The needs of veterans 2023

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Policies and practices of promoting the resocialization of veterans:

In this study, we analyzed successful policies and practices of supporting veteran entrepreneurship in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Canada, Croatia, and Australia. This research is descriptive and aims to outline successful government policies and community practices that contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the veteran community into society. The selection of countries for the study was based on existing strategic partnerships with Ukraine, years of experience in implementing and effective social policies to meet the needs of veterans, and high statistical indicators proving the effectiveness and consistency of veteran support policies.

United States. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 19 million veterans residing in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about nine out of ten veterans are men. The largest cohort of veterans, comprising approximately 35% of U.S. veterans, is aged 60 and older. In 2021, the unemployment rate among veterans (4.4%) was lower than the unemployment rate among non-veterans (5.3%). Veteran-owned businesses account for approximately 5.9% (337,934) of all U.S. businesses, with an estimated revenue of $947.7 billion, employing around 3.9 million workers, and an annual payroll of approximately $177.7 billion.22 

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. According to the legislation of the United Kingdom, a veteran is defined as any person who has served at least one day in the Armed Forces of Her Majesty (regular or reserve) or on board merchant navy vessels involved in specified military operations, as determined by the legislation.[23] According to the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, there were 2 million veterans of the Armed Forces residing in Great Britain in 2022. It is expected that this number will decrease to 1.6 million by 2028, while the proportion of working-age veterans is projected to increase from 37% in 2016 to 44% by 2028. Additionally, the percentage of female veterans is expected to increase from 10% to 13%.24 According to official statistics, over 14,000 individuals leave the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom each year, thus acquiring veteran status.25

Canada. According to the 2021 Population Census by Statistics Canada, for the first time since 1971, citizens who served in the Canadian Armed Forces were included in the count. The census identified 461,240 veterans in Canada in 2021. The results showed that nearly one-third (32.0%) of all enumerated veterans belonged to the prime working-age group (25 to 54 years old). Approximately 4 in 10 (41.8%) Canadians who reported being veterans during the census were aged 65 and older, while 33,420 veterans were 85 years old and above. Overall, veterans constituted 1.5% of the total population aged 17 and older. Gender policy in the military service deserves special attention. In 1989, all military professions in Canada were opened to women, with the exception of submarine service, which was opened in 2001. When women began performing combat duties in the 1990s, recruitment for military service doubled. In 2021, almost one in six (16.2%), or nearly 75,000, Canadian veterans were women.

Croatia. In the country, there are more than26 500 thousand veterans, тSo, every tenth citizen of Croatia is a veteran. The number of officially registered veterans continues to grow, as from March 2020 to November 30, 2021, the number of individuals granted official veteran status increased by 3324 people.27

Australia. Australia’s state veteran policy is aimed at veterans and former military personnel (former members of the Australian Defence Force – ADF). A former military member is considered someone who has served in the ADF, either in the regular forces or reserves, for at least one day and has since been discharged from the Australian Defence Force. The 2021 census included a question for the first time about current and former military service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The 2021 census revealed that over half a million Australians (581,139) have served or are currently serving in the ADF. Of these, 84,865 are serving members, and 496,276 are former members. Less than one-seventh (13.4 percent) of former ADF members are women, although this proportion is slightly higher at over one-fifth (20.6 percent) for serving members.28

Benefits for veterans in the health care system and peculiarities of their medical care in international practice

Healthcare services are one of the priorities for veterans due to their direct experience in military operations, surviving in extreme conditions, and suffering various types of injuries. In international practice, it is common to establish a separate division within the healthcare system or within the defense and national security system that can institutionally investigate, create, and coordinate veteran policies in the field of medical care.

For instance, in the United States of America, all registered veterans receive a comprehensive package of services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which includes preventive, primary, and specialized medical care, as well as diagnostic, inpatient, and outpatient medical services. Veterans may also receive additional benefits, such as dental care, depending on their unique circumstances.29

There is also a separate program for veterans’ family members called the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). It is a comprehensive healthcare program in which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares the cost of covered medical services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. Specifically, support can be provided to:

• • The spouse or child of a veteran who has been determined by the regional VA office to have a permanent and total service-connected disability.

  • The partner or child of a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected disability as recognized by the VA.

  • The spouse or child of a deceased veteran who at the time of death had a service-connected disability.

  • The partner or child of a servicemember who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct.

In the United Kingdom, research centers under the Ministry of Defence are actively conducting research on the manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder in military personnel and veterans. This includes investigating whether there is a disproportionate rate of suicide within the veteran community compared to the general population of the UK, as well as identifying potential interventions and support. Among other notable features of veteran support within the UK healthcare system is the Veterans’ Health Alliance, consisting of 49 hospitals and emergency care services in England, Scotland, and Wales, staffed by approximately 100 accredited individuals. They share best practices and have demonstrated high-quality healthcare services for veterans, including raising staff awareness of veterans’ needs and healthcare provision, establishing clear links with charitable organizations and local service providers. Additionally, the Royal College of General Practitioners, in collaboration with the National Health Service, has developed an accreditation scheme aimed at training general practitioners to better understand the specific needs of veterans and their families, including bereaved families.30 

Canada, in its own regard, stands out for its own experience in working with disabled veterans. Over 240,000 veterans in Canada have one or more disabilities. 1 in 10 disabled veterans consider themselves housebound, which represents 4% of the total disabled population. The majority of disabled veterans in Canada are middle-aged and elderly individuals (aged 45-64 years: 39%, 65 and older: 51%). These findings were revealed in the Canadian Survey on Disability conducted in 2017. This study encompasses individuals with disabilities who have previously served in the Canadian military but are no longer active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. 26% of disabled veterans have at least one unmet need for assistive devices or aids. 70% of disabled veterans have a disability related to pain, meaning their daily activities are limited due to chronic pain or periods of pain. The most common medical services utilized by disabled veterans include physiotherapy, massage or manual therapy (30%), and counseling (15%). One in five (22%) disabled veterans receive some form of disability assistance. 31  

In the context of inclusion for Canadian veterans, the Veterans Independence Program plays an important role. This program provides annual non-taxable funding for services such as home maintenance, cleaning, meal preparation, personal care, as well as professional medical and support services. The program is designed to work in synergy with local municipal programs to help meet the needs of a wide range of veterans. Services covered by VIP funding include: home care; housekeeping; access to nutrition; professional medical services and support; personal hygiene; outpatient medical assistance; transportation; long-term care; and home adaptations.32

In Australia, a wide range of healthcare services is available to veterans and former military personnel within the healthcare system. These services include general practitioner services, specialized medical services including pathology and radiology, allied health services such as orthopedics and physiotherapy, dental care, community care, provision of glasses and hearing aids, treatment in both public and private hospitals including day treatment centers, and home support services. Subsidized pharmaceuticals are also available through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS), and medical aids and equipment are provided through the Rehabilitation Aids and Appliance Program (RAP).

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in Australia issues cards that provide veterans with certain benefits and discounts. These cards allow for access to free or discounted medical services and support, discounts on medications, transportation, and some types of cards grant access to mental health treatment funded by the Department if needed. The Veteran Card is part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.33

The benefits that can be obtained with a veteran card depend on the color of the card: “Gold Card,” “White Card,” “Orange Card.” The card also allows the Australian community to recognize veterans and engage with them, as well as show appreciation for their service to the nation. Companies and community organizations participating in the program may offer discounts and other benefits. Each business or organization decides independently what privileges and advantages they will provide.

Material benefits for veterans in international practice

Material and social benefits for veterans in different countries generally include direct payments and tax exemptions. This practice is one of the most widespread and is also applicable in Ukraine. At the same time, a characteristic feature of the preferential system for veterans in Ukraine is the possibility of obtaining land plots. In comparison, in international practice, assistance to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of losing their housing is more common.

In the United States, one significant tool of financial support is disability compensation. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and separations may be eligible for monthly tax-free disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ranging from $133 to over $3400 per month. VA disability rates depend on the following factors:

• • Severity of the disability or limb loss

  • Presence of a spouse, children, or dependent parents

  • Presence of a spouse with a severe disability

  • Unemployment due to disability

Another significant tool of financial support for veterans is the VA Home Loan Program (also known as the VA Loan). Eligible veterans can use this program to purchase or construct a home, or refinance an existing mortgage, with no down payment, favorable interest rates, and uncapped financing. One advantage over traditional mortgage loans is the absence of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), a monthly insurance premium charged to protect the lender until you reach at least 20% equity in the home. Almost every VA loan is accompanied by a funding fee, which is paid directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs and helps sustain the VA loan program for future veterans. Not all borrowers are required to pay this fee, for example, service members with service-related disabilities are exempt. The amount of the fee ranges from slightly over 2% for first-time VA loan users to 3.3% for repeat homebuyers. The VA loan program makes homeownership more accessible for millions of veterans and active-duty service members in the United States.34 

Many states also offer significant benefits to their veterans. State-level benefits range from free college education and employment opportunities to free hunting and fishing licenses. Most states also provide tax incentives for veterans and special license plates, and some states even offer cash bonuses to veterans for their military service. These state-level benefits aim to recognize and support veterans within their respective jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has implemented various measures to improve access to social housing for servicemen and veterans. This includes changing legislation to ensure that severely injured servicemen and veterans with urgent housing needs are given the highest priority for receiving social housing from local authorities. In 2014, it was estimated that the proportion of homeless individuals among those who served in the Armed Forces ranged from 3% to 6%.35 The Combined Homelessness and Information Network in Greater London shows that the percentage of UK citizens with military service experience sleeping on the streets of London has decreased from 3% in 2017/2018 to 2% in 2018/2019.36 The Homelessness Reduction Act of 2017 guarantees that housing authorities intervene at an early stage to prevent homelessness and provide support. According to this Act, the Ministry of Defence, along with other government bodies, is required to refer former military personnel who are at risk of homelessness to the local housing authority if they consent to it.37

In Canada, there are several financial programs aimed at supporting the income of Canadian veterans. One such program is the “Canadian Armed Forces Assistance” – a tax-free monthly payment. It assists low-income veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who are no longer eligible for income replacement benefits after participating in the rehabilitation program. For the purposes of this program, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) assesses the veteran’s household income based on the formula provided by Statistics Canada. This formula takes into account any taxable income the veteran currently receives, as well as any accrued government benefits. The following individuals are eligible to receive assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces:

• Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who have a low family income, are seeking employment, or participating in the Career Transition Services program, and are no longer receiving income replacement benefits.
• Family members of deceased veterans or veterans who are supporting a child.

Among other monthly payment programs from the Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at supporting veterans’ incomes, there are:

• Income Replacement Benefit: A monthly payment to support the income of a veteran during their participation in the VAC rehabilitation program.
• Income Replacement Benefit for Survivors and Orphans: A monthly payment for widows, widowers, and orphaned children of deceased CAF members or veterans.
• War Veterans Allowance: A monthly payment for veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War who have low income.
• Compensation for Illness or Injury: Financial compensation related to illness or injury.
• Disability or Injury Payment: Financial payment related to illness or injury incurred in the performance of duty.
• Please note that the translations provided are based on the information available, and it’s always advisable to refer to official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.38
•  

The most common form of financial support in Australia is pensions provided to support veterans and their families. To be eligible for a pension, veterans must have served a certain period in the Australian Defense Force and meet other criteria. The amount of pension received by an individual depends on various factors such as their income and assets, the type of pension they receive, and any additional payments they may be entitled to. Pension benefits are regulated by different support programs and include:

• Income support is a pension based on years of service that provides regular income for individuals with limited capabilities. The income support supplement can be paid to veterans based on age or disability, as well as to eligible partners, widows, and widowers. It is paid to veterans earlier than the age pension provided by the Department of Human Services, recognizing that the consequences of military service can be unseen and lead to premature aging and/or loss of earning capacity.
• Compensation for loss of earning capacity is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or illnesses caused or aggravated by military service or certain defense service conducted on behalf of Australia prior to 1 July 2004. The amount of compensation for loss of earning capacity paid depends on the level of impairment resulting from war- or defense-caused injuries or illnesses.
• War Widow/Widower pensions are provided to compensate surviving partners of veterans who died as a result of military service or relevant defense service.
• Orphan pensions can also be awarded to children who were dependent on deceased veterans.

Croatia, in turn, throughout its history of independence, continues to develop a preferential system for veterans. Today, there are successfully functioning financial support programs for veterans, which include:

• Benefits for unemployed Croatian war veterans of the Homeland War and their family members. If a veteran and members of their household meet all the requirements and have no income, the amount of assistance is 1097.58 Croatian kuna. If they are Croatian war veterans or disabled veterans of the Homeland War in Croatia, an additional 0.3326 Croatian kuna per day of combat participation is added to this amount.
• Assistance for visits – a veteran or a recipient of family disability assistance who, due to constant changes in health status, is unable to meet basic life needs independently, is entitled to assistance for visits.
• Priority status in renting commercial premises – Croatian veterans have preferential rights to rent commercial premises for trade or independent professional activities in state authorities and local self-government bodies, as well as in legal entities owned by them.
• One-time financial assistance – in certain cases, when a veteran is unable to meet basic life needs, they are entitled to one-time financial assistance of up to 3,326 Croatian kuna.
• Exemption from fees and payments – family members of Croatian war veterans and disabled veterans of the Homeland War are exempted from paying certain court, administrative, and notarial fees.
• Right to receive shares – disabled veterans of the Homeland War in Croatia, family members of deceased veterans of the Homeland War in Croatia, and family members of veterans of the Homeland War in Croatia who went missing have the right to receive shares free of charge.
• Right to shares of the Croatian War Veterans Fund and their family members.

Significant material support for Croatian veterans is also the allocation of inclusive vehicles. A Group I disabled veteran of the Homeland War in Croatia is entitled to receive a passenger car with appropriate adaptations to their needs. At the same time, disabled veterans of the Homeland War in Croatia, Groups II-IV, have the right to reimbursement of expenses for adapting a passenger car for their own needs.39

State support for veterans in the field of employment and self-employment: international experience

International experience shows that government support for employment and self-employment of veterans is one of the strategic directions of social support for veterans as a whole. It allows for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine, partially reducing the burden on social sector financing. In almost every country we have researched, there are their own tools and strategies to support veterans in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship, which have proven to be effective and exemplary for replication.

When discussing the experience of supporting veteran-owned businesses in the United States, it can be said that the proposition created demand. The initial conditions established in the 1980s and 1990s for the creation of veteran-owned businesses, provision of loans and credit, received such a response from the veteran community and American society as a whole that within 10 years, there was a need to establish a separate institution – the Office of Veterans Business Development and a network of local centers to further support the development of veteran-owned businesses.

The Boots to Business (B2B) program deserves special attention. It is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Transition Assistance Program from the Department of Defense. It was initiated by the corresponding law in 2013.40, The Boots to Business program has trained and graduated over 165,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, as well as military spouses.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), developed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), is another highly successful program aimed at providing entrepreneurship development services such as business training, consultations, and partner recommendations to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, as well as military spouses interested in starting or growing a small company. There are 22 participating organizations in this program operating under a cooperative agreement and serving as business centers for veterans.41

The “National Veterans Small Business Week” initiative, in turn, aims to unite the community of veteran entrepreneurs and create a platform for sharing experiences and ideas. Throughout the week, the SBA and its extensive partner network celebrate the strength and resilience of the veteran community by organizing events nationwide and sharing information about resources available to veteran entrepreneurs. During the week, the SBA, partners, and local organizations across the country focus on highlighting various aspects of entrepreneurship for experienced small business owners and veteran entrepreneurs in hybrid, in-person, and virtual formats. Topics include transition assistance, entrepreneurship training, government contracting, disaster assistance, and access to capital resources. Over 100 virtual events take place during the week, which are free and open to the public.42 

t the same time, the government has The Department of Labor to meet the citizens’ employment needs. It administers federal labor legislation to ensure workers’ rights to fair, safe, and healthy working conditions, including minimum wage and overtime pay, protection against discrimination in employment, and unemployment insurance. Within the Department of Labor, there is the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), which provides services to American veterans and transitioning service members, preparing them for meaningful careers, offering resources and employment experience, and protecting their employment rights. The service offers employment and training services to eligible veterans through the non-competitive Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program. Under this program, funds are allocated to state employment agencies in direct proportion to the number of veterans seeking employment in their state. Additionally, VETS receives complaints and investigates violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which protects the employment rights and ensures the employment of veterans, reservists, and members of the National Guard after their military service, and prohibits discrimination in employment based on past, present, or future military obligations.43 At the same time, within the Department, exists the Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach, created to assess the employment and training needs of veterans, as well as their integration into the workforce. It determines the extent to which programs and initiatives of the U.S. Department of Labor meet these needs, assists the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training in working with employers regarding the benefits of hiring veterans, and provides recommendations on training and employer engagement to promote veteran employment.44

In the United Kingdom, for example, during the transition from military service to civilian career development, the Ministry of Defence directly funds assistance in veteran employment through a partnership with non-governmental organizations called the Career Transition Partnership. As part of this collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the non-governmental partner offers high-quality and free personnel placement services, supporting those who are leaving the Armed Forces within two years of their discharge date. This initiative connects veterans with employers who recognize the benefits of incorporating the talents, skills, and experiences of veterans into their organizations. Overall, in the 2018/19 academic year, 86% of those who left the service and utilized this service were successfully employed within six months after their discharge from the Armed Forces.45

For some former military personnel, starting their own business becomes an integral part of the process of reintegrating into civilian life. According to the Federation of Small Businesses’ report “A Force for Business” in 2019, there are approximately 340,000 small businesses being operated by former military personnel, accounting for 6% of all small businesses in the UK. The report also indicates that the four most popular sectors for those who have left the service and started their own businesses were:

• Manufacturing (18%)
• Wholesale, Retail Trade, and Repair (12%)
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (12%)
• Construction (10%)46

Speaking of Canada’s experience, it is worth noting that approximately 5,000 individuals are released from the Canadian Armed Forces each year. With an average age of 41, they are relatively young and possess many qualities such as discipline and resilience, which are essential for entrepreneurship. Therefore, the need for veteran entrepreneurship development programs is strategically important for Canada, especially considering the successful experience of the United States. The Canada Small Business Financing Program is an example of such a program that provides startup opportunities for veterans to open small businesses. The program is open to small businesses and startups operating on a commercial basis with an annual gross revenue of up to $10 million. Under the program, the credit funds are provided by a bank, and the loan is registered with the Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. Businesses can borrow up to $1 million for financing:

• Land or buildings used for commercial purposes
• Commercial vehicles
• Machinery and equipment
• Eligible franchise purchase expenses
• Software and computer equipment

Another significant support tool for veterans in Canada is the provision of mentoring services and veterans’ retraining programs, specifically aimed at developing veteran-owned businesses. For example, the Skills Transition Program “Legion” is designed to facilitate the development and acceleration of the civilian careers of former and current Reserve Force and Regular Force members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is achieved through a three-pronged approach:

• Education Verification: After assessing the knowledge and skills, veterans may be granted credits or have credits blocked for further education in certificate programs, receiving diplomas, and academic degrees.
• Entrepreneurship Training: Every year, veteran entrepreneurs have the opportunity to attend the “Lion’s Den Legion,” where they can learn about the latest business practices and receive individual mentoring to create a business plan. After completing a series of seminars, participants present their business plans to a panel of judges and may potentially receive investments.
• Job search assistance: expert assistance is also available to prepare veterans and help them find suitable roles in the civilian job market.

An interesting initiative is “Coding for Veterans” – an intensive educational program designed to provide Canadian military veterans with the skills necessary to start and succeed in careers in computer coding, cybersecurity, or data analysis. The training sessions are conducted in-person or online, and the programs are available for all levels of qualifications and experience.47

The Canadian charitable organization Prince’s Charities, in collaboration with Futurpreneur, created the “Operation Entrepreneur” program in 2013, which offers assistance to former military service members in starting their own businesses. The program provides free one-day seminars designed specifically for transitioning military personnel, including ways to transfer military skills to their own businesses. It also offers a week-long intensive boot camp to learn the fundamentals of business and network with other entrepreneurial-minded military members.

Futurpreneur provides access to funding of up to $45,000 USD and the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program to help launch the business. In 2020, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense, Lawrence MacAulay, announced funding for “Operation Entrepreneur” through the Veterans and Families Well-being Fund. “Operation Entrepreneur” would receive $390,000 USD over three years to expand its seminars and online learning programs for veterans and their families, with the aim of exploring self-employment opportunities.

The Government of Canada’s Veterans and Family Well-being Fund provides grants and contributions to approved private, public, and academic organizations to support research, initiatives, and projects that promote or enhance the well-being of the veteran community. The Veterans and Family Well-being Fund is part of the support and benefits for veterans introduced in the 2017 budget to improve the well-being of veterans and their families. In 2018 and 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada funded 43 projects aimed at improving the well-being of veterans and their families.48

Since 2017, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Department of Defence have implemented a series of new policies regarding the preparation of veterans for transition to civilian life, starting prior to their release from military service and the support system. Specifically, with the support of the Australian Department of Defence, the Defence Transition Program is being implemented,49 which includes general programs available to all transitioning service members and targeted programs for those at increased risk. Common programs include:

• Transition Coaching: All participants in the transition process are assigned a Defence Transition Coach from the Australian Department of Defence. They work with participants to establish post-transition goals based on their unique skills, interests, and aspirations, and develop plans to achieve those goals.
• Job Search Preparation Seminars: All ADF members and their partners can attend job search preparation seminars at any time during their service and up to 24 months after separation.
• Training: Funding of up to $5,320 USD is available for education and training to enhance employability during the transition period.
• Financial Consultations: Up to $1,000 USD is provided for professional financial consultants to assist ADF members and their families in budget planning and financial security.
• Post-transition Phone Calls and Surveys: Support is provided through contact with recently transitioned members for up to 24 months after transition. This allows former participants to access further support if there have been changes in their transition goals or circumstances.
• Approved Leave: The Department of Defence grants ADF members up to 23 days of approved leave to participate in approved transition-related activities, such as attending interviews and other events.

There are also specific programs available. One of them is the Partner Employment Assistance Program. This program provides employment services and support for partners of veterans, including partners of veterans transitioning due to health conditions, and assists with expenses related to professional retraining.

Since 2015, the Government of Croatia has been encouraging veterans to create and develop businesses within the framework of social and labor cooperatives. Additionally, since 2004, Croatia has implemented the “Professional Training and Employment Program for Croatian Veterans and Children of the Deceased, Imprisoned, or Missing” which has provided an educational foundation for the development of veteran cooperatives. Overall, since the introduction of measures to support the development of Croatian cooperatives, their number has increased from 10 registered cooperatives in 2004 to over 550 cooperatives registered in 2014. The results of numerous studies on veteran cooperatives have shown that the majority of them are engaged in traditional farming and food production. Croatian veterans believe that cooperatives have better competitiveness and lower business risk compared to individual entrepreneurship. They primarily rely on private capital and commercial loans as their main sources of financing. Veteran cooperatives in Croatia are generally considered social enterprises with predominantly socially-oriented goals achieved through a profit-oriented strategy. Veteran-owned cooperatives make up a significant portion of Croatia’s economy, with more than one-third of all registered cooperatives in the Republic of Croatia being associations of Croatian veterans.50 

The largest niche of support for veteran entrepreneurs in Croatia is occupied by the state policy of grant financing for entrepreneurship. State funds are allocated for the following purposes:

• initiating independent entrepreneurial activities

• establishing veteran cooperatives

• expanding entrepreneurial activities

• preserving veteran businesses

There are a number of financing programs available that are designed for both Croatians, Croatian veterans, and foreign entrepreneurs, including the following:

1. ESIF Micro-Investment Loan (ESIF Mikro investicijski zajam) is a financing program funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The objectives of this loan are to support the development of crafts and limited liability companies, modernize and expand existing enterprises, preserve existing jobs, and increase the number of new job opportunities. The minimum loan amount available is 1,000 euros, while the maximum amount is 25,000 euros.51

2. Support for sustainable development of self-employment for people with disabilities. Financial support is available for individuals with disabilities who are registered in the Registry of Persons with Disabilities (Očevidnik osoba s invalid). This support is targeted at:

• • Existing small, medium, and large businesses employing people with disabilities.

  • Individuals with disabilities who do not have a registered business but wish to start one.

  • Separate individuals with disabilities who do not have a registered business but desire to be employed in integration or protective workshops within small, medium, and large businesses.

The funding includes: subsidized wages (the subsidy amount depends on the professional diagnosis of the employee and ranges from 10% to 70% of the minimum wage); co-financing of training expenses; co-financing of adaptation costs to the workplace; compensation for mandatory health insurance, and so on.52 

3. Self-employment of unemployed Croatian veterans in 2022 (Samozapošljavanje nezaposlenih hrvatskih branitelja 2022). This financial support is intended for:

• Unemployed veterans of the Croatian War for Independence,

• Unemployed children of deceased veterans of the Croatian War for Independence,

• Unemployed children of volunteer veterans of the Croatian War for Independence,

• Unemployed children of war-disabled individuals from the Croatian War for Independence

The purpose of this government initiative is to create new employment opportunities for the target audience by providing a subsidy for self-employment. The subsidy amount is up to 80,000 kuna.53

Conclusions

Based on the analysis of policies and practices supporting the development of veteran-owned businesses in various countries, both government and community policies and initiatives to support veterans and facilitate their reintegration have been identified. Summarizing the international experience of supporting the veteran community outlined above, several main directions of such support can be distinguished:

1. Informational and research activities are one of the main and most extensive directions, which, in addition to information campaigns and large-scale field research, also involve the establishment of a network of centers for veterans and engagement of the public sector to meet the needs of veterans in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship, and psychosocial services.
2. Financial, credit, and tax support is a factor that contributes to the establishment of veterans as self-sufficient and independent members of society, particularly through the development of veteran-owned businesses, support for the technical equipment of veteran enterprises, and the involvement of veteran businesses as contractors and subcontractors in fulfilling government orders.
3. Medical and rehabilitation activities encompass a broad range of long-term support, which often require significant expenditures from the state budget to ensure free medical services and various financial compensations related to health conditions.
4. Social adaptation activities permeate all areas of state support policies for veterans in the researched countries. Starting from medical services and extending to retraining programs – all initiatives are organized taking into account the unique experiences of veterans and aimed at creating favorable conditions for their development in civilian life.

International partners, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, pay special attention to the social support of veterans, which is partially provided by civil society and partially by local authorities. The support for veterans is carried out both during the application for social benefits and during the process of job searching and establishing their own businesses.

The experience of implementing policies and practices to support the reintegration of the veteran community in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Croatia, and Australia remains largely unexplored. Despite the significance of this journey towards success, there are still risks and challenges faced by both veterans and government authorities when implementing necessary changes. For Ukraine, the experience of the abovementioned countries serves as a valuable orientation in developing its own strategy to support the reintegration of veterans. This experience includes working with veterans from different generations, employing various approaches, and encompassing extensive directions such as financial and informational support for veterans.