From battlefield to business

November 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor America’s former military personnel. More than 180,000 service members leave the military each year, joining the 18 million veterans nationwide.As troops return to civilian life and begin their next careers — Does this mean starting your own business or finding a job? — is one of the first tasks at hand.Nearly 6% of businesses are owned by veterans (according to U.S. Census Bureau Business Survey).

If you’re a transitioning military member and a budding entrepreneur, these resources can help you get started. The SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) helps veterans manage the agency’s programs, including providing financial support to veterans; their Start a business This program provides training in the skills veterans need to successfully own and operate a business; and the SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Provides business planning workshops, coaching and training. Find the center nearest you.

Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families Works on multiple projects for former military personnel including Towards Opportunities (O2O), Civilian vocational training and professional certification courses. IVMF Veterinary Network Offers online internet, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship courses.

Whether you are a veteran or not, if you are a business owner looking to hire veterans, start your search with the following Veterans Employment Toolkit From the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Labor Employer’s Guide to Hiring Veterans.

Finally, take some time to thank the veterans in your life for their service and sacrifice.