Building the thing, I wish existed, when I left the military....

Introducing!

The launch of the VBNI: Canada's Business Networking and Referral Organization for Veterans.

I left the Army in 2021, after a successful career of twenty years and three tours to Afghanistan. I have been building and supporting businesses ever since! When I left the Army, I wanted to learn about building a businesses. Every veteran I talked to - who hadn't built a business - said, "I think you have to do an MBA?or something."

I didn't want to spend two years of my life and $80,000. So I didn't.

Luckily, through my travels I have met dozens of successful veteran businesses owners and most of them didn't do an MBA. What they all have in common, is that, they all just got started.

This community is for those types of people. You will be grouped into a peer-to-peer network of eight to ten veterans roughly in the same geography and business maturity. We will make sure there is no competition or business conflicts so that leaders can be transparent and open about their products and market. Confidentiality is critical. "What is said in the room, stays in the room, no exceptions."

Lastly, each group has a charter, expectations, process, moderators, and a jeopardy system to remove members. If you are not adding value, late, absent, had a breach of confidentiality or have a cross-investment conflict: You are out. This community is for serious people that want to grow and build their business.

Lastly, every quarter we have a pitch fest of aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch their ideas to seasoned leaders. There is cash to be won as a gift to get started. If you have an idea that needs help, mentorship and feedback - Come try it out over two days and lots of fun. The first one is in May 2025 in a partnership with Mission Entrepreneur and Garrick Apollon - MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

Why is this important?

Empowering military veterans to pursue entrepreneurship has a significant positive impact on the Canadian economy. Each year, over 9,000 service members transition out of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), bringing with them a wealth of skills and experiences that are highly transferable to business ownership.

Declining Self-Employment Rates: Historically, veterans have exhibited higher self-employment rates than non-veterans. In 1998, 16% of veterans in the labor force were self-employed, compared to 12% of non-veterans. By 2018, this rate had declined to 11% for both groups, indicating a significant drop in veteran entrepreneurship. This trend suggests that veterans are increasingly underrepresented among entrepreneurs, highlighting a missed opportunity for economic growth.

High Success Rates: Data indicates that 80% of veteran-owned businesses consider themselves successful, with 54% reporting profitability in 2021. This success rate underscores the potential economic contributions of veteran entrepreneurs when adequately supported. Further, when veterans retire, nearly half of them are located in regions where unemployment rates surpass the national average, indicating that veteran-owned businesses are contributing to economic revitalization in areas that need it most.

These statistics underscore the vital role that veteran entrepreneurs play in bolstering the Canadian economy, fostering innovation, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating growth across various sectors.

The Path Forward

To harness the untapped potential of veteran entrepreneurs, VBNI is focused on the following actions:

1. Enhanced Support Programs: Support the expansion of existing initiatives like Canadian Legacy Project , Mission Entrepreneur and Christina Connelly, CD, MBA, CRSP 's Veteran Marketplace, which has already assisted veterans in starting sustainable small businesses.
2. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Establish mentorship programs that connect veteran entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders to provide guidance and expand their professional networks. The second step of VBNI.
3. Comprehensive Data Collection: Aim to gather detailed information on veteran entrepreneurs in Canada. Supporting such research can inform policy decisions and lead to more effective support structures.
4. Access to Financing: With the network and data, we can then lobby to develop financial products tailored to veterans, such as low-interest loans or grants, to address the capital access challenges they face.

Call to action!

If you would like to join a group of eight to ten veteran entrepreneurs that match well by geography and maturity - sign up. We start our first groups late March!

Every week I will be showcasing a Veteran Business Owner and leader. It will be shared on this newsletter - Veteran Business Networking Initiative.

Lastly, get ready for the first pitch fest in May 2025 where veterans or current serving can try out their ideas and pitch to successful military veteran business leaders!