Forward March Saturday: Honoring Veteran Entrepreneurs
About the Day
March 1st is "Forward March Saturday," a day dedicated to honoring the determination and resilience of veteran entrepreneurs who have taken unconventional paths in pursuit of their dreams. As we celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week, we want to recognize the courage it takes to leave the military and start a business.
Many veterans face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life, and starting a business can be a difficult yet rewarding path. According to the Small Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans, and veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.
This day is an opportunity to share your story or show support for veteran entrepreneurs using the hashtags #ForwardMarchFriday and #VetEntrepreneur. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate others who may be considering starting their own business.
Veteran Entrepreneur Examples
One veteran entrepreneur who embodies the spirit of Forward March Friday is Daniel Alarik, the founder and CEO of Grunt Style, a veteran-owned apparel company. After serving in the U.S. Army, Alarik started his business in his garage with just a $1,200 investment. Today, Grunt Style is a multi-million dollar company that employs hundreds of veterans.
Another example is Marylyn Harris, a former Army captain who founded the Houston-based procurement consulting firm Harrland Healthcare Consulting. She saw a need for her services after experiencing difficulty securing contracts for her medical device company, and now helps other small businesses navigate the complex world of government contracting.
These are just a few examples of the many veteran entrepreneurs who have taken risks and worked tirelessly to achieve success. By sharing their stories and showing support for veteran-owned businesses, we can help inspire and empower others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Get Involved
So on this "Forward March Saturday," let's honor the resilience and determination of veteran entrepreneurs and the valuable contributions they make to our economy and communities. Share your story or show your support using #ForwardMarchSaturday and #VetEntrepreneur.