Every year on November 11th, Canadians pause for a moment of silence to honour and remember those who have served and continue to serve our country. We remember more than 2 million Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and over 118 thousand individuals who have lost their lives. 

Canada’s Department of National Defence is our largest public service employer, and Canada’s second-largest employer overall. Due to the physical nature of the role, many members of the Canadian Forces will retire well before the statutory age of retirement, often faced with the challenging transition from military service to civilian working life. In this article, we explore business resources for Canadian service veterans, to help you thrive in business and life.

Challenges Faced When Entering Civilian Working Life

Sean Smith, a Master Corporal with over 15 years of service, describes the challenges these veterans can face, “The single biggest issue for veterans transitioning into the civilian business world is the transition itself.”

“It’s difficult going from a regimented life, where there is a defined structure and routine, to a world where there are a thousand and one variables that are often completely out of your control,” he said.

“The military culture is so very different from that of the civilian world. Even something as simple as ‘What am I going to wear to work today?’ can be a hurdle, when your choice before was green, blue, or navy blue. Even today, some 16 years after I retired, I still iron sharp creases in my shirts and pants, polish my shoes and rarely move without a purpose. It can be intimidating for co-workers, especially the rather ‘direct’ approach that newly released veterans tend to take.”

Business Resources Available for Canadian Service Veterans

As a veteran, you’re not alone in this sometimes challenging transition. There are several organizations dedicated to making the move to business, entrepreneurship, and civilian life as smooth as possible. Here are some resources currently available to you:

Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to Hardhats is a non-profit organization that gives aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to start a career as a tradesperson. Apprenticeship and training opportunities are offered in the construction trade of your choice. 

Depending on your existing qualifications and experience, the apprenticeship process can be shortened or bypassed to fast-track the achievement of journeyperson status. There are currently 14 trade fields where full apprenticeship training is available.

King’s Trust Canada – Operation Entrepreneur

King’s Trust Canada’s Operation Entrepreneur is a program that exists to help you gain the education, training, tools, and resources necessary to start and run a successful business. They host boot camps on four Canadian University campuses each summer and offer over 20 free, one-day workshops on military bases across the country.

Royal Canadian Legion & BCIT – Legion Military Skills Conversion Program

The Legion Military Skills Conversion Program is a partnership between the Royal Canadian Legion and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), designed to accelerate the civilian careers of current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. They recognize the skills and knowledge gained throughout military service to provide fast-tracked education options and career support services.

Royal Canadian Legion

Through their many branches and dedication to veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion is one of the better-known resources available. They provide help with every step of the transition, including physical and mental health, financial services, and job-seeking assistance. If you’re a veteran who has retired within the last year, you’re also eligible for a free one-year Legion membership.

Futurpreneur – Start-Up Program

If you’re a veteran aged 18-39 looking to start your own business, Futurpreneur offers financing and mentorship via their Start-Up Program. This consists of up to $60,000 in financing, an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources that will help you plan, manage, and grow your business.

Promote Your Small Business

As a forces veteran and a small business owner, there are several prominent business directories you’re entitled to be listed in. Some of these include:

• Canadian Veteran Business Directory – King’s Trust Canada’s Operation Entrepreneur also has a directory dedicated to promoting veteran-owned businesses. It’s searchable by province and industry sector, offering a great way to get your business noticed.
• BC Marketplace – Add your business to BC Marketplace and tap into a province-wide audience interested in shopping locally and supporting small businesses. Registration is free and simple.

Want to Hire a Veteran?

As a small business owner, Canadian Service veterans represent a highly skilled pool of workers you could add to your workforce. Many websites exist to match you with these talented candidates, including:

• Military Employment Transition Program (MET) – This is an initiative designed to assist veterans in gaining employment in the civilian workforce. It lists over 250 Canadian companies that have signed up as partners, committing to hiring veterans and reservists. 
• Job Bank – The Government of Canada’s free, bilingual online job board offers a dedicated landing page for veterans and employers looking to hire them.

Small Business BC is Here to Help

SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our business articles.