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This portal was designed in part to give guidance on how to become a veteran-owned business and a successful entrepreneur. To improve your skills and acquire new ones, consider the following:
Identify Transferable Skills: Start by identifying the skills developed during military service and how they can be applied to the business world.
Seek Entrepreneurship Training and Education: Look for entrepreneurship training programs and educational opportunities specifically designed for veterans. Business marketing, for example is a skill set that can be applied to all industries.
Build a Professional Network: Networking is crucial for any entrepreneur. Connect with other veterans who have ventured into entrepreneurship or join entrepreneur associations and business networking groups. The NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce makes it easy for you to find and attend networking events.
Start with a Solid Business Plan: A well-structured business plan will help you stay focused, attract investors if needed, and guide your decision-making.
Acquire Industry-Specific Knowledge: Conduct thorough market research, study your competitors, and understand the trends and challenges in your chosen field.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, market changes, and technological advancements that may impact your business and invest in professional development through online courses, workshops, and webinars like those offered through the Warrior Portal.
Develop Financial Literacy: Educate yourself on basic accounting principles, financial forecasting, cash flow management, and budgeting.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace learning from failures, adapting to changes, and persevering through obstacles.
Leverage Veteran-Owned Business Resources: Organizations like The NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, NYU Veterans Future Labs, and Bunker Labs provide mentorship, funding support, and networking opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. Obtaining veteran-owned business certification is another way to open doors and can lead to work with government offices and other organizations incentivized to contract veteran-owned businesses.
Seek Mentors and Advisors: Their insights and advice can help you navigate challenges and make informed decisions as you grow your business.