Each year on November 11, our nation pauses to honor the courage, discipline, and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we extend that gratitude to the many veterans who have transformed their leadership, resilience, and sense of service into thriving businesses.

Military experience builds skills that every entrepreneur needs: focus, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to persevere under pressure. Yet transitioning from military life to business ownership brings its own set of challenges. That is where TAP steps in, providing personalized consulting and compassionate coaching that help veteran entrepreneurs turn their vision into measurable growth.

According to Forbes and the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 2 million veteran-owned businesses employ over 5 million Americans, collectively generating roughly $900 billion for the economy (April 2025). These enterprises exemplify the discipline and purpose-driven innovation that fuel small business success.

Empowering Veterans Through Partnership

We collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to supporting under-resourced small business owners, including veterans who are transitioning into entrepreneurship. In partnership with The Honor Foundation, we led small group coaching sessions for veteran entrepreneurs exploring new ventures after active duty. 

In 2024, we had the opportunity to work closely with the 6888 Kitchen Incubator in Dayton, Ohio — part of the Ohio Taste Foundation, co-founded by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Charlynda Scales. We led two deep-dive consulting engagements with 6888 food businesses, helping founders strengthen their operations, pricing strategies, and long-term growth plans.

Charlynda not only leads the incubator but also serves as a director of the Ohio Taste Foundation and runs Sharpen the Axe, which delivers accessible financial literacy and business coaching to food and beverage entrepreneurs. Together with these partners, we joined their virtual food conference and shared a workshop on Costs, Pricing, and Profitability for Food Businesses as part of Virtual Financial Literacy Week.

This collaboration helped equip early-stage culinary founders with practical tools, clearer financial strategies, and a stronger support network — all in service of building thriving local businesses and a more resilient food ecosystem.

Veterans in Focus

Beyond these partnerships, TAP continues to support veteran-owned businesses nationwide through 1:1 consulting and small group coaching.

In Slidell, Louisiana, Felicia Flake, founder of Fab2DMax LLC, brings her military strength and determination to the fitness and wellness industry. A two-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and U.S. Combat Veteran, Felicia inspires clients to discover their own resilience through movement and motivation. She participated in a 1:1 coaching session focused on how to prepare for funding, where TAP consultants helped her analyze profitability and refine her marketing strategy to reach her ideal client target. “Great insight for my business and advice,” Felicia shared.

In Gaithersburg, Maryland, Grace Simmons, founder of The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC, draws on her military career and emotional wellness journey to help others reconnect with confidence and identity. Grace attended a small group coaching session on enhancing your web presence, where she worked on refining her messaging and optimizing her online content to attract more clients. “You guys are amazing. I’m always telling people about you,” she said.

In White Plains, New York, Anthony Moreno, owner of The Fusion House by Boutique, combines physical, mental, and spiritual training to help clients become the best version of themselves. Anthony took part in a 1:1 coaching session focused on setting and prioritizing business goals, where he worked through challenges related to restructuring operations and navigating a recent partnership split. He described his TAP consultant as “personable, pleasant, and very knowledgeable,” providing clarity and encouragement at a pivotal moment in his journey.

Coaching That Counts

Behind each of these stories stands a TAP consultant dedicated to supporting and equipping business owners. With a network of 195 consultants, TAP offers human-centered guidance that complements capital access with care and compassion.

For many veterans, this partnership provides more than strategic tools. It offers connection, a trusted advisor to share ideas with, someone who listens, and someone who helps translate determination into action. As Forbes noted earlier this year, veterans are inherently mission-driven, building their companies with purpose baked into their DNA from day one. In today’s uncertain climate, that kind of steady, personal support makes all the difference.

The Ripple Effect

When veteran entrepreneurs grow, they lift their communities with them. They create jobs, mentor others, and serve as role models for future generations, modeling resilience. Through partnerships like The Honor Foundation and collaborations with organizations such as 6888 Kitchen, TAP remains deeply committed to empowering those who have served our country and continue to serve through business leadership.

Their stories are a reminder that service takes many forms, and resilience does not end with deployment. It evolves through entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact.

✨ Apply today for a free 1:1 consultation or partner with TAP to help more veteran entrepreneurs turn service into success.