Guides
Guides for veteran business owners
Straight answers on starting, funding and growing a veteran-owned business, and on buying from one. Written by Stephen James, Intelligence Corps veteran and founder of British Veteran Owned.
- DataUK Veteran-Owned Business StatisticsLive figures from the British Veteran Owned directory — where verified veteran-owned businesses are, which sectors they work in and which services their owners came from — alongside official Census counts of the UK veteran population.
- GuideWhat is a veteran-owned business?A veteran-owned business is a company or sole trader that is majority-owned by someone who has served in HM Armed Forces. In the UK a veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day, regular or reserve. British Veteran Owned also recognises businesses owned by serving personnel, reservists and military spouses or partners.
- GuideStarting a business after leaving the forcesTo start a business after leaving the forces, use your resettlement support early, test the idea, write a simple business plan, and register with HMRC as a sole trader or with Companies House as a limited company. Start Up Loans and free forces mentoring can help, and free verification helps customers find you.
- GuideGrants and funding for veterans starting a businessMost funding for veteran start-ups in the UK comes as a government-backed Start Up Loan with free mentoring, delivered in the forces community by X-Forces Enterprise. Outright business grants for veterans are rare. Charities fund training and equipment, and Enhanced Learning Credits help pay for qualifications. Last checked 27 September 2026.
- GuideThe Armed Forces Covenant for small businessesThe Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that people who serve or have served, and their families, should not be disadvantaged by that service. Any UK business can sign it for free. Signing means publishing your own pledges, such as supporting reservist staff or offering fair access to your services.
- GuideThe Defence Employer Recognition Scheme explainedThe Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recognises employers who support the Armed Forces community. It has three levels. Bronze is self-nominated by any employer that has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Silver and Gold are awarded through a nomination process to employers who go further, and must be renewed every five years.
- GuideThe Veteran Card: what it is and where to use itThe HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a free government card that proves you served in the UK armed forces. You apply through GOV.UK if you left before December 2018; later service leavers receive it automatically. It helps with public services, health and housing support, travel discounts, and offers from businesses, including veteran-owned ones.
- Guide for buyersBuying from veteran-owned businesses: a procurement guideBuying from veteran-owned businesses supports the armed forces community and can strengthen a supply chain with SMEs that bring disciplined, reliable delivery. Public buyers must weigh social value when awarding contracts, and Covenant signatories pledge fair treatment of the forces community. The British Veteran Owned directory lists independently verified veteran-owned suppliers.
- GlossaryGlossary of forces-to-civvy business termsLeaving the forces to start or run a business brings a lot of acronyms. This glossary explains the terms veteran business owners, their customers and their suppliers come across most often, from resettlement schemes like CTP and ELC to the Armed Forces Covenant and the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
Looking for a business? Search the directory or browse forces discounts.