Real Talk: Strategies That Actually Work for a Women Veteran Owned Business

Transformative Strategies for Female Veteran Business Owners

If you’ve ever felt like transitioning from military life into entrepreneurship was a wild ride—you’re not alone.

Running a women veteran owned business comes with its own mix of grit, resourcefulness, and, let’s be honest, a lot of questions. You’re navigating civilian business systems, online marketing, funding pathways, and figuring out how to stand out in crowded spaces—all while probably managing family, community, and some invisible expectations.

This isn’t a motivational speech. This is a strategy session.

Let’s talk about what actually works when you’re building a business after service—especially if you’re a woman navigating this space solo. You don’t need more fluff. You need traction.

1. Know What You’ve Earned—And Use It

There are real advantages and programs designed specifically to support women veteran owned businesses. But a lot of them are buried under vague websites or outdated PDFs. You don’t have time for that. Here’s where to start:

  • Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): legit resources offering free training, business planning help, and mentorship.
  • Boots to Business: a free SBA training course for transitioning service members and spouses.
  • SBA Certification for Women-Owned and Veteran-Owned: it’s not just paperwork—it opens doors to government contracts and funding streams.

Start claiming what’s already available to you. And if the forms are overwhelming, connect with someone who can walk you through it. (P.S. We do that inside the 9-Line Roadmap.)

2. Your Military Skills Are Business Skills

Let’s drop the imposter syndrome at the door.

You already know how to lead, adapt, delegate, problem-solve under pressure, and execute under tight timelines. That is entrepreneurship.

The most successful women veteran owned businesses I see are the ones that own their skillset out loud. They don’t water it down—they shape their brand, their messaging, and their leadership style around it.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Use your discipline to create a marketing rhythm that works.
  • Use your strategic thinking to prioritize offers that drive revenue.
  • Use your leadership to set boundaries, build partnerships, and grow a real team.

3. You Need a Network That Gets You

Business is tough. Doing it alone is tougher. And doing it without people who understand both business and service? That’s a recipe for burnout.

This is why I always recommend plugging into veteran entrepreneur networks like:

  • Bunker Labs (they run some excellent cohort-style programs)
  • Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
  • Local SBA chapters with veteran-focused events

But let’s not just “network” for the sake of it. Find your people. The ones who will celebrate your wins, challenge your thinking, and push you toward action. If you’re building a women veteran-owned business, your community is not a luxury—it’s a growth tool.

4. Use Storytelling As a Strategy

Look, marketing is more than just tips and tricks. People want to know why you. What’s the heart behind your business?

This is where your story becomes your brand.

Talk about your service, your transition, what you’ve learned, and why you’re here now. Not as a trauma dump—but as an origin story that makes you relatable, credible, and trustworthy.

What I tell my clients inside our strategy intensives is this: your story is the reason someone will remember you tomorrow.

→ Share it in your About page
→ Sprinkle it into your Instagram captions
→ Build it into your pitch

People buy from people. Especially when those people show up real.

5. Content + Systems = Visibility That Doesn’t Burn You Out

SEO is amazing. Social media is powerful. But none of it matters if your marketing is chaotic and reactive.

Here’s what works:

  • A simple content system you can maintain consistently
  • SEO basics built into your website and blog posts
  • One lead generation funnel that runs while you sleep

If you’re not sure where to start, grab the 30-Day Strategy Starter Plan or book a Clarity Call. We’ll map out your next move and help you turn all the spinning plates into a real strategy.

Your business deserves visibility. But not at the cost of your peace.

6. Tap Into Local + Government Support (This Is Big)

You don’t have to hustle in the dark. There’s community and funding out there that’s literally waiting for a women veteran owned business to claim it.

Here are a few to explore:

  • Local Chamber of Commerce veteran councils
  • State-level grant programs for women or minority-owned businesses
  • Government contract matchmaking events for certified veteran-owned businesses

Showing up where those dollars are moving is part of the game. Learn how to navigate the room, speak the language, and advocate for the value you bring.

(If that feels intimidating? That’s exactly what strategic coaching is for.)

Let’s Wrap This Up

If you’re a woman-owned veteran business, here’s the truth:

  • You have more tools at your fingertips than you think.
  • You’re not behind—you’re just getting clear.
  • You don’t have to figure this out alone.

This isn’t about chasing tactics. It’s about building a business that works for you. With structure, support, and strategy that actually fits your life.

Let’s get you some traction.

Ready for the Next Step?

Explore Coaching with Lisa Benson
Book a Clarity Call
Start with the 9-Line Business Roadmap

You served. You led. Now it’s your time to build.

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