It’s a strange thing to see in a strong economy, but a 2024 report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) confirms what many of us see on the ground: a surprising 30% of post-9/11 veterans struggle to find civilian jobs that actually use their military skills. This isn’t a new problem, and it shows that we need better, more direct ways to help. That’s why events like the upcoming Huntington Park Expo are so important, they’re a place where veterans can figure out how to turn their military experience into a civilian career or even a business. But how exactly do these expos close that gap?
Key Takeaways
- A shocking 70%+ of veteran-owned businesses don’t make it past year five, mostly because they can’t get capital or good mentors, a rate that’s way higher than for non-veteran businesses.
- At the Huntington Park Expo, vets can meet over 50 local and national companies that actually want to hire them, which cuts down on the endless online job hunt.
- California has tax breaks and special contract preferences for vet-owned businesses, but most new entrepreneurs don’t even know they exist.
- Just 35% of vets who qualify for federal small business set-asides actually use them, leaving huge contract opportunities on the table.
- Going to the expo gives you direct contact with veteran service groups that provide free legal help, business planning, and financial advice.
25% of Veteran Job Seekers Feel Underqualified for Civilian Roles
It’s a confidence issue, and it’s widespread. A 2025 study from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University found that a quarter of vets feel their military experience just doesn’t fit the civilian world. This is a huge barrier, but it’s really about translation. I hear it all the time at career fairs: a vet will say, “I managed logistics for a whole battalion, but how do I put that on a resume for a supply chain manager job?” The problem is purely in communication, not in their actual ability. That’s what makes the Huntington Park Expo so useful, because it puts vets in the same room with employers who get it and with people who can help them translate their skills. You’ll see aerospace companies from El Segundo and logistics firms from near the Port of Long Beach there seeking character and capability, not just a bunch of keywords on a resume. Bridging this communication gap is what most veteran jobs are all about.
Over 70% of Veteran-Owned Businesses Fail Within Five Years Due to Lack of Capital and Mentorship
That number, from a 2024 Small Business Administration (SBA) report, is just brutal. Veterans have the resilience and drive to start a business, but the support system often isn’t there when they transition out of the service. I see it all the time, a vet has a great idea but no real grasp of market analysis, financial projections, or how to deal with all the regulatory red tape. This is exactly where the Huntington Park Expo tries to help, with workshops on getting small business loans, understanding government contracts, and finding mentors. They bring in groups like the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program, which offers free business training. A VBOC counselor can walk a vet through creating a real business plan, a step that gets skipped way too often when people are excited to get started. Without that basic support, great ideas die. We have to equip veteran entrepreneurs with the actual tools to win. You can get more real-world perspective from how the SodaPup Founder debunks 2026 vet business myths.
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Only 35% of Eligible Veterans Use Federal Small Business Set-Asides
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2025, a staggering 65% of eligible veteran-owned businesses are leaving money on the table by not using federal set-asides. The government literally sets aside contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs), but most vets don’t even try for them. Why? It’s usually because they don’t know the programs exist and are intimidated by the complexity. Getting certified, figuring out the federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and working through SAM.gov (System for Award Management) can be a nightmare for newcomers. This is why the Huntington Park Expo has specific sessions on government contracting, where experts walk you through the whole process, from certification to finding opportunities. A vet with a construction company in Downey could sit down with someone and figure out exactly how to bid on a repair contract at a local base. Winning these contracts is how you build sustainable businesses that hire people locally.
California Has Over $10 Million in Annual Vet Business Incentives, and Many Go Unclaimed
On top of federal programs, California itself has over $10 million in incentives just for veteran businesses, but a lot of that money just sits there. The state offers things like tax credits and procurement preferences, meaning they’ll choose a certified vet-owned business over others for state contracts. The California Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) try to get the word out, but it doesn’t always reach new entrepreneurs. This is where being at the Huntington Park Expo in person is a huge advantage. I’ve seen a five-minute chat with a state rep completely change a business owner’s trajectory because they learned about a program they’d never find online. For a small, veteran-owned catering company right there in Huntington Park, learning about the state’s DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) program could be what lands them a big contract with a state agency, instead of just scraping by. It’s a real competitive edge that most people miss.
Networking for Resilience: Finding Your Post-Service Community
Most people think of career fairs as purely transactional: you go to get a job. And yes, that’s part of it. But for veterans, the real, lasting value of an event like the Huntington Park Expo is the community and resilience you build there. So many vets feel cut off after leaving the structured world of the military, and while they might show up looking for a paycheck, they find something that lasts much longer: a network. Imagine a vet who goes to the expo and has a real conversation with someone from Veterans Bridge (a local non-profit that does peer mentoring) or a fellow vet from the American Legion Post 134 in Huntington Park. That connection becomes a lifeline. It’s a source for ongoing advice, help with VA benefits, and the simple feeling of belonging that’s often gone after service. A job can be temporary, but a strong support network can see a vet through career changes, personal struggles, and business ventures for years to come. The expo becomes a place to find a tribe and a renewed sense of purpose in the civilian world, which is what really drives long-term success.
In the end, the Huntington Park Expo is a practical solution to a real problem. It brings together the three things vets need to succeed after service: employers who want to hire them, the tools and contacts to build a business, and a support network of people who get it. For any vets trying to sort out their next move, especially when it comes to working through finances post-service in 2026, an event like this can make all the difference.
What kinds of businesses are at the expo?
You’ll see a mix of big corporations from aerospace, logistics, and tech that are specifically looking for vets, plus local small businesses in areas like retail and construction. Government agencies and non-profits are there too, offering a wide range of opportunities.
Are there resources just for service-disabled vets?
Yes, absolutely. There are always booths and workshops focused on service-disabled veterans, covering VA benefits, special employment programs, and help with getting certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) for government contracting.
Do I have to register beforehand?
It’s a really good idea. While you can sometimes just walk in, pre-registering usually gets you schedules, early access, and sometimes they’ll even send your resume to employers ahead of time. You should always check the event’s official website for the details.
What should I bring with me?
Definitely bring a bunch of copies of your resume and dress professionally. If you’re an entrepreneur, have business cards ready. A portfolio of your work helps, and you should have a quick “elevator pitch” worked out to explain your skills or your business idea.
What if I want to start a business but don’t have an idea yet?
That’s perfectly fine. The expo has groups like the Small Business Administration (SBA), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentors. They all give free counseling and can help you brainstorm ideas and develop a plan from scratch, no matter what stage you’re at.
