Veterans Day is November 11, a day to remember all of our veterans. It is a federal holiday and is recognized in all 50 states other than Wisconsin. It’s a day when most federal and state offices are closed, and there are parades and celebrations in many localities across the U.S.
For me, it’s a day to express gratitude to those who have fought to protect my freedom. As a small business owner, there are some tangible things that can be done to show this gratitude. (The following is an updated version of a blog posted a decade ago.)
A business owner can:
Offer discounts
If you have a retail establishment, restaurant, or bar, consider offering discounts to those who can show they are now in or have been in the military. Many restaurants offer free meals, discounts, or deals (find a listing for 2025 from Military.com). Many retailers, from car washes to movie theaters, also offer discounts and deals for veterans.
Hire veterans
If you need more help to operate your business effectively, consider hiring a veteran to fill your slot. Many military skills can translate into the private sector.
Tax breaks. Hiring a veteran may entitle you to claim the work opportunity tax credit. Find FAQs about the WOTC from the IRS. Note: The credit is scheduled to expire at the end of the year and can only be claimed for eligible employees who begin work by December 31, 2025. But Congress could extend the credit, as it has done many times before.
Posting openings. You can job openings through various sites. Indeed lists 9 veteran job boards for employers. You can also work with CareerOneStop; the U.S. Department of Labor is a partner with this network.
Make sure your business is accessible
There are 5.5 million veterans with a service-related disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires your business to be accessible to those with disabilities. Even if there were no law, it makes good business sense to see that your store, office, restaurant, and website are usable by these veterans.
Tax breaks. Making changes may entitle you to tax breaks, such as the disabled access credit for small businesses and the deduction for removing architectural barriers for the handicapped.
Website accessibility. Be sure your website is accessible. BigIdeasForSmallBusiness.com uses a widget called Userway. There’s a free trial and a modest annual cost.
Do business with veteran-owned businesses
There are about 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. Many of these businesses display special markings or use branding to indicate their status, such as a Veteran Owned Business (VOB) verification badge through the American Legion and a listing in VeteranOwnedBusiness.com directory. You can support these veteran-owned companies by doing business with them.
Conclusion
If you’re a veteran, I thank you for your service. If you’re a business owner, you can express your thanks to veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year in some very tangible ways.
Additional blogs with the Veterans Day theme can be found in this list here.
