By Darrell Smith
Surprisingly only about five percent of all U.S. businesses are veteran-owned. In 2014, about 11 percent of businesses were owned by veterans. Possibly of further concern is the fact that over half of existing veteran businesses are led by vets more than 65 years-old, with less than 10 percent run by vets age 45 and under, according to a U.S. Small Business Administration study.

Often lack of capital is a road block for many veterans who are eager to start a business. While there are many programs available to support business ownership by veterans, some may involve loans and other hurdles.

While I may seem biased, in terms of my many decades of work in the window film industry, I know of few other businesses that can be started with just a small amount of capital, essentially the cost to purchase a few basic tools and some rolls of film. Many very successful window film dealers began on a part-time basis, installing window film on vehicles as a second income.

Today there are many window film businesses seeking individuals who are eager to learn and willing to be trained in how to install window films on vehicles and buildings. IWFA member companies can be located using the ‘Find Film‘ button on this website

To help have more trained window film installers, the IWFA partnered with the Window Tint School in Jacksonville, FL. The school offers either a three-day or five-day curriculum taught by installation professionals where students learn window film installation on flat glass, automotive glass, decorative films, plus take field trips to nearby window film businesses and receive sales training. Graduates are also eligible to take the IWFA’s accreditation tests, and they receive a one-year complimentary IWFA membership upon graduation from the school.

If you are a veteran, we thank you for your service, and we hope you will consider a career in the window film industry, either as a trained installation expert or perhaps starting your own window film installation company. Here’s wishing you all a rewarding Veteran’s Day and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.