Posted on Aug 22, 2014
Seeking Opinions: Can military members start a small businesses while still serving?
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Hello, I am new to participating in RallyPoint forums but wanted to ask the simple question above and get some feedback.
Posted in these groups: 
Small Business
Small Business
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Absolutely. One of the coolest cases of this is 1LT Betsy Nunez, who started a company that repurposes military surplus into bags and other apparel. Check it out!
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/08/surplus-tents-become-fashion-items-as-army-officer-ceo-creates-jobs-for-vets/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/08/surplus-tents-become-fashion-items-as-army-officer-ceo-creates-jobs-for-vets/
Army Officer Recycles Military Surplus and Creates Fashionable Bags
Military service and fashion is a perfect match for Lt. Emily Nunez.
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Sir, to my understanding there is no issue with doing so. If I am wrong, please someone step in. I had started a small business while in the army with the sole purpose of marketing and selling my book. I also have co-started a business with my wife so that she can participate in local craft fairs and sell her jewelry online.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Austin, thanks for responding. I agree with you that there are not issues with doing so, although many (I think) believe they cannot for a number of reasons.
Also, seems like we have a lot in common! I also started a business at my 18-year point and wrote a book "Active-Duty Entrepreneur" teaching others how to use their military service to successfully launch and grow a small business. We are now in the follow-on called PreVeteran http://www.preveteran.com/. With your experiences, it would be great to get your feedback and thoughts on my book. You can get a free download on the website above.
What was your book about?
Also, seems like we have a lot in common! I also started a business at my 18-year point and wrote a book "Active-Duty Entrepreneur" teaching others how to use their military service to successfully launch and grow a small business. We are now in the follow-on called PreVeteran http://www.preveteran.com/. With your experiences, it would be great to get your feedback and thoughts on my book. You can get a free download on the website above.
What was your book about?
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
Jason,
Not only can military members start a business. They should! Self-Starter, hardworking and intelligent are traits that both Soldiers and entrepreneurs share. There are 168 hours in a week if members of the military develop a business their entire family is passionate about it will be most rewarding on many many levels. If anyone is unsure about how to do this please use the http://www.preveteran.com site or contact me directly for more "soap box" stories pertaining to my own experiences.
Not only can military members start a business. They should! Self-Starter, hardworking and intelligent are traits that both Soldiers and entrepreneurs share. There are 168 hours in a week if members of the military develop a business their entire family is passionate about it will be most rewarding on many many levels. If anyone is unsure about how to do this please use the http://www.preveteran.com site or contact me directly for more "soap box" stories pertaining to my own experiences.
Welcome to PreVeteran! Teaching military members & spouses to create a small business while still serving to help secure their financial future. The website and online community, PreVeteran, provides simple, actionable steps you can take to actually start a small business. We provide you with small business ideas, startup education courseware, and community support.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Derek, indeed! Thanks for the comments. With the downsizing DoD and associated defense industry jobs (the typical go-to for military), I hope they will see it is not only sensible, but prudent, to consider small business creation while they are still serving. While it is never too late to get started, it is also not too early. In fact, the members with the most to gain are the much younger service members that have years to go. With very little money, they can begin learning about small business and see if it is for them. Options are always good, especially in this strange, fiscally-strained environment.
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