A rationale of a veteran -specific entrepreneurial curriculu

Members of the U.S. military have been identified by researchers as the first entrepreneurs of this country. The risk-taking, can-do spirit and need-to-get-the-job-done attitude of military members can be directly related to skills used as entrepreneurs and small business owners. Currently, there exists no comprehensive curriculum that addresses the special experiences and skills that military members may bring to owning their own small business. It can be inferred that curriculum developers and trainers assume that because military members have such skills necessary for small business ownership, they are able to generalize these skills with a minimum of formal education and training. This, of course, may be true for some, but not for all. A curriculum that specifically addresses the skills, talents, and abilities that military members receive as part of their training is needed to assist military members in the transition from the military lifestyle and mindset to that of small business owner. Cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, leadership, and personnel management are only a small portion of topics that should be recognized as those requiring a transfer of skill sets from a military to a small business situation. This research addressed the need for such a curriculum by utilizing the most recent research in entrepreneurial education, military training, and current and past small business owners.