Veteran Entrepreneurship: A Driving Force in America's Economy
Veteran engagement in entrepreneurship has been a driving force in the United States' economic system since our nation’s inception. In 2023, veterans were reported to own almost 2 million businesses nationwide. These veteran-owned small businesses are critical in sustaining the U.S. economy, employing nearly 5.5 million Americans and generating over $1 trillion in revenue annually. Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking to their ventures, skills honed during their time in service, making their businesses impactful and vital to the country's growth.
At Becker Digital, we are proud to be part of this legacy. As a veteran-owned small business, our mission goes beyond just contributing to the economy; we aim to support the public sector at local, state, regional, and national levels. Our founder, Jeremy Becker, a retired U.S. Army Officer and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, started this firm with a vision of applying the discipline, adaptability, and mission-driven mindset gained in the military to solve complex problems for government agencies and nonprofits.
“Bootstrapping a government contracting company with no capital, no connections, and no procurement experience wasn’t easy; however, the skills I developed along the way have been invaluable. We decided on a goal and then developed ourselves into professionals capable of achieving the objectives. It’s been an equally exhausting and exhilarating experience,” says Jeremy Becker, CEO of Becker Digital.
Lessons Learned from Starting a Veteran-Owned Small Business
Starting a small business isn’t easy. The transition from military service to entrepreneurship can be particularly challenging for veterans. Navigating the complexities of business ownership, from securing financing to building a client base, requires determination and adaptability. Veterans, however, are uniquely equipped to handle these challenges. The skills developed in the military—strategic planning, leadership, and the ability to make decisions under pressure—are critical to entrepreneurial success.
At Becker Digital, we’ve learned that creating a solid foundation is essential for long-term growth. Networking with other veteran business owners, seeking out mentors, and leveraging the numerous resources available to veteran entrepreneurs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Veterans Business Outreach Centers, have been invaluable to our success. The journey isn’t easy, but the sense of purpose and mission makes it incredibly rewarding.
“We incorporated our company values and purpose into our original business plan. It was important to Jeremy and me that our company did more than just make money - we wanted to make a real and lasting difference in improving the quality of life for military and veteran families. Nine years into our operation, we’ve supported multiple national programs dedicated to supporting this valiant community,” said Hannah Becker, Vice President of Becker Digital.
Learn more in Success Strategies for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.
How Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Support Our Communities
Veteran-owned small businesses don’t just contribute to the economy—they actively support the communities they serve. Many veteran entrepreneurs, like those at Becker Digital, have a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. Whether it’s through hiring fellow veterans, supporting local initiatives, or developing products and services that meet critical needs, veteran small businesses can drive positive change across multiple sectors. At Becker Digital, our public sector services are veteran-centric, ensuring the modern warfighter and veteran community has the resources and support they need to succeed from the battlefield to the homefront.
Learn more about Jeremy Becker’s entrepreneurial journey in SIGNAL Magazine’s article, “From Battlefields to Boardrooms: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Veterans.”
The Future of Veteran Small Business Engagement
The future of veteran-owned businesses is uncertain, as entrepreneurship engagement among post-9/11 veterans is lower than previous veteran cohorts. As a veteran-owned small business, we hope veterans will invest in our economy via entrepreneurship, as this offers a powerful avenue for them to apply their skills and create lasting impact. Programs like the SBA’s Boots to Business, Bunker Labs, National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), and other veteran-specific initiatives expand access to capital, mentorship, and training, enabling more veterans to succeed as business owners.
November 11-15, 2024, marks National Veterans Small Business Week, an exciting observance designated by the SBA to promote veteran entrepreneurship across the United States. This is an opportunity to spotlight the incredible impact veteran-owned businesses have on the economy and to encourage more veterans to consider entrepreneurship as a viable and rewarding path. At Becker Digital, we are committed to fostering this future. Our goal is to create sustainable solutions that not only strengthen our nation’s economy but also continue a lifetime of service through the development and delivery of world-class services to the public sector.
Proud to be Veteran-Owned and Operated!
Becker Digital is proud to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that harnesses the values of service to drive results and support communities across the nation. Together, we can continue to strengthen our country’s economy and ensure that veterans remain a vital part of America’s entrepreneurial landscape.
For public sector organizations seeking support, Becker Digital is a trusted consulting firm that provides mission-driven organizations with customized services. Contact us to discuss your organization’s mission support needs and goals!
Becker Digital is honored to continue a lifetime of service to our nation as an SBA-Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and HUBZone Business!