Military Presence & Defense Sector in El Paso

Fort Bliss stands as one of the largest military installations in the United States, spanning over 1.12 million acres across Texas and New Mexico. As the home of the 1st Armored Division and the Army's Air Defense Artillery School, Fort Bliss plays a critical role in national defense while serving as a major economic driver for the El Paso region.

The installation's economic impact on El Paso cannot be overstated. Fort Bliss contributes approximately $22.6 billion annually to the local economy through direct military spending, contractor operations, and the economic activity generated by military personnel and their families. This massive economic footprint creates diverse business opportunities across virtually every sector of the economy.

Beyond its economic contributions, Fort Bliss shapes the character of El Paso as a military-friendly community with deep respect for service members and veterans. This military culture influences consumer behavior, creates demand for specialized services, and establishes El Paso as an attractive location for defense contractors and military-focused businesses.

The installation's strategic importance has grown in recent years, with significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and training capabilities. These investments signal long-term stability and continued growth in the military sector, providing confidence for businesses planning to serve this market.

Understanding the size and composition of the military population in El Paso is essential for businesses looking to serve this market effectively. The numbers are substantial and represent a significant consumer base with unique characteristics and needs.

Key Demographic Characteristics:

• Age Distribution: Military personnel tend to be younger, with the majority between ages 18-35. This creates demand for products and services appealing to younger demographics, including entertainment, fitness, technology, and family services.
• Family Structure: Approximately 60% of military personnel are married, and many have young children. This drives demand for childcare, education, family housing, and family-oriented recreational activities.
• Income Levels: Military personnel receive regular, reliable income with comprehensive benefits. Junior enlisted personnel earn modest salaries, while officers and senior enlisted personnel have higher incomes, creating a diverse consumer market.
• Mobility: Military families typically relocate every 2-4 years, creating consistent demand for moving services, temporary housing, furniture, and services that help families establish themselves in new locations.
• Education: Military personnel and their spouses often pursue higher education, creating demand for educational services, tutoring, and professional development programs.

Defense contracting represents one of the most significant business opportunities associated with Fort Bliss. The Department of Defense spends billions of dollars annually on contracts for goods and services, and a substantial portion of this spending occurs in the El Paso region to support Fort Bliss operations.

Types of Defense Contracts Available:

Getting Started with Defense Contracting:

• Register in SAM: All businesses seeking federal contracts must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at sam.gov. This free registration is required to bid on contracts.
• Obtain Certifications: Consider obtaining relevant certifications such as small business, woman-owned, veteran-owned, or HUBZone certifications, which can provide competitive advantages in the bidding process.
• Understand Requirements: Defense contracts often have specific requirements including security clearances, quality certifications (ISO 9001), and compliance with federal regulations.
• Start Small: Begin with smaller contracts or subcontracting opportunities to gain experience and build a track record before pursuing larger prime contracts.
• Network: Attend procurement conferences, industry days, and networking events to meet contracting officers and prime contractors looking for subcontractors.
• Seek Assistance: Utilize resources like the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Small Business Development Center, and the Fort Bliss Small Business Office for guidance and support.

El Paso offers extensive resources and support for veteran entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. The combination of a large veteran population, supportive community, and dedicated programs creates an ideal environment for veteran-owned businesses.

Veterans bring valuable skills to entrepreneurship including leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure. These attributes, combined with available resources and support, position veteran entrepreneurs for success in El Paso's business community.

Military spouses face unique employment challenges due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life. However, these challenges have also driven innovation in portable careers and entrepreneurship. El Paso offers numerous programs and opportunities specifically designed to support military spouse employment and business ownership.

Military Spouse Employment Programs:

• Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): Connects military spouses with partner employers who have committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses. Many El Paso employers participate in this program.
• MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts): Provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields.
• Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO): Offers career counseling, education and training opportunities, and employment resources specifically for military spouses.
• Fort Bliss Army Community Service: Provides employment assistance, career counseling, and job search resources for military spouses at Fort Bliss.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Military Spouses:

Many military spouses have found success in entrepreneurship, which offers flexibility and portability that traditional employment often cannot provide. Popular business types for military spouse entrepreneurs include:

• Online Businesses: E-commerce, digital marketing, virtual assistance, online coaching, and other internet-based businesses that can operate from anywhere.
• Professional Services: Consulting, bookkeeping, graphic design, writing, and other professional services that can be delivered remotely or locally.
• Home-Based Businesses: Childcare, tutoring, event planning, and other services that can be operated from home with flexible schedules.
• Franchise Opportunities: Many franchises offer support for military spouse entrepreneurs and can be transferred when families relocate.

El Paso's military-friendly business community actively supports military spouse entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking opportunities, and preferential consideration in procurement decisions. Many local organizations specifically seek to do business with military spouse-owned enterprises.

Understanding the military consumer market is essential for businesses looking to serve this demographic effectively. Military consumers have distinct characteristics, preferences, and purchasing behaviors that differ from the general population.

High-Demand Products & Services:

• Housing & Real Estate: Rental properties, home sales, property management, and moving services are in constant demand due to frequent relocations.
• Automotive: Vehicle sales, repairs, and maintenance services, particularly for families needing reliable transportation.
• Childcare & Education: Quality childcare, tutoring, and educational services for military children, including programs that accommodate deployment schedules.
• Fitness & Wellness: Gyms, fitness classes, sports programs, and wellness services that help military families maintain healthy lifestyles.
• Entertainment & Recreation: Family-friendly entertainment, recreational activities, and social venues that provide stress relief and community connection.
• Professional Services: Legal services, financial planning, tax preparation, and other professional services tailored to military-specific needs.
• Home Services: Lawn care, home repairs, cleaning services, and other home maintenance services, especially during deployments.

Beyond direct defense contracting with Fort Bliss, businesses can pursue procurement opportunities with various government agencies that have significant presence in El Paso. Understanding the government procurement process and available resources is key to success in this market.

Tips for Success in Government Contracting:

• Start with Research: Thoroughly research the agencies you want to work with, understand their needs, and identify opportunities that match your capabilities.
• Build Relationships: Attend industry days, networking events, and small business forums to meet contracting officers and decision-makers.
• Understand Regulations: Government contracting involves complex regulations. Invest time in learning the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific requirements.
• Maintain Compliance: Ensure your business maintains all required registrations, certifications, and compliance with contract terms.
• Deliver Excellence: Government agencies value reliable contractors who deliver quality work on time and within budget. Strong performance leads to repeat business and referrals.
• Consider Subcontracting: Partnering with established prime contractors as a subcontractor can provide valuable experience and help you build a track record.

El Paso's large military population means thousands of service members transition to civilian life each year. Many of these veterans choose to remain in El Paso and pursue entrepreneurship. Comprehensive transition programs help veterans successfully navigate this change and launch businesses.

Transition Assistance Programs:

• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Mandatory program for separating service members that includes entrepreneurship training through the Boots to Business program. TAP helps service members prepare for civilian careers or business ownership.
• Soldier for Life Program: Army program that provides lifelong support to soldiers and their families, including career counseling, education benefits, and entrepreneurship resources.
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): VA program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independence through self-employment.
• GI Bill Benefits: Education benefits that can be used for entrepreneurship training, business courses, and degree programs that support business ownership.

Local Veteran Support Organizations:

• El Paso Veterans Affairs Office: Provides comprehensive services to veterans including benefits counseling, healthcare coordination, and employment assistance.
• American Legion & VFW Posts: Veteran service organizations that provide community, networking, and support for veteran entrepreneurs.
• Hiring Our Heroes: Chamber of Commerce program that supports veteran employment and entrepreneurship through networking events and resources.
• Veteran Business Organizations: Local chapters of national veteran business organizations provide networking, mentorship, and business development support.

The combination of military skills, available resources, and a supportive community makes El Paso an ideal location for veteran entrepreneurs. Many successful businesses in El Paso are veteran-owned, demonstrating the viability of veteran entrepreneurship in the region.

Successfully serving the military market requires understanding the unique needs, preferences, and culture of military consumers. Businesses that effectively serve this market often implement specific strategies and practices.

Businesses that authentically support the military community and deliver value will find a loyal customer base and strong word-of-mouth marketing. The military market in El Paso represents a significant opportunity for businesses willing to understand and serve this unique demographic effectively.