For many disabled veterans, finding meaningful civilian employment after military service can be challenging, particularly when navigating workplace stigma, service-connected disabilities, or difficulty translating military experience into civilian careers. Small veteran-owned businesses are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap because they often understand military culture, leadership, and the realities of transition in ways traditional employers may not.

Recent research conducted by U.S. Army Retired Sergeant Christopher Rodriguez, DBA, and Associate Professor Michelle Preiksaitis, JD, PhD, and published in the Journal of Veterans Studies, explores how supportive hiring practices, mentorship, accommodations, and positive workplace cultures in small veteran-owned businesses can improve employment outcomes for disabled veterans while also strengthening the veteran businesses.

Disabled veterans continue to face significant barriers when transitioning into civilian employment, despite bringing valuable leadership, adaptability, and technical experience to the workforce. The study discussed that many disabled veterans encounter challenges tied to workplace stigma, difficulty translating military skills into civilian qualifications, and concerns surrounding physical or mental health conditions.

The study’s findings suggest that small veteran-owned businesses (and possibly other types of employers) can improve outcomes for disabled veteran employees by focusing on supportive workplace practices rather than assumptions about limitations. Programs that include mentoring, flexible accommodations, and integrated support services were shown to improve the employment stability and workplace satisfaction of disabled veterans.

For the small veteran-owned businesses, the study found that this is linked to positive retention among veteran employees and benefits from their experience, teamwork, and resilience. 

As more veterans transition into civilian careers, both employers and communities have an opportunity to strengthen their veteran inclusion efforts. Veterans seeking employment support may benefit from resources such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), and Hiring Our Heroes.

Employers interested in strengthening veteran hiring initiatives can also access guidance from the Disabled American Veterans’ guide to hiring and retaining veterans with disabilities and the National Veterans Foundation.

Read and download the full research paper from the Journal of Veterans Studies.

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