According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), veteran-owned businesses make up roughly 9% of U.S. business firms and employ approximately 5.8 million people. Furthermore, a SBA study revealed that veterans are 45% more likely than non-veterans to be self-employed. So as we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day, here are a few ways to say thank you and support veteran-owned businesses year-round:

Share a Post: Social media has become an easy, and free, way for businesses to promote their products and services. Sharing a link to a business website or article can make a big difference in the level of awareness a business is able to generate. It’s a simple way to help promote a business on whatever social media platform you use!

Like, Like You Mean It!: “Liking” a post on social media also extends the reach for businesses and their marketing content. Sharing your reaction to a business’ page and their content helps them engage with their followers and better understand what type of content their audience might enjoy. Commenting on a post is a direct way of engaging with the business and helps increase interest and exposure. Business owners are curious to know what people’s reactions are to their social media content. Let them know what you think!

Make a Recommendation: If someone you know is looking for a service or product, recommend a veteran-owned business you know or have worked with in the past. Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth referrals to bring in new customers. So, if you receive a stellar product or service from a Veteran-owned business, it would be great if you could spread the word! WESP Communications, LLC has a new customer referral program that benefits both existing clients of ours and anyone else who refers a new customer to us. For more information, please check out our website for details.

Non-Profit or Government Support: There are many resources available for veteran-owned small businesses, but some are not well known by veteran entrepreneurs. If you are familiar with a resource that might benefit a veteran-owned company, send the owner an e-mail to let them know of the events, organizations, or programs that could help their business.

Mentorship: If you are a business owner, offering to become a mentor to a veteran owner can be their key to success. Starting a new venture can be daunting and, as any business owner knows, it requires a ton of time and dealing with constant unknowns. Some organizations, like American Corporate Partners and Warrior Rising, help pair mentors with veterans or active-duty spouses to support their career and business goals. Offering to support a veteran business owner as he or she begins their entrepreneurial journey can be the difference between success and failure.

Check out our post on Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses for even more ideas!

Become a Patron: Clearly, patronizing a veteran-owned business is one of the most helpful ways to support a business. If you are unfamiliar with any veteran-owned businesses in your area, websites like Veteran Owned Business or Buy Veteran offer nationwide directories. If you are able, consider utilizing their products and service!

Leave a Review: If you do enjoy your experience, leave a review and give some insight on what you liked about the service you received. Reviews can be an important tool for Veteran business owners to figure out how their customers feel and what needs to be improved.