Resources for Veterans Who Want to Start a Business

By: Aries Payne

Over 5% of business owners in the United States are veterans who successfully leveraged their military experience and skills to build thriving ventures. In fact, veteran businesses alone generate over $900 billion in revenue and employ over 3 million workers.

Despite these incredible achievements, this group of business owners still makes up a small segment of entrepreneurs. However, many resources are available to help more veterans turn their dreams of owning their own businesses into reality.

Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Multiple government-backed programs are dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and military spouses in their entrepreneurial endeavors. These programs offer resources ranging from business training, advising, and mentorship to funding and networking opportunities.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program – The VBOC program offers business training, counseling, mentorship, and other resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who want to start or grow a business.
Boots to Business – The Boots to Business program is offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides education and training for service members and military spouses interested in entrepreneurship.
Veterans Advantage Program – Also offered by the SBA, the Veterans Advantage Program offers accessible loan options for small businesses that “are at least 51% owned by a veteran, active-duty service member, or military spouse or widow” (Janover).
Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) – The VIP empowers Veteran-owned small businesses by offering resources to help them navigate the world of federal procurement.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA has a Veteran Entrepreneur Portal, which houses a complete library of resources to support veteran entrepreneurs and small businesses. The VA also offers a Vets First Contracting Program, which connects veteran-owned small businesses with unique procurement opportunities.
Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program – VetCert is a way for veteran-owned small businesses to compete for sole-source and set-aside government contracts.
Texas Veterans Commission – The Texas Veterans Commission has a Veteran Entrepreneur Program, which provides tools to help veteran entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – SBDCs offer business advising, training, and resources for all entrepreneurs, including veterans, who want to start, grow, or expand their businesses.

There are also plenty of other nonprofit and private organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce (i.e., the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce), that offer additional support for veterans interested in business ownership.

Veterans face unique challenges when it comes to starting a business. However, there are also plenty of opportunities when you leverage the right resources, so if you are a veteran, service member, or military spouse or family member and want more information about the tools available to you as an entrepreneur, contact your nearest SBDC today.