Veterans RV
Business support for ex-services personnel
Returning to civvy street can be quite a daunting prospect when transitioning from a career in the military.
Yet research shows that veterans are equipped with a unique set of skills and experience which can help them to become successful entrepreneurs.
That’s why we’re offering Veterans RV for veterans and their families who want to start a business in Sunderland, Gateshead and Durham.
Support includes one to one meetings with experienced business advisers and networking events.
Peer-to-peer support is also available to established businesses through attending the Veterans in Business networking events.
Start your business
Want to begin your journey into self-employment? If you are based in Sunderland, Gateshead or Durham, please call us or send a message, a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Veterans RV Support...
- Evaluate your skills and experience
- Assess your career terrain
- Overcome obstacles to entrepreneurship
- Regain the initiative
- Focus on your goal
- Maximise your potential
Workshops, one-to-one support and networking
Whether you’re setting up a full time business or alongside your employment, our advisers are here to help. We’ll discuss:
- Forces v Civilian life
- Leadership roles in civilian businesses
- Strength in numbers – networking & collaboration
- Personality assessment – identify your skills and interests
- Ideation – discover potential business ideas
- Business plan with certainty
BIC Veterans Ambassador
As the North East BIC’s dedicated Veterans Ambassador, and Business Adviser, Anthony is leading on all initiatives and plans to build even greater support for our veteran’s community. Having set up his own successful business upon leaving the forces, he set about exploring how we could develop a bespoke programme to help others use their vast skills and experience to become successful entrepreneurs, and Veterans RV was born. In 2023, Anthony designed and delivered an intensive 12 week programme for 17 military veterans which paved the way for a new service and a long term commitment to supporting veterans throughout their business start up journey. Anthony is continuing to explore new services and programmes aimed at veterans interested in entrepreneurship and has helped the BIC step up from Silver to the Gold Armed Forces Covenant Award.
Start your business
Want to begin your journey into self-employment? If you are based in Sunderland, Gateshead or Durham, please call us or send a message, a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Meet Graduates of Veterans RV 2023
The BIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise established to help people set up and run their own businesses.
In response to the challenges many former service personnel face, in 2023 Veterans RV was born. The 12 week programme provided veterans with the inspiration and tools to explore entrepreneurship. The programme included face-to-face tailored support as well as networking and events with like-minded veterans who were on the same journey.
The new initiative was fully subscribed and saw us engage with 17 former armed forces personnel, helping them apply their unique skillsets to become successful entrepreneurs. Nine new businesses were established by the end of the 12 weeks with more set to launch soon. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on future initiatives.
Case Studies
Armed Forces Covenant
In 2022, the BIC signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. By signing the covenant, the BIC reinforces its commitment to support veterans as a military friendly work environment.
As holder of the Gold Award for this Employer Recognition Scheme, the BIC will continue to develop new projects to help veterans realise their full potential. We’re encouraging and supporting other local organisations to sign up too.
