Honoring Veteran Entrepreneurs During National Veterans Small Business Week
National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), held November 3-7, 2025, honors the entrepreneurial spirit and economic contributions of America’s 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses. Now in its 12th year, the event—organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)—aims to increase support for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses and raise awareness of available resources.
Veteran-owned small businesses play a vital role in the U.S. economy. They generate approximately $1 trillion in annual sales, employ nearly three million workers, and represent about 5.5% of all businesses. Veterans are 45% more likely to start their own business, underscoring their drive, resilience, and leadership.
Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) supports veteran and military spouse-owned small businesses through its Small Business Grant Program, which aligns with HOH’s mission to expand economic opportunity for the military-connected community.
Thanks to the generosity of the FedEx Founders Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and USAA Small Business Insurance, the program celebrates the impact these businesses have on their communities and the broader economy. Each year, five small businesses are selected to receive one-time cash grants to help grow and sustain their operations.
Previously, each grant awarded was $10,000. This year, HOH is thrilled to announce that one exceptional small business will receive an increased award of $25,000, in addition to four $10,000 grants.
“For many members of the military community, the pathway to economic opportunity leads to small business ownership,” Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes, said during the 2025 award ceremony. “Veterans and military spouses make great entrepreneurs because they understand what it means to serve their communities and what it takes to be successful.”
“For many members of the military community, the pathway to economic opportunity leads to small business ownership.”
– Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes
Veteran Entrepreneurs Harness Military Skills for Business Success
Two of this year’s grant recipients—Roger Kuns and Michael Haga—exemplify the leadership, resilience, and dedication that veterans and military spouses bring to business.
Roger Kuns spent his final year in the U.S. Marine Corps contemplating his next chapter. He decided to pursue entrepreneurship and sought a business that could weather economic fluctuations. With guidance from his father, Roger entered the security industry—despite having no prior experience.
“I knew nothing about locks, knew nothing about security, but the things that I learned in the service gave me the confidence that I could do it,” Roger said. Today, he owns and operates Kuns Northcoast Security in Fremont, OH.
U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Haga had a similar journey.
“When I left the Air Force, it was very scary,” Michael said. Despite the uncertainty, he and his wife pursued their dream of opening Indian Creek Meats in Poplar Bluff, MO. Michael credits his military service for instilling the leadership and stress-management skills essential to running a business.
The transition from military service to civilian life can be daunting. But for many veterans like Roger and Michael, it presents a powerful opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit, highlight their service-driven nature, and showcase the skills they’ve gained through military experience.
