diff --git a/lib/functions.sh b/lib/functions.sh
index 8224b7d..77b48e1 100644
--- a/lib/functions.sh
+++ b/lib/functions.sh
@@ -377,12 +377,21 @@ start_service() {
     fi
   fi
 
+  # On first startup, the containers are being downloaded -- this may fail
+  # with timeouts, so allow trying again
+  local TRIES=0
   if [ $DEBUG ]; then
     # Start /federated/apps/SERVICE with output to console for debug
-    docker compose -f /federated/apps/$SERVICE/docker-compose.yml -p $SERVICE up
+    while [ "$TRIES" -lt 10 ]; do
+      docker compose -f /federated/apps/$SERVICE/docker-compose.yml -p $SERVICE up && break
+      TRIES=$((TRIES+1))
+    done
     [ $? -eq 0 ] && echo -ne "done.\n" || fail "There was a problem starting service /federated/apps/$SERVICE"
   else
-    docker compose -f /federated/apps/$SERVICE/docker-compose.yml -p $SERVICE up -d &> /dev/null
+    while [ "$TRIES" -lt 10 ]; do
+      docker compose -f /federated/apps/$SERVICE/docker-compose.yml -p $SERVICE up -d &> /dev/null && break
+      TRIES=$((TRIES+1))
+    done
 
     # Keep trying service port to make sure it's up before
     # we proceed