Today, more than 1.7 million veteran-owned US businesses are contributing $1 trillion in annual revenue. 

National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov.1st to 5th, is a time to recognize and honor the contributions veterans have made to American small businesses.  On Nov. 11th, we will celebrate Veterans Day and thank all those who have served in the military. 

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, can help translate military skills into commercial success by navigating available services, funding opportunities, government contracts, and more.

Several SCORE mentors served in the military and understand the challenges and opportunities.

SCORE can help. Find a mentor today.

Robert Finkenaur, founder and president, Form-A-Tread Company

Award Winner, 2021 SCORE Small Business Achievement

Bob Finkenaur, an Army veteran, is the inventor of a patented product to help eliminate slippery surface risks in all types of manufacturing, residential, commercial, and public areas. 

Finkeaur is the founder and president of the Form-A-Tread® company in Chester County and worked closely with his SCORE mentors, John Nelson, and Steve Crumrine, for four years to develop a business strategy that would deliver topline sales and help the business expand faster.

Finkenaur’s journey to entrepreneurship was shaped by his life choices early on. Describing himself as ‘an army brat’ and following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather at West Point, Finkenaur was also able to earn his MBA while in the Army. Today, his website proudly displays the Veteran Owned Small Business logo.

In 2021, Bob received the Small Business Achievement Award from SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties for his milestone accomplishments particularly growing his business during and after the pandemic crisis.  He shared some wise advice for fellow entrepreneurs at that time:

“As an owner, you won’t be the best at everything! Find experts who can help you.  Listen and learn from them. Understand that you don’t have all the answers.  Don’t be afraid to delegate. There are many ways to reach an objective…different is not wrong.”

Learn more about Bob Finkenaur and his business

SCORE is dedicated to helping veteran small business owners achieve their business goals, develop the best business strategies, launch successful organizations, and strengthen our local economy.

In addition to free one-on-one mentoring, veteran small business owners can meet with subject matter experts to answer specific questions about starting or growing their business, take workshops to develop new skills, and get access to resources to help move their plans along.

SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA, which provides business certification programs, outreach centers, a lender matching tool, and more to veteran startups.

Visit the SCORE Veteran Entrepreneurs Hub to see what SCORE resources are available.

The Small Business Administration also offers its resources to veteran-owned businesses.

Find out what’s available at the SBA here.

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide. SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985, with 100 dedicated volunteers today who provide confidential mentoring at no charge and offer business seminars, workshops, and webinars to benefit the local community. 

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).