Serving Beyond the Uniform
Why Military Experience Still Shapes San Antonio’s Small Business Economy
Every May, the flags come out and the speeches begin. We thank our military service members and veterans for their sacrifice. But in San Antonio—the Military City—service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. In many cases, it’s just beginning.
Across the city, a quiet wave of entrepreneurship is being led by veterans. Some run food trucks and HVAC companies. Others launch tech startups, real estate firms, or online services. But the link is clear: veterans are not just serving. They’re building.
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly 6% of all businesses in the United States are veteran-owned. In Texas, the rate is even higher. And in San Antonio, home to Joint Base San Antonio and over 250,000 veterans, the impact is tangible. These businesses are woven into our local economy—employing neighbors, reinvesting in communities, and often hiring fellow veterans.
Why Veterans Start Businesses
The reasons vary, but many veterans start businesses for the same reasons they joined the military: purpose, independence, and the desire to make an impact.
Military service builds a mindset—one that’s often rare in the startup world. Discipline. Adaptability. Problem-solving under pressure. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re daily habits. And they’re exactly what’s needed when running a business.
Many veterans also bring logistics experience, leadership training, and access to specific SBA programs that support veteran entrepreneurs. But while the opportunity exists, the path is not always smooth.
The Hidden Challenges
Veteran-owned businesses face many of the same issues as others—rising costs, hiring struggles, and burnout. But they also face unique hurdles.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be disorienting. Accessing capital without a strong personal credit history or professional network can slow growth. And while many programs offer support, not all veterans know where to find them or feel comfortable asking for help.
In fact, a 2023 report by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families found that nearly half of veteran entrepreneurs lacked a mentor or advisor during their first year in business. That gap often means learning through costly trial and error.
That’s where community organizations come in.
Why Local Support Matters
Here at Emerge and Rise, we work directly with small business owners—including veterans—offering mentorship, space, and support. But we’re not alone. Other groups like Bunker Labs (acquired by Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)), the O2O at Joint Base San Antonio, and the Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program (EVP) also play a role.
Yet the reality remains: the system is fragmented. And many veteran entrepreneurs fall through the cracks.
When we talk about supporting the military, it must go beyond discounts on coffee or parade attendance. Veteran-owned businesses need visibility, access to funding, and tailored resources. More importantly, they need to be treated not as charity cases, but as contributors to our city’s growth.
What the Numbers Say
Veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire other veterans, support local causes, and stay open longer than non-veteran-owned businesses, according to the SBA Office of Advocacy. They also tend to bring structure and mission alignment to their teams—often a missing piece in early-stage companies.
Despite the growing number of veteran-owned businesses, many founders report limited access to mentorship and community support. According to Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families report, most veteran entrepreneurs begin their business journey without the guidance of a local network. This signals a clear opportunity: appreciation must be matched with action and infrastructure.
Moving From Honor to Opportunity
May is Military Appreciation Month. But in San Antonio, we have a year-round obligation. Supporting veteran entrepreneurs means helping them thrive—not just survive.
That means better outreach. More funding opportunities. And programs that are easy to navigate, not buried in red tape.
At Emerge and Rise, we are building a collaborative space where entrepreneurs—veteran or civilian—can learn, connect, and grow. We don’t just honor service. We support the future it builds.
Veteran? Founder? Looking for your next mission?
At Emerge and Rise, we work with entrepreneurs of all backgrounds—including veterans—who are ready to grow their businesses and impact their communities. From mentorship to workshops, we’ve got your six. Talk to us.
Your donations make our work possible.
When you give to Impact, you provide resources that transform the community.
Keep Reading
