Veteran-owned businesses bring a special strength to Fort Lauderdale, adding resilience and a sense of duty to the local business community. Transitioning from service to entrepreneurship takes courage, but no business can thrive on courage alone—capital is essential. At Viking Funding, we’re here to help veterans turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Here are five valuable insights on securing financing and resources for veteran-led businesses in Fort Lauderdale.

1. Tap into Local Veteran Business Resources

Fort Lauderdale is a great place for veteran entrepreneurs, thanks to various local resources designed to help businesses launch and grow. From the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), there are multiple programs to guide veterans through the basics of business operations, planning, and financing. At Viking Funding, we encourage veterans to explore these resources first; they offer valuable training, mentorship, and support that can help turn that business plan into a reality.

2. Explore Veteran-Specific Loan Programs

Funding for veteran-owned businesses doesn’t have to come from a standard loan. Fort Lauderdale veterans can access loans tailored specifically for their needs, including SBA loans, which often feature better terms and lower interest rates than conventional loans. The SBA Express Loan and Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan are options worth considering. Viking Funding is well-versed in helping veteran entrepreneurs explore these loan types, simplifying what can feel like a mountain of paperwork. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that veterans have already proven themselves—financing shouldn’t be a new obstacle course!

3. Grants for Veteran Entrepreneurs: Because Free Money Is the Best Kind of Money

Grants offer funding that doesn’t need to be repaid, making them an ideal option for veteran-owned businesses. While grants can be competitive, Fort Lauderdale offers several grant opportunities through local government programs and private organizations that prioritize veterans. We advise veteran entrepreneurs to look into the StreetShares Foundation, Hivers and Strivers, and even local Florida veteran business competitions. It may feel like hunting for treasure, but that’s where we can help guide you through the process.

4. Networking with a Purpose: Find Allies in Business

In the military, you’re rarely in it alone, and the same goes for entrepreneurship. Fort Lauderdale has a strong network of veteran business communities and organizations, like the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and local veteran business meetups. Viking Funding believes that networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about finding mentors, partners, and even new clients. Building a network can make the journey smoother, bringing support and camaraderie to the mix. After all, who else can appreciate a hard-won victory like a fellow veteran?

5. Consider Alternative Financing Options

If traditional loans and grants don’t cover all your needs, there are alternative funding sources available. Crowdfunding platforms, microloans, and lines of credit can provide extra financing that veteran-owned businesses need. At Viking Funding, we specialize in helping veterans explore and secure alternative funding that aligns with their unique business needs. Sometimes, thinking outside the box—or outside the barracks—is what it takes to get a business fully operational.

For veterans in Fort Lauderdale ready to take their business idea from valor to value, Viking Funding is here to help you navigate the financing landscape. Contact us at (754) 240-8620 to learn more about your options and secure the resources you need to build a successful venture. Your service may be over, but your mission in the business world is just beginning.