Veteran Small Business Resources
Federal programs, certifications, funding, and mentorship opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Overview
Veteran entrepreneurs are a significant force in the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), veterans own approximately 1.8 million businesses nationwide, employing millions of Americans. The skills developed during military service — leadership, discipline, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure — translate directly into business ownership.
Multiple federal programs exist specifically to help veterans start, grow, and sustain small businesses. These range from free training and mentorship to certification programs that open the door to billions of dollars in federal contracting opportunities. This page covers the major programs and resources available.
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is the federal government's primary agency for veteran entrepreneurship. It serves as the hub for most veteran-specific business programs and coordinates resources across the SBA.
The OVBD provides:
- Oversight of the Boots to Business program
- Management of Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
- Coordination with other SBA resource partners (SCORE, SBDCs, WBCs)
- Policy advocacy for veteran business owners within the federal government
- The annual National Veterans Small Business Week
Official Links
Boots to Business
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education program offered by the SBA as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It is one of the most accessible entry points for veterans interested in business ownership.
The program includes:
- Two-day introductory course: Covers the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business ownership, including how to identify a business opportunity, the components of a business plan, and available SBA resources
- Eight-week online follow-up course (Boots to Business Reboot): A deeper dive into business plan development, market research, financing, and launching a business. Also available to veterans who have already separated.
Who can participate: Transitioning service members, their spouses, and members of the National Guard and Reserves. The Reboot course is also open to veterans of all eras, not just those currently transitioning.
The program is free. Courses are offered at military installations worldwide and online.
Official Links
SDVOSB & VOSB Certification
The federal government offers two business certifications specifically for veteran-owned companies. These certifications open access to federal contracting set-asides worth billions of dollars annually.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
For businesses owned and controlled by veterans with a service-connected disability. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. Contracting officers can set aside contracts exclusively for SDVOSBs and can award sole-source contracts up to $5 million (manufacturing) or $4 million (other industries) to SDVOSBs.
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
For businesses owned and controlled by veterans (no service-connected disability required). While there is no separate federal contracting goal for VOSBs, the certification provides access to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans First Contracting Program, which gives priority to verified VOSBs and SDVOSBs for VA contracts.
How to Get Certified
As of January 2023, the SBA manages the SDVOSB and VOSB certification process (previously handled by the VA). Apply through the SBA's online certification portal at certify.sba.gov. You will need to provide documentation of veteran status, service-connected disability (if applicable), business ownership, and control. The process typically takes 60 to 90 days. Certifications must be renewed periodically.
Official Links
V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)
V-WISE is a training program specifically for women veterans and female military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The program is funded by the SBA and run through Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).
V-WISE includes:
- A 15-day online course covering entrepreneurship fundamentals
- A three-day in-person conference with workshops, networking, and mentorship
- Ongoing mentorship and community support after completion
The program is free for participants. Women veterans of all eras and branches are eligible, as are active-duty female service members and female spouses and partners of veterans and service members.
Official Links
Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
The SBA funds 28 Veteran Business Outreach Centers across the country. VBOCs are one of the best free resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.
VBOCs offer:
- Free one-on-one business counseling
- Business plan development assistance
- Entrepreneurship training workshops and courses
- Mentorship from experienced business advisors
- Help with accessing capital and loan applications
- Referrals to other SBA resource partners
VBOCs serve service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans, and military spouses. You can find your nearest VBOC through the SBA website. All services are provided at no cost.
Official Links
SBA Loans for Veterans
While the SBA does not make direct loans, it guarantees loans made by participating lenders, reducing the risk to the lender and making it easier for small businesses to access capital. Several SBA loan programs offer specific advantages for veterans.
SBA Express Loans
Veterans and their spouses are eligible for reduced fees on SBA Express loans. The SBA Express program offers loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround time than standard SBA loans. The SBA Veterans Advantage program waives or reduces the upfront guaranty fee for veteran borrowers.
Community Advantage Loans
These loans are made through mission-based lenders (community development financial institutions, or CDFIs) and are designed to serve underserved communities, including veteran entrepreneurs. Loans are available up to $350,000.
Microloans
The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit community-based organizations. These are particularly useful for startups and very small businesses that need smaller amounts of capital. Many microloan intermediaries also provide business training and technical assistance.
Official Links
Grants for Veteran Businesses
Important note: True grants (money you do not have to repay) specifically for veteran-owned businesses are rare. Be cautious of any organization claiming to offer "free money" or guaranteed grants — these are often scams. Most government funding for small businesses comes in the form of loans, not grants.
That said, some legitimate grant and competition programs do exist:
- StreetShares Foundation: Offers the Veteran Small Business Award, a monthly grant competition for veteran-owned businesses
- National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC): Hosts an annual Veteran Entrepreneur Award with cash prizes
- Bob Woodruff Foundation: Funds programs that support veteran entrepreneurs through their network of nonprofit partners
- Hivers and Strivers: An angel investment fund specifically for businesses led by military academy graduates
Additionally, some state and local governments offer grant programs for veteran business owners. Check your state's veteran affairs office and economic development agency for local opportunities.
SCORE Mentorship
SCORE is a nonprofit organization and SBA resource partner that provides free business mentoring to entrepreneurs. With over 10,000 volunteer mentors — many of whom are veterans themselves — SCORE is one of the largest networks of free business advisors in the country.
SCORE offers:
- Free one-on-one mentoring (in person, by phone, by email, or by video)
- Free or low-cost workshops and webinars on business topics
- Online resources including templates, guides, and tools
- Specialized mentoring tracks for veterans
You do not need to be starting a new business to use SCORE. Existing business owners looking to grow, pivot, or troubleshoot can also benefit. There are over 250 SCORE chapters nationwide, and mentoring is available online regardless of your location.
Official Links
Federal Contracting Opportunities
The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, spending over $600 billion annually on contracts. Veteran-owned businesses — particularly SDVOSBs — have significant advantages in competing for this work.
SAM.gov Registration
To do business with the federal government, you must register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration is free and required before you can bid on or receive federal contracts. Keep your registration active — it must be renewed annually.
GSA Schedule
A GSA Schedule (also called a Multiple Award Schedule) is a long-term contract with the General Services Administration that allows federal agencies to purchase your products or services at pre-negotiated prices. Getting on the GSA Schedule simplifies the procurement process for both you and the government buyer.
How Set-Asides Work
Federal contracting officers can "set aside" contracts exclusively for small businesses meeting certain criteria. For SDVOSBs, this means contracts where only certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses can compete. Sole-source awards (no competition required) are also available for SDVOSBs up to certain dollar thresholds. The VA's Veterans First Contracting Program gives priority to VOSBs and SDVOSBs for VA-specific contracts.
AbilityOne Program
The AbilityOne Program is a federal initiative that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities through contracts with the federal government. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may benefit from this program through participating nonprofit agencies.
State & Local Resources
In addition to federal programs, many states offer their own veteran small business programs, including:
- State-level veteran business certifications and contracting preferences
- State-funded grants or low-interest loan programs
- Tax incentives for veteran-owned businesses
- State small business development centers with veteran-specific advisors
- Local veteran business networks and chambers of commerce
Check out our state-by-state benefits pages for information on veteran programs specific to your state.