Why Every Small Business Needs to Hire Veterans

There’s a reason certain civilians are chosen over others to serve their country. Veterans have a grit, drive, and attitude towards work that is unparalleled. If you’re a new business owner, you can get fantastic returns by recognizing the tremendous value veteran hires bring to the table. 

Why Do Veterans Make Such Great Employees?

Studies have shown that veteran hires are more productive, with higher retention rates than their civilian counterparts. They also offer high levels of work ethic, adaptability, initiative, integrity, and leadership readiness. Some additional attributes that characterize vet hires include:

• Technical skills: Military experience prepares vets with specialized training where they become adept at handling advanced technology.
• Change management: Veterans are great at making difficult decisions on the go, pivoting strategies to best suit changing work conditions.
• Diversity: Vets are trained in operating across different cultural and social boundaries, which is an excellent asset for any business.

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families published a brief, which offers a research-driven psychological perspective on skills that make veterans great for business. You can find the brief here for more information.

Despite the fantastic skillset and benefits veterans come with, the unemployment rate for veterans is at an all-time low of 3.7%. Not only does hiring veterans offer these fantastic individuals a space to shine, but it will significantly benefit your bottom line as well.

Set Your Business up for Success

As a budding entrepreneur, you’re likely being pulled in all different directions. You’ll need to set yourself up for success with some structures in place. Hiring the right vet employees will go a long way, as will investing in the right software and technology. 

Many business owners also form an LLC, or limited liability company, to stay on track and remain organized. LLCs come with numerous benefits, such as tax advantages, greater flexibility, and reduced paperwork. Forming an LLC is a straightforward process, especially if you enlist the help of a formation service, which will also save you significant lawyers’ fees in the long run. If you want to learn how to start a business in Indiana , check out the state-specific regulations before proceeding, as they can differ by region. Once you’ve taken care of all the business administration, you can get to the actual hiring process!

Hiring Veterans

Don’t fall for the mistake of hiring a veteran just because of their status. You must be sure to ‘vet the vet,’ ensuring they meet the needs and ethos of your organization. This is easier when you set hiring goals beforehand, focusing on previous experience, certifications, education, location, and more. Check out this fantastic Veteran’s Hiring Toolkit by America’s Heroes at Work, for a step-by-step strategy to creating a veteran hiring initiative for your business.

Apply for Benefits

Employers who hire veterans also benefit from significant state and federal initiatives. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit ( WOTC ) is a federal tax credit that reduces the employer’s tax liability and reduces the cost of doing business. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is another such program that recognizes employers who recruit and retain members of the veteran community. Depending on the size of your organization, you open yourself up to awards of recognition. This can be an effective marketing strategy for most small businesses, as it can go a long way in attracting a socially responsible audience.

We hope this article provides a good jumping-off point to begin hiring vets for your small business. With businesses across the U.S. realizing the strength and power vets bring to the organization, you’ll be in good company. And don’t forget to thank your new hires for their service!

Kelli Brewer is part of DeployCare, which offers support to service members and their families - she shares resources and solutions for issues commonly faced by military families before, during and after deployment.