From Service to Success: The Veteran Entrepreneur's Journey

Scarpa Fellow Tony Cassetta ’24 provides his views on the veteran entrepreneur’s journey and the law and policy that supports veteran entrepreneurs.

Transitioning from the regimented life of military service to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship represents a profound shift for many veterans. This journey transforms battle-honed discipline into business acumen, allowing veterans to emerge as innovative leaders in the entrepreneurial landscape. Despite their readiness, veterans often confront obstacles such as securing funding, adjusting to the civilian business environment and translating military skills into business success.

Battlefields to Business Fields: The Rise of Veteran-Owned Enterprises Post-WWII

Since WWII, the historical success of veteran-owned businesses, significantly propelled by the G.I. Bill, highlights veterans' seamless transition from military service to entrepreneurship.[1] The GI Bill facilitated higher education access and equipped veterans with essential business leadership skills.  Veteran-owned enterprises like VET TV, SERP.co, BlackBeard's Media, and Innovative Supplies Worldwide exemplify the diverse and significant contributions of veterans in various sectors. These businesses, spanning entertainment to digital marketing, communications, and creative arts, underscore the dynamic role of veterans in driving innovation and economic growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Navigating Challenges: From Financial to Cultural Hurdles

As mentioned, veteran entrepreneurs face a myriad of challenges, from accessing capital to adapting to a civilian business culture vastly different from military structure. Recent legislative efforts have aimed to bolster veteran entrepreneurship, addressing various challenges faced by veterans and their families in the business world. One notable piece of legislation is the SERV Act, introduced by Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Mark Alford (R-MO).[2] The SERV Act focuses on studying the barriers that veterans encounter when starting businesses and aims to improve the availability of veteran-focused small business programs for accessing resources, capital, and credit​​.

Additionally, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023 was passed to codify the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) "Boots to Business" program.[3] This program offers entrepreneurship training to military service members, their spouses, and veterans, highlighting the natural leadership, decision-making, and driven nature inherent in those who have served our country​​.

Moreover, the Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Act of 2023, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), aims to support military spouses in starting and developing their own businesses.[4] Recognizing the high unemployment rates among military spouses and the unique economic challenges they face; this legislation seeks to provide them with essential tools and training to thrive as entrepreneurs​​.

These initiatives reflect a growing awareness of the contributions that veterans and their families can make to the entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

Spotlight on Kevin Seiff: Illuminating the Path for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Kevin Seiff exemplifies the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit within the veteran community. After a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL, Kevin embraced the uncertainties of civilian life, founding the Vetrepreneur Collective.  From running a recruiting agency to offering bespoke coaching, Kevin's journey underscores the potential for veterans to find renewed purpose and success in the world of business.

Storytelling emerges as a critical business strategy, especially for veterans transitioning to entrepreneurial roles. Kevin, through the Vetrepreneur Collective, emphasizes storytelling's transformative power. He advises employing storytelling and copywriting to craft memorable business messages, build a loyal audience, and distinguish oneself from the competition. He highlights the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework for clear, concise stories and advises using sensory details and emotions to connect deeply with the audience. This approach not only enhances sales and brand reputation but also strengthens customer loyalty.[5] 

For a deeper dive into Kevin Seiff's entrepreneurial vision and the Vetrepreneur Collective's mission, visit his website.

Unleashing Potential: Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

VET Tv, for example, exemplifies the potential of veteran entrepreneurs. What started as a YouTube channel focused on military-themed entertainment, VET Tv has shown notable success since its inception in 2016. With over 813,000 subscribers and 1,400 videos, it has amassed over 622 million views, demonstrating its impact.  This growth showcases VET Tv's ability to resonate with and engage a dedicated audience, marking it as a standout example of veteran entrepreneurial achievement.

The Crucial Role of Legal Professionals

The role of legal professionals in the journey of veteran entrepreneurs is multifaceted and critical. Lawyers do not just navigate the intricate legalities and financial intricacies inherent in starting and running a business; they also play a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem for veterans. Their expertise ensures that veteran entrepreneurs can focus on innovation and growth while remaining compliant and protected. This collaboration highlights the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds and harnessing unique military experiences, transforming them into powerful assets within the business landscape. By providing tailored legal advice and support, attorneys empower veterans to leverage their distinct skills and perspectives for entrepreneurial success, ensuring their ventures are built on solid legal foundations.

The Legal Community's Call to Action

Given the important journey that veterans undertake during and after their service, the legal community has a clear call to action: to proactively support veteran entrepreneurs. This involves offering our perspectives, insights, and support to help them navigate the complex legal landscape they encounter. Through mentorship, we can offer legal advice that paves their way forward; through investment we can help bring their innovative projects to life; through advocacy, we can support policies and legislation that reduces obstacles to their success.

Veterans bring resilience, leadership, and innovation to our communities and economy. Supporting their ventures is not just our collective responsibility; it is our privilege. As future legal professionals, we are at the vanguard of this important cause. Seizing this opportunity can make a profound difference in the lives of veteran entrepreneurs. By working together to ensure that veterans' entrepreneurial aspirations are not only achievable but fully realized, we are enriching our society with their insights and unwavering dedication.

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[1] Pub. L. 78–346.

[2] H.R. 4480, 118th Cong. (2023).

[3] H.R. 1606, 118th Cong. (2023).

[4] S. 2000, 118th Cong. (2023).

[5] MMV #015: The Power of Storytelling, The Vet Collective (Aug. 28, 2023), https://vetrepreneuer-collective.ck.page/posts/mmv-015-the-power-of-storytelling.