Building Businesses, Building Futures: Veteran Support In Drum Country NY

When a soldier leaves the military, the next step can feel uncertain. But in the region of Drum Country NY, the tri-county area around Fort Drum, veterans find more than just transition tools. They find an environment built on veteran support, one that encourages, guides, and rewards civilian entrepreneurship.

The Path from Fort Drum to Entrepreneurship

At Fort Drum, service members gain leadership, discipline, technical training, and adaptability. These are the very traits local employers and business entrepreneurs value. Soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Drum are a driving force for regional economic growth and development and continue strengthening the Drum Country economy.

For veterans thinking about launching a business, this region offers a strong match of skills to place. Rather than leaving the area, nearly 30% of retiring soldiers and their spouses stay in Drum Country, drawn by job prospects, community support and veteran support from local programs.

Turning Military Skills into Business Strength

Drum Country doesn’t just welcome veterans; we equip them to join the civilian workforce. The initiative Next Move NY focuses on placing transitioning soldiers, veterans, and spouses in job training, civilian careers, and entrepreneurial support. Story by story, it bridges the gap between military service and regional business growth.

For example, the program supports a vocational training facility at Jefferson Community College to train veterans in advanced manufacturing, trades, and other in-demand roles locally.

For veteran entrepreneurs, this means stepping into a community that already knows how to use their skills, link them to business opportunities, and connect them with local partners through coordinated veteran support systems. Whether you’re a soldier or spouse new to Fort Drum, we welcome you to explore all Drum Country NY has to offer.

Real Stories of Veteran-Owned Business Success

From past success stories to future opportunities, we stay committed to helping veterans build strong businesses. For example, K.C. Bennett, owner of Sally Port View and U.S. Army Veteran shared,

“We couldn’t have completed this project without Drum Country’s support, certainly not at this scale.” 

Their experience shows how steady local support can turn a good idea into lasting success.

Why It Matters for Entrepreneurs and the Region

For entrepreneurs emerging from military service, starting a business in a place like Drum Country offers multiple benefits:

• Lower cost of living and business operations compared with metro areas.
• Access to a highly skilled, veteran support and peer network.
• Proximity to the US Army base Fort Drum, which creates demand, talent pools, and economic stability.
• Regional business support structures that explicitly reference service-member transition.

And, for the region, veteran-owned businesses bring experience, strong work ethic, and roots in place. They help integrate military families into the local economy and increase the prosperity of the North Country. In turn, this strengthens the entire workforce ecosystem and builds long-term economic resilience.

Getting Started as a Veteran in Drum Country

If you’re a veteran or transitioning service member considering entrepreneurship in Drum Country, here are the next steps:

1. First, visit the “Workforce Development” or “Find a Job” section on the Drum Country NY website to explore veteran support programs.
2. Next, reach out to  Next Move NY to learn about job and training opportunities for you and/or your spouse.
3. Then, connect with regional economic development partners. They can help with business planning, guide you through available incentives, and provide support if you’re relocating to the area.
4. Explore the veteran-ready industries in the region. This includes manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy, and tourism. Then, look at your own experience and identify where your skills can transfer and add value. Next Move NY’s job portal can match your skills and capabilities with available jobs in the region.
5. Lastly, focus on building local connections. Strong community ties can make a real difference in your success, and the region actively supports community integration as part of its broader network for veterans.

We’re Here for You!

Drum Country NY offers more than a backdrop for business; it provides a pathway through veteran support for entrepreneurs and transitioning soldiers to launch new ventures with confidence. With targeted workforce programs, regional business support, and a community that values veteran talent, this part of New York turns military experience into entrepreneurial success.

If you’re transitioning from military service and thinking about your next chapter, explore our veteran resources in Drum Country. Your training and leadership could become the foundation of your own business…right here in a community built to help you succeed. In Drum Country, we’re proud to offer veteran support every step of the way.