore various opportunities that align with your skills and experiences. These 28 business ideas could serve as a solid starting point for your entrepreneurial journey in 2024.

Many veterans have transferable skills that could be effectively utilized in a range of businesses. Whether it's leveraging your leadership skills or using your technical know-how, there are numerous possibilities to consider. From consulting services to small-scale manufacturing, the options are diverse.

Finding the right business idea could be the first step toward financial independence and personal fulfillment. This article outlines potential ventures that require varying levels of investment and expertise. Dive in to discover which opportunities could best suit your goals and aspirations.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other veterans businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be an excellent business idea for veterans looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or build a side hustle. Podcasting allows you to share your unique experiences and skills with a wider audience, leveraging your background for compelling content. It requires relatively low startup costs and can diversify your income streams while offering opportunities for sponsorships and advertisements. Check out more on how much you can make with a podcast.

Why start a podcast?

• You could capitalize on your unique stories and insights from your military service to create captivating content that resonates with a broad audience.
• Podcasting has low startup costs, making it an accessible option for veterans who might be looking for a budget-friendly business idea.
• The flexibility of podcasting allows you to manage your recording schedule around other commitments, making it a great side hustle option.

2. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

Starting a niche investment platform could be particularly rewarding for veterans with entrepreneurial ambitions. Leveraging your discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership skills acquired through military service can give you a competitive edge in this specialized market. You could design an online exchange around alternative assets like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, providing a flexible and transparent trading ecosystem. This could attract dedicated investors, generating steady revenue through transaction fees and premium memberships. For more insights, visit Starter Story on niche investment platform startup costs.

Why consider starting a niche investment platform?

• Your military background provides a strategic mindset ideal for managing complex financial operations.
• Creating a focused platform allows veterans to tap into their unique networks and interests, like rare collectibles or thriving athletic prospects.
• A niche platform can generate consistent income through innovative financial solutions, appealing to investors seeking diversification beyond traditional stock markets.

3. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for veterans looking to supplement their income or transition into entrepreneurship. Capitalizing on your unique skills and experiences, you could create a niche set of products that resonates with specific customer bases. By maintaining a steady flow of new and exclusive items, you could build a profitable and sustainable business that leverages your organizational and problem-solving skills.

Why starting a subscription box business?

• It's a scalable model, allowing you to grow as demand increases.
• You could use your logistic and organizational skills to manage inventory and shipments efficiently.
• Subscription boxes offer recurring revenue, providing a steady income stream.

For additional insights on starting a subscription box business, you could visit Success Stories of Subscription Box Businesses.

4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business could be a strategic way for veterans to supplement their income or even build an entirely new business. The dropshipping model requires minimal upfront investment and provides the flexibility to run your business from anywhere, making it a great fit for those with a military background. Veterans can leverage their discipline and organizational skills to manage a successful dropshipping store consistently.

By choosing a niche, setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and identifying reliable suppliers, veterans could create a steady revenue stream. With the ability to focus on marketing and customer service, you could scale your business and achieve financial independence. Explore more on starting a dropshipping business and maximize your potential with the skills acquired during your service.

Why starting a dropshipping business?

• It requires minimal upfront investment, allowing you to start with a low budget.
• You could leverage your military-acquired discipline and organizational skills to efficiently manage operations.
• The remote nature of the business provides the flexibility to operate from anywhere, fitting well with a veteran's adaptable lifestyle.

Discover more dropshipping business marketing ideas here.

5. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Starting an ecommerce reselling business is an excellent way for Veterans to leverage their organization and logistical skills developed in the service. By purchasing services or goods for resale, you could launch an online business without the burden of production costs. This entrepreneurial avenue allows you to start small, perhaps via social media platforms, and scale your efforts as demand grows.

As a Veterans, you can adapt quickly to changing market conditions and employ a strategic approach to sourcing and selling. This business model provides the flexibility to supplement your income or build a full-fledged business.

Find more about the pros and cons of starting an eCommerce reselling business

Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?

• Minimal upfront investment needed. You can start without a website and focus initially on social media.
• Agile operations that leverage your organizational and strategic skills. Your training can be a valuable asset in navigating the ecommerce landscape.
• Scalability offers room for growth. As your business succeeds, you can expand your inventory and market reach.

6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Starting an online course sales business could be an excellent income supplement for veterans. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, there is a tremendous opportunity to monetize your skills in various fields like music, cooking, coding, and more. As a veteran, you possess unique expertise and real-world experience that can set your courses apart from others, making them highly valuable to people looking to learn from a credible source.

Your initial effort in creating an online course can turn into a long-term passive income stream. You could start by deciding on a target audience, developing the course content, and choosing a platform to sell your course. For more detailed information and startup tips, you can visit Starter Story.

Why start an online course sales business?

• Provide unique perspectives and skills acquired from your service to a wider audience.
• Low startup costs and the potential for ongoing passive income.
• Flexibility to work from anywhere, accommodating your lifestyle and other commitments.

7. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

For veterans with a keen interest in finance and the stock market, starting a stock investing business could be a lucrative and rewarding venture. This type of business involves buying and selling stocks to generate profit, relying heavily on market analysis, informed decision-making, and precise trade execution. As a veteran, you already possess the discipline, strategic planning skills, and attention to detail necessary to thrive in the competitive world of stock investing.

By immersing yourself in educational resources, using robust trading platforms, and continuously monitoring market movements, you could build a profitable business that reflects your passion for finance. Success in this field isn't instantaneous—it demands dedication and a methodical approach to manage risks and generate consistent returns.

Learn more about stock investing with these tips and success stories.

Why starting a stock investing business?

• You’ll capitalize on your military discipline and strategic planning to make informed investment decisions.
• You could generate significant returns, providing an alternative revenue stream or potentially a full-time business.
• The flexibility of trading allows you to work from anywhere, providing a transition to civilian life while leveraging existing skills.

8. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

If you're a veteran looking to supplement your income or start a side business, consider diving into an AI-based business solution. AI technology can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and reduce operational costs for your clients. With a structured implementation plan and user-friendly platforms, you could help businesses optimize their workflows and achieve new levels of efficiency without needing a tech background.

The increasing demand for AI solutions presents a unique opportunity for veterans to leverage their problem-solving skills and leadership experience. For more detailed insights, check out Starter Story's article on profitability in AI-based business solutions.

Why start an AI-based business solution?

• The ever-growing demand for AI solutions offers a competitive edge and a lucrative market.
• Many AI platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible even without a tech background.
• Automating business processes saves companies time and money, making your services highly valuable.

9. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

Starting a health and wellness app could be an excellent entrepreneurial venture for veterans looking to supplement their income or start a side business. This type of app offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, providing users with a comprehensive health tool at their fingertips. As a veteran, you could leverage your discipline, experience, and commitment to health to create an impactful and thriving platform. Learn more about this type of business on Starter Story here.

Why start a health and wellness app?

• You could use your military training and expertise to offer credible fitness and wellness guidance.
• The growing demand for health and wellness solutions creates an opportunity for substantial market impact.
• As a veteran, you're uniquely positioned to build a trusted brand that resonates with users seeking reliable and effective health advice.

10. Start a relationship consulting business

Starting a relationship consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for veterans looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-time business. Your unique experiences in leadership, teamwork, and resilience make you particularly well-suited to offer insightful and valuable guidance to those navigating personal and professional relationships. Plus, the skills you've honed through military service, such as effective communication and problem solving, are invaluable in this field, making it a rewarding and potentially lucrative venture.

Why consider starting a relationship consulting business?

• Your military background uniquely equips you with exceptional communication and leadership skills, crucial for effective relationship consulting.
• You could provide specialized advice and support that capitalizes on your experience in handling diverse interpersonal dynamics.
• Relationship consulting allows you to leverage your life experience to help others, offering both personal satisfaction and a steady income stream.

For more entrepreneurially-minded tips and other business ideas, visit Starter Story.

11. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog as a veteran could be an excellent way to supplement your income and establish a rewarding side business. Leveraging your unique experiences and insights, you can connect with a like-minded audience who value your perspective. By sharing your expertise on topics close to your heart, from military history to leadership skills or fitness, you could create meaningful content that resonates deeply with a specific community.

Why start a niche blog?

• You already possess specialized knowledge that sets you apart. Your military experience provides unique insights, making your content valuable and authentic.
• Blogging offers a flexible schedule. This allows you to work around other commitments and gradually build your income.
• It's a low-cost startup. You could start with minimal upfront investment, making it an accessible option for many veterans looking to venture into business.

For more detailed insights, check out this page on niche blogging profitability here.

12. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

As a Veteran, starting a real estate investment firm offers a practical way to supplement your income, build wealth, and potentially create a flourishing business. This venture involves buying, managing, and selling real estate assets, which can yield impressive financial returns. The real estate market's potential for high profitability, coupled with steady income from rental properties, makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurial-minded Veterans.

Success in this field requires strong market research, strategic planning, and the ability to handle both financial and operational aspects of property management. Leveraging the skills and discipline gained from your military service, you could effectively navigate the complexities of real estate investments and carve out a profitable niche.

Why starting a real estate investment firm?

• Leverage your discipline and strategic skills from the military to analyze and capture profitable real estate opportunities.
• Generate a steady stream of passive income through rental properties while simultaneously building long-term wealth.
• Enjoy the potential for significant appreciation on property investments, creating substantial profits over time.

13. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Launching a print-on-demand business could be an excellent opportunity for veterans looking to supplement their income or create a full-time business. This business model involves minimal upfront costs and allows you to create and sell custom products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases without carrying inventory. By utilizing dropshipping services, you can manage production and fulfillment while focusing on designing unique products and reaching a global audience through platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

• It's low-risk with minimal startup costs, making it financially accessible for veterans.
• You can operate the business from anywhere, providing flexibility for those needing to balance other responsibilities.
• Veterans can leverage their unique experiences and creativity to design products that resonate with a wide range of customers, building a scalable and sustainable business.

14. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

Starting a SEO & lead generation service could be a natural fit for veterans looking to supplement their income or start a side business. With the skills and discipline developed during service, veterans can effectively manage the multiple aspects of digital marketing and lead generation. By leveraging these attributes, veterans could help businesses attract and convert potential customers into leads, providing a valuable service while building a profitable enterprise.

Linking to SEO & Lead Generation Services Profitability for more information can offer insights into how lucrative this venture might be. Given the increasing demand for digital marketing expertise, there’s ample opportunity for growth and success in this field.

Why starting a SEO & lead generation service?

• Leveraging military discipline could help you manage digital marketing tasks efficiently.
• Your experience with strategic planning could help in creating effective lead generation strategies.
• This business allows you to work remotely, giving you flexibility in your schedule and location.

15. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel as a veteran could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged business. With your unique experiences and skills, you could create engaging content that resonates with a wide audience, potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Whether you focus on sharing your military expertise, offering how-to guides, or creating lifestyle vlogs, the possibilities are endless.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and a knack for producing high-quality content. You'll need to plan, shoot, and edit your videos, in addition to engaging with your audience regularly. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, starting a YouTube channel could be a fulfilling entrepreneurial venture. For more detailed insights, you can check out this page at Starter Story.

Why starting a YouTube channel?

• You could monetize your unique skills and experiences to create a niche audience.
• The flexibility of working on your own schedule allows you to balance other commitments.
• It's a low-cost startup, making it accessible for anyone looking to dip their toes into business.

16. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an ideal fit for veterans looking to supplement their income. By promoting companies' products and services online, you could earn commissions for every sale made through your referral links. This business model allows you to work from anywhere, providing flexibility and the potential for passive income.

Learn how to find the right products and brands to partner with to maximize your success. Whether you choose to team up with an eCommerce store or a manufacturer, affiliate marketing offers diverse opportunities for income generation. For more insights and successful stories, you can explore this guide on how much do they make.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

• You could leverage your existing network and skills. Many veterans have excellent communication and organizational skills, perfect for online marketing.
• It offers flexibility and scalability. You could start part-time and easily transition to full-time as your business grows.
• Minimal upfront investment is required. Unlike many traditional businesses, affiliate marketing doesn't require significant startup capital, making it easier to get started.

17. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

Starting an online survey tool as a veteran could be a lucrative opportunity to leverage your meticulous nature and strategic planning skills. Veterans are often acknowledged for their discipline and attention to detail—qualities that are crucial for developing a robust tool to gather meaningful customer feedback for businesses. This sector, flourishing in today's data-driven economy, offers a feasible path to create supplemental income or even a full-time business by aiding companies in understanding their clients better.

For example, the success of companies like Typeform, which reported an annual recurring revenue surpassing $70 million in 2021, underscores the high demand for such services. By building a tool with unique features like customizable survey builders, efficient data collection systems, and insightful reporting, you could tap into this growing market and fulfill a critical need for business intelligence.

Why consider developing an online survey tool?

• Your military background in precision and strategy can help create a reliable and effective product.
• The rise in demand for data collection tools offers significant business opportunities for growth.
• Veterans often excel at leadership and project management, essential skills for launching and scaling a successful tech business.

For more insights, visit Starter Story's online survey tool success stories.

18. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool as a Veteran offers an incredibly flexible and scalable business opportunity that leverages your discipline and strategic mindset. As one of the most effective marketing channels, email marketing can help you generate leads, increase sales, and build meaningful connections with customers. With the email marketing industry expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, Veterans have a prime opportunity to tap into this booming market with a software application that creates, manages, and automates email campaigns.

Given the relatively low startup costs—mostly just a domain and hosting account—this is an attainable venture for entrepreneurial-minded Veterans. As you build your email marketing tool, you will find possibilities for its application in various niches, helping different business owners, from startups to real estate agents.

Why start an email marketing tool?

• The discipline and strategy skills from your service experience could give you an edge in creating a successful email marketing business.
• It's a booming industry with low startup costs, presenting a lucrative opportunity without significant financial risk.
• You could help other entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed by providing a valuable marketing resource, creating a sense of camaraderie and service beyond the military.

For more insights and tips, check out our detailed guide on starting an email marketing tool.

19. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

Starting a lead generation tool could make perfect sense for Veterans looking to supplement their income or create a thriving business. Given the high demand for streamlined marketing solutions, developing a software application that identifies and captures potential customer leads offers lucrative opportunities. Imagine easing companies' burdens by automating the client-finding process, allowing them to focus on converting leads into customers.

With tech expertise and marketing acumen, you could build an indispensable tool that integrates with websites, social media, and other digital channels to collect valuable data like email addresses and interests. This venture leverages your disciplined approach and strategic thinking, making it an ideal side business or full-time career. For insights on the startup costs and tips for launching, you can explore more at Starter Story.

Why developing a lead generation tool?

• Veterans possess strategic and disciplined approaches, essential for building effective and reliable software.
• Opportunity to tap into a high-demand market, as businesses of all sizes are eager to streamline their marketing efforts.
• Leverage your tech-savvy skills and marketing insights to create a product that adds genuine value, ensuring long-term business growth and profitability.

20. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

Turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app could be a viable business venture for Veterans. Developing a mobile app involves creating software applications for smartphones and tablets, with possibilities ranging from productivity tools to engaging games. With a clear vision and perhaps a skilled developer's assistance, you could create, design, and test an app that meets specific user needs. Effective marketing can attract users and drive downloads, potentially creating a substantial revenue stream.

Why start a mobile app business?

• Mobile apps are integral to daily life, offering numerous opportunities for innovative solutions.
• Veterans possess discipline and strategic thinking, vital skills in planning and executing an app development project.
• With a strong idea and determined effort, an app could solve problems or entertain millions, making a significant impact.

For inspiration and more details, check out these success stories.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas🔗

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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