Start A Business

Calling All Vetrepreneurs - Start A Business!

Guide for Veterans and Military Spouses

Everyone always asks the same question - What are you going to do next?
It's not always easy to answer.

Some know exactly what they're going to do, and already have things lined up.
Some have kicked around some ideas, but don't yet have anything solid planned.
Some have absolutely no idea!

I was asked this question, and at the time the photo above was taken I didn't have a good answer.
See the two people standing together in front of the red and white aircraft? That's me on the left!
Through both deployments I thought hard about what I might do when I left active duty service. 
The people I met, and all the things that I experienced, set into motion my journey toward Vetrepreneurship. 
Today I help others along this same path. 

So, here's my question to you...Have YOU ever considered starting a business?
After all, you're used to juggling many hats, working through various challenges, and have valuable skill sets. Instead of working for someone else, and helping them build their company, why not put all that knowledge and experience to work for YOU? Why not work toward your own dreams and goals?

Consider this - quite often, the biggest hurdle to Entrepreneurship is that most people just don't know where to begin. The easiest solution is to follow someone who's already been there, done that, and who is now ready to assist others along that same path.

Our Team has put together this Step-by-step guide to help get you on your way.
Using a Bookkeeping Business as our Example, you can follow along and make it your own.

Step 1: Get Off The Ground!

Too many people waste too much time agonizing over things like what to name their company, what type of structure do they need, drafting and re-drafting business plans, spending money on things that they find out later they didn't really need, researching things for months or even years...which only results in delays to getting started.


I may be the first personal to ever tell you this, but don't bother doing any of this! Not at first anyway. I say this because you'll get stuck on something, and never actually get things moving forward. Ask any successful business owner and they will likely tell you two things:

  1. They wish they had started sooner
  2. You can always make changes along the way


Don't over-think it. Start small. Keep it simple.


There's a reason that most businesses begin as Sole-Proprietorships. They are the most basic, the easiest, and fastest to start compared to other types of entity structures. You can simply use your own name, keep track of your Business Revenue and Expenses, and then when it's time for your tax return, you can just file your business activity on Schedule C of your Form 1040.


Later, as things grow, you can always make the change to some other structure like an LLC, Partnership, S-Corp, C-Corp or whatever makes the most sense for you and your situation. It is always recommended to consult your Tax Accountant and Legal Advisor when starting or growing your business,


Step 2: Tech You'll Need

At a bare minimum, you're going to need a Computer and Stable Internet Access

Nice to have but not vital:

A Phone (or software that lets you make and receive calls & text messages on your computer)

A Second Monitor (for accessing digital documents, for maximizing work flows and more efficient data entry)


Step 3: Training & Certifications

Your Clients are looking for Competent, Qualified Professionals to provide them with Bookkeeping Services. You can take the traditional route and get an Associates or Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting, but that can take years to accomplish. It's important to mention that many tasks that Bookkeepers are responsible for do not require a Degree. However, you will need some type of training and certification to be considered a competent professional in this industry.


I highly recommend Becoming an Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional.

This can be accomplished by first completing the Coursera Intuit Bookkeeping Program. (Military and Military Spouses have special access to this Online Training for FREE. Contact us for assistance with this process)


Next, take the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional Exam to receive your Certification.



Step 5: Grow Your Business & Help Others Do The Same

The Branches of the Military are very different, but one thing is universal - Veterans help each other. One day, when you're the successful business owner, you will have others asking you for your help and advice. Reach out to them, become a Mentor, and assist future Vetrepreneurs who were once just like you, so that they too can live their dream and build a business of their own.

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