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A Qualitative Exploration of Successful Practices that Small Veteran-Owned Business Owners Use to Hire, Integrate, and Retain Disabled Veterans Cover

A Qualitative Exploration of Successful Practices that Small Veteran-Owned Business Owners Use to Hire, Integrate, and Retain Disabled Veterans

Open Access
|Apr 2026

Figures & Tables

Figure 1

Frameworks Intersection.

Table 1

Participant Demographic Information.

PARTICIPANTU.S. MILITARY BRANCHRANKCOMBAT DEPLOYMENTTIME OWNED BUSINESSBUSINESS TYPE
P1ArmyEnlisted, E6Yes2 yearsBarbershop
P2Air ForceEnlisted, E4No18 yearsMechanic and Towing; Real Estate; Mobile Shop Bistro; Food Trailer; Landscape; Taxi & Limousine; Private Security
P3ArmyBoth, O4Yes18 yearsLandscaping
P4ArmyEnlisted, E5Yes5 yearsFilm Production Company
P5ArmyBoth, O3Yes26 yearsRestaurant; Staffing and Trucking; Group Homes; Daycare
P6ArmyEnlisted, E4No5 yearsReal Estate; Writing
P7ArmyOfficer, O4Yes7 yearsService-Based Digital Platform
P8NavyWarrant Office, CWO4Yes7 yearsJewelry; Events; Consulting; Dog Daycare; Swimming Pool Construction and Service
P9Air ForceOfficer, O5No11 yearsEducation Consulting
P10ArmyEnlisted, E8Yes8 monthsAI and IT
P11Marine CorpsEnlisted, E7Yes11 monthsLand-Clearing

[i] Note. P = participant.

Table 2

Research Questions Aligned with the Themes From Findings.

RQsTHEMES
1. What practices do small veteran-owned business owners describe using to hire disabled veterans, and what outcomes do they associate with those practices?1A. Disabled veterans are perceived as high-value employees due to skills, leadership, adaptability, and work ethic.
1B. Prior military and civilian experience is viewed as facilitating successful participation in civilian workplaces.
1C. Employing disabled veterans aligns with owners’ values, identity, and commitment to the veteran community.
2. What practices do small veteran-owned business owners describe using to integrate, support, and retain disabled veterans, and what outcomes do they associate with those practices?2A. Owners describe using intentional support practices, including mentorship, flexibility, and reasonable accommodations.
2B. Owners emphasize the importance of a workplace culture that acknowledges medical and mental health needs.
2C. Owners associate these practices with positive employee and organizational outcomes, including retention, well-being, team functioning, and business performance.
Language: English
Page range: 76 - 90
Submitted on: Feb 14, 2026
Accepted on: Mar 16, 2026
Published on: Apr 8, 2026
Published by: Virginia Tech Publishing
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 2026 Christopher Rodriguez, Michelle K. Preiksaitis, published by Virginia Tech Publishing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.