From Boots to Business: Veteran Entrepreneur Resources in Houston
Transitioning from military service to civilian life comes with its own set of challenges, and for many veterans, one of the most exciting paths forward is entrepreneurship.
Veterans bring a unique blend of discipline, leadership, adaptability, and grit to the business world. Whether you're launching a new venture, growing a side hustle, or exploring the idea of becoming your own boss, Houston offers a wealth of resources specifically tailored to veteran entrepreneurs.
Here’s your guide to getting started.
Rear Adm. Paul Pearigen, NMW commander and chief of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, speaks to veteran entrepreneurs at Bunker Hill Labs during an executive engagement visit to Philadelphia. During the event, Pearigen heard from veterans about how military service provided both unique benefits and opportunities as well as challenges for life after service. The visit was coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach to connect Americans with their Navy.
Why Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs
Veterans know how to lead under pressure, solve problems creatively, and manage teams. All skills that translate perfectly into business ownership. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 2.5 million businesses in the U.S. are veteran-owned.
You already have the mindset, now it's time to connect with the tools.
Top Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs in Houston
1. Houston Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Part of a nationwide network, the Houston VBOC offers:
Business planning assistance
Market research
Financial projections
Help with securing funding
Access to veteran-focused workshops and networking
📍 Veterans Business Outreach Center at the University of Texas Arlington College of Business
🔗 https://vboc.uta.edu/
2. Texas Veterans Commission. Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP)
The Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP) provides veteran entrepreneurs and veteran small businesses the tools they need to start or grow their businesses.
The VEP team of consultants, who are veterans, business owners, and MBA graduates, helps with consultation and business partner referral for financing, strategies, and networking.
Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeremy Boucher, a Springfield, Massachusetts-native, pours a drink for a customer at Split Fin Brewery in Midway, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2020. Jeremy and Dr. Kristen Boucher are both Army veterans, and they opened Split Fin Brewing in June. The couple credits much of their business’s success to the skills they gained while serving in the Army.
3. Bunker Labs Houston
Bunker Labs is a national nonprofit that supports veterans and military spouses through:
Cohort-based business accelerators
Networking events
Access to investors and venture capital
Houston’s chapter is active and growing, making it a solid choice for aspiring entrepreneurs at any stage.
4. SCORE Houston
SCORE is a volunteer-driven organization offering free business mentoring and low-cost workshops. Many mentors in the Houston chapter are veterans or have military experience and understand the unique transition to entrepreneurship.
🔗 www.houston.score.org
5. LiftFund – Veteran Business Loans
If you're ready to launch but need funding, LiftFund offers low-interest loans and financial coaching specifically for veterans. They also host business development webinars and 1-on-1 consultations.
6. Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce
The Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to building a robust & vibrant veterans business ecosystem for veteran and non-veteran business owners. They also created the HRVCC foundation, with 99% of its proceeds going to supporting veteran advocacy and veteran-owned businesses.
The HRVCC hosts events ranging from regular mixers for networking to raffles to business education expos.
https://hrvcc.org
Brian Lafauci, New England Veterans Business Outreach Center director, speaks during an Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop panel at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 28. Lafauci was joined on the panel by fellow veteran entrepreneur Liseth Velez, Boston Ambassador for Bunker Labs, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Kathi Vidal, and Tom Herald, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center senior business advisor, to share their experiences in entrepreneurship and assist other military-connected persons with available resources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Maki)
Special Programs & Events to Watch For
Boots to Business (B2B) – A free two-day entrepreneurship course through the SBA, often hosted on military installations and VA centers. Open to veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses. https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-business
VetFran – For veterans interested in franchising. Offers discounts and guidance for franchise ownership. https://www.vetfran.org
Houston Small Business Expo (Veteran Track) – Annual event that features veteran-focused resources, panels, and networking. https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com/city/houston/
Tips for Success as a Veteran Entrepreneur
✅ Use your network – Fellow veterans are often your best resource. Tap into local veteran business groups or LinkedIn communities.
✅ Start small, but start smart – Use free tools to create a lean business model, validate your idea, and develop a solid brand.
✅ Protect your time – Entrepreneurship is a grind. Balance mission with wellness, especially if you’re juggling family and post-service life.
✅ Stay coachable – No one builds a business alone. Lean into mentoring, feedback, and expert support.
An Airman speaks to panelists at an Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop and Resource Fair at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 28, 2023. Attendees were able to ask for advice and hear stories from people who either retired from the military and started their own business or started one as a spouse. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole)
Final Thoughts
Starting a business as a veteran isn’t just a dream—it’s a very real path that thousands have walked successfully. Houston offers the infrastructure, support, and community to help you thrive.
Whether you're launching a tech startup, a construction company, a coffee shop, or a consulting firm, remember: you've already led in high-stakes environments. Now it’s time to lead your mission.
From boots to business—your next chapter starts now.