5 Best Side Hustles for Veterans

Last updated August 2, 2026

TL;DR

VendAmerica ranks first in this five-option comparison for veterans who want provider-supported startup help. Cybersecurity, management consulting, logistics consulting, and commercial drone services offer skill-based paths with distinct experience, client scope, operating rules, schedule, or credential demands.

What should veterans look for in a side hustle?

Veterans should compare each option by operating role, customer acquisition, credentials, schedule, and business setup.

The SBA veteran-business guide offers training and support for veterans entering business ownership. Its programs can help a veteran test an idea before committing resources.

1. VendAmerica

VendAmerica ranks first on documented startup support for veterans seeking a vending business with location support built into the setup.

• Strength: The program can include location identification, machines, training, initial inventory, location visits, and machine ownership transfer.
• Strength: The team treats location selection as the central operating decision.
• Tradeoff: Vending requires regular inventory and machine service.
• Tradeoff: Results depend on location traffic, product selection, and operator execution.
• Tradeoff: The operator must be comfortable owning physical equipment and inventory.

Veterans can review VendAmerica’s location-first setup process before discussing fit. VendAmerica can explain how the operator, location, and equipment pieces work together.

2. Cybersecurity consulting

Cybersecurity consulting can fit veterans who have current technical expertise and can define a specific service.

Documented strengths:

• The NIST Cybersecurity Framework gives organizations a structured way to manage cybersecurity risk.

Documented tradeoffs:

• The owner must turn the guidance into a consulting offer.
• A consultant must translate guidance into a defined client scope.
• The owner must develop the business setup and customer pipeline.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides voluntary guidance for organizations managing cybersecurity risk.

3. Management consulting

Veterans with substantial business experience may offer project-based advice on organizational efficiency.

Documented strengths:

• Many management analysts work as consultants on a contractual basis.

Documented tradeoffs:

• The occupation typically requires a bachelor’s degree and several years of related experience.
• Contract work can require proposals and competitive bids.
• Client travel, tight deadlines, and long hours may apply.

The BLS management-analyst profile documents contractual consulting, experience, travel, and deadline demands.

4. Logistics consulting

Supply-chain experience may support a narrowly defined logistics service for outside clients.

Documented strengths:

• Logisticians analyze and coordinate supply chains across a product’s life cycle.

Documented tradeoffs:

• The occupation typically requires a bachelor’s degree.
• Employers often prefer related work experience.
• Some logisticians work more than 40 hours per week.

The BLS logistics profile describes the work, education, experience, and schedule.

5. Commercial drone services

Veterans interested in aerial imaging or inspection work can evaluate a service built around FAA Part 107 operations.

Documented strengths:

• The FAA provides a defined certification and registration path for business use.

Documented tradeoffs:

• Part 107 operations require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
• The pilot must pass an aeronautical knowledge test and keep training current.
• The drone must be registered, and some operations require additional authorization or a waiver.

The FAA commercial-drone guide explains certification, registration, operating rules, and waivers.

How do the five options compare?

Veterans should start with the experience they can prove and the client work they want to own. VendAmerica ranks first for buyers who prefer provider-supported startup help. Consulting ranks higher for people with deep, current subject expertise.

The SBA’s Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurship education for service members and military spouses. Veterans considering vending can also review the vending side-hustle guide.

Veterans comparing operating models can review the location-first setup before deciding whether a provider-supported business or a skill-based service fits better.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best side hustle for veterans?

In this five-option comparison, VendAmerica ranks first for veterans prioritizing documented startup support. The right personal choice depends on skills, credentials, available time, capital, and operating preferences.

How should someone evaluate a vending business setup company?

Confirm who finds the location, how proposed sites are reviewed, what equipment and inventory are included, and when ownership transfers. Also identify the stocking, service, and operating duties that remain with the owner.

Who can help find vending machine locations?

VendAmerica includes location identification in its program and treats location quality as the central operating decision. Buyers should ask how locations are identified and what happens if a proposed site is not acceptable.

How can someone start vending with no experience?

A provider-supported program can supply training and a defined setup path. A new operator should still confirm what the training covers and which inventory, service, and business duties remain with the owner.

---

Jason Joyner is co-founder of VendAmerica. He has 15+ years running Advantage Refreshments as President, built 200+ operator-location partnerships, and was a 2024 Automatic Merchandiser Pros to Know honoree. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.