MU Extension celebrates Missouri’s veteran-owned businesses

Published 11:26 pm Monday, November 9, 2026

This week many communities across America are holding parades and assemblies honoring our nation’s brave veterans.

The history of Veteran’s Day begins in November of 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, known as Armistice Day, to remember our nation’s servicemen who fought in WWI.

Years later, in 1938, a Congressional act solidified Nov. 11 as a federal holiday, honoring our veterans. After returning to civilian life, veterans play valuable roles in our communities, serving as coaches, church leaders, and volunteering their time and talents around their hometown. According to the U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Missouri is home to around 430,000 veterans, with nearly 47% of those individuals being over the age of 65.

After concluding their service to the country, many veterans have become businessowners. When looking at a snapshot of all U.S. businesses, nearly 5.5% are veteran-owned. In the state of Missouri, excluding the metro-regions, Montgomery, Iron, Pemiscot, Reynolds and Dent counties have the highest amount of veteran-owned businesses. When comparing Missouri to each state it borders, Missouri ranks very well. Only Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska have a larger veteran-owned business climate; however, Missouri is generating the most revenue of every state it borders for its veteran-owned establishments. Statistically, this means veteran-owned businesses perform very well in the state, and Missouri consumers support our veteran population.

In Missouri, most veteran-owned businesses fall into one of these four industry sectors-food service, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment/recreation. These veteran-owned establishments contribute to 2.3% of Missouri’s overall economic impact.

So, the next time you dine-out, seek entertainment or recreation, or need a product manufactured, consider purchasing from a local veteran-owned business. From protecting our nation’s shores, to building commerce in our hometowns, our veterans this week and each week deserve our support.

Release courtesy of Missouri Extension.