According to Statistics Canada, an estimated 461,240 veterans reside in Canada as of 2022. It's important to understand who qualifies as a veteran. The Government of Canada defines them as "any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and is honourably discharged," (Mandate, mission, vision, values, and Ethics by Veteran’s Affairs Canada). Veterans as they re-enter civilian life and the work force, face many challenges ranging from adapting to new environments to confronting potential bias and discrimination. However, many find solace in through the many services provided to support them, which may inspire them to pursue a path of entrepreneurship and support their community in a new way.

Many veterans find the transition to civilian life and work very difficult. Within the military, many find solace in the highly structured and regimented routine. Multiple veterans however find civilian life to have many uncontrollable variables making even everyday decisions like picking work clothes a new and potentially daunting experience. Sean Smith, a Master Corporal with more than fifteen years of service discusses how even after many years of retirement requires a multi-step segmented routine in order to feel comfortable in both his home and work life (Business Resources for Canadian Service Veterans). When these veterans do enter the labour market, many require special assistance. In the 2013 study, “Labour Market Outcomes of Veterans,” the authors discuss how despite most Veterans being employed, elevated rates of activity limitations among working Veterans may ask for accommodation requirements. Compared to the average working Canadian, 35% of working Veterans require these accommodations in order to be effective in the workplace, compared to 13% of Canadians (VanTil et al.). These accommodations can be anything, from the aforementioned adjusting to civilian life as a result of challenges from their time in service (VanTil et al.). Veterans also face potential barriers including potential bias, stigma, and discrimination faced towards veterans. Many veterans are viewed by the public to be more likely to have a mental health condition than

the broader population and may face discrimination in hiring (VanTil et al.).

In order to remove some of the challenges veterans face when re-entering the workspace, the government of Canada has implemented a variety of services in order to help them adjust to their new environment. An example of this is the disability compensation programs. These involve designing compensation systems to encourage work and implementing systems for employment integration. Some of these systems include counselling for service-connected psychiatric conditions supporting mental health interventions, and work-related quality of life. There has also been a recent implementation of services where businesses can reach out and hire veterans specifically (Business Resources for Canadian Service Veterans). Services such as the Military Employment Transition Program, or the MET, are programs designed to help veterans gain employment in the civilian workforce. The MET specifically consists of over 250 Canadian companies that have signed up as associates committed to employing veterans and reservists (Business Resources for Canadian Service Veterans). Moreover, services such as the Royal Canadian Legion have been dedicated to helping with the transition into this new working culture with mental and physical help services, financial aid programs, etc (Business Resources for Canadian Service Veterans).

The Government of Canada has recently been encouraging veterans to explore entrepreneurship. Skills developed in the military, such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, and adaptability, are all qualities essential for building a successful business (Veterans who served Canada are now building businesses). One of the most significant benefits of entrepreneurship is the ability to create something entirely on their own. Consequently, this opportunity could potentially allow veterans to establish a business in an industry that enables them to fully utilize their training. It may also provide a sense of comfort, as they can develop their own working culture instead of adapting to a pre-established one. This means they can implement aspects of the military that may not have been previously seen in civilian life. Moreover, there are services available to support veteran-run businesses and help them gain exposure. For instance, "BUYVETERANCA" is a service introduced by Prince Trust Canada, which compiles veteran-run businesses into a database and promotes it to their network to assist these veterans in finding customers for their businesses (buyveteranca). This joint effort not only acknowledges the entrepreneurial potential within the veteran community but also shows a commitment to supporting and showcasing their veteran ventures in the constantly growing broader business landscape.

Amid the unique challenges of entrepreneurship, several veteran-owned enterprises in the Ottawa-Gatineau region have demonstrated their ability to overcome obstacles faced by both veterans and entrepreneurs, achieving notable success. One such example is Core Pickleball, founded by Luc Germain, providing specialized pickleball equipment, game participation, and lessons (Home - Core Pickleball). After retiring from the military, Germain dedicated himself to serving his community through this venture.

Dr. Paige Kozak, a former Canadian Naval officer, transitioned to orthodontics, establishing Braceology Orthodontics in the Ottawa-Gatineau region (Braceology Orthodontics - Home). Graduating from the Royal Military College with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Kozak served as an officer on a 130-meter Canadian Navy warship before pursuing her passion for orthodontistry upon retirement.

Mike George, inspired by his military experience, ventured into the world of fine oils and vinegars, founding Aurelius Fine Oils and Balsamic Vinegars (About Us - Oils & Balsamic Vinegars). Following his retirement, George turned his passion into reality by establishing a brick-and-mortar store in Wellington West, Ottawa.

Big Red Bow Digital Marketing, initiated by military spouse Sarah Rozema-Seaton, was created to provide a conducive working environment for military spouses, offering meaningful employment and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and business skills (About Us - Big Red Bow Digital Marketing). Rozema-Seaton has successfully crafted a business focusing on digital marketing, social media, and website development.

Arthur Ashe once said “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” Canadian veterans have given a lot in order to support and protect their country. As they return back to their country and face new issues, one can be inspired by many of them choosing the pursue down the path of entrepreneurship in order to further serve their community in a new way.

Works Cited

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www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/news-media/facts-figures/1-0.

45 Best Veterans Day Quotes to Thank Them for Their Sacrifice,

www.countryliving.com/life/g24793588/veteran-day-quotes/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.

“About Us - Big Red Bow Digital Marketing.” Digital Marketing Ottawa. Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram, Google + and More, 25 Oct. 2022, bigredbow.ca/about-us/.

“About Us - Oils & Balsamic Vinegars.” Aurelius Fine Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars,

aureliusfineoils.com/pages/about-us. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.

“Braceology Orthodontics - Home.” Braceology Orthodontics - Dr. Paige Kozak,

www.braceology.ca/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.

“Business Resources for Canadian Service Veterans.” Small Business BC, 9 Nov. 2021,

smallbusinessbc.ca/article/business-resources-canadian-service-veterans/.

“Home - Core Pickleball.” CORE Pickleball, 30 Aug. 2023, corepickleball.com/.

“Labour Market Outcomes of Veterans - Veterans Affairs Canada.” Labour Market Outcomes of

Veterans - Veterans Affairs Canada, 17 Jan. 2022, www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/research/research-directorate/publications/reports/labour-market-outcomes.

MacLean, Mary Beth, et al. “Labour market outcomes of Veterans.” Journal of Military, Veteran and

Family Health, vol. 5, no. 1, 2019, pp. 58–70, https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2017-0016.

“Mandate, Mission, Vision, Values and Ethics.” Mandate, Mission, Vision, Values and Ethics -

Veterans Affairs Canada, 11 Oct. 2023, www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/what-we-do/mandate.

VanTil, Linda D., et al. “This Study Describes the Size and Age Structure of the Canadian Veteran

Population Forecasted by Veterans Affairs Canada. Veteran Health Was Examined for Two Eras of Regular Force Veterans. the Health of Earlier-Era Veterans (Released between 1954 and 2003) Was Examined Using the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey. the Health of Recent-Era Veterans (Released between 1998 and 2012) Was Examined Using the 2013 Life after Service Survey. Health Indicators for Veterans Were Compared with the Canadian General Population.” Understanding Future Needs of Canadian Veterans, Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 21 Nov. 2018, www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2018011/article/00003-eng.htm.

Veterans Who Served Canada Are Now Building Businesses,

canadianfamilyoffices.com/family-business/veterans-who-served-canada-are-now-building-businesses. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.

“Welcome to Buyveteranca!” Join the Veteran Community,

www.princestrust.ca/en-CA/Veterans-Military/Buy-Veteran. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.