Financial and Other Small Business Resources for Veterans

Veterans Business Outreach Centers
If you’re a veteran looking for more information on SBA and veteran-specific programs that might help you, contact your local district office. The SBA also has Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) that offer assistance in outreach, assessment, long and short-term business training, counseling, directed referring, and online assistance to veterans, service disabled veterans, and Reserve business owners and entrepreneurs.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification
Being verified as Veteran-owned small business (VOSB) through the VA and the SBA verification systems allow your business to participate in programs and respond to business opportunities that are only available to Veteran-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, once the final Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) is published.

BoeFly Fundability App
BoeFly’s Fundability App will help you determine how fundable you are based on the credit preferences of over 3,600 lenders and learn what you can do to become more attractive to lenders.

VetLoan Advantage
If you are a veteran interested in securing fixed, low-rate, long-term financing for your business or enterprise, this program offers discounts designed to help you transition back to life as a civilian.

PeopleVET & Veteran Education (Only in Texas)
PeopleVET offers special interest small business loan rates and education to qualified veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Toll Free: (866)584-2344
VACVE@va.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs has the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), which is solely dedicated to assisting veterans in starting and building businesses. They maintain a website that serves as the federal government portal for veteran-owned businesses, and help with the following:

Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification
Doing Business with the Federal Government
Download the Verification Program Initial Application Guide HERE

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service
Depending on their circumstances, veterans will work with their VRC to select one of the following five tracks of services:

  • Reemployment (with a former employer)
  • Direct job placement services for new employment
  • Self-employment
  • Employment through long-term services including OJT, college, and other training
  • Independent living services

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Direct: (202) 461-4300
Their goal is to help small and veteran-owned businesses contribute most effectively to the important mission of VA. They offer great resources for small business start-ups; help small and veteran-owned businesses to enhance and expand; facilitate conferences, opportunity showcases; and so much more.

Boots to Business Program
Boots to Business is a three-step training program developed to introduce and train transitioning service members to business ownership.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE consists of chapters throughout the U.S. Click on the link to see information about your closest local chapter.

Veteran Fast Launch Initiative
“Helping Veterans and Their Families Start and Grow Small Businesses”

VetBizGo
VetBizGo has a range of tools, programs and resources that are available to assist with business ownership for Veterans, Reservists, and Active Duty Military Personnel.

VetNet by Google
VetNet is designed to provide a full spectrum of business resources and connect veterans who are re-entering the working life or looking to start a business. VetNet partners include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Hire Heroes USA.

The program is also targeted at veterans looking for employment opportunities; it also features numerous resources for veteran entrepreneurs including regular online training sessions held via interactive hangouts (Google+ speak for a live video web chat or event).

Topics vary – from how to conduct market research to building your business team and more. Class participants can also attend follow-up forums in Google+ where they can pose any questions they have about previous training sessions and connect with other veterans. Check out all upcoming classes and events here (click on “Entrepreneur Track”). You can also download workbooks and other resources to help you start and grow your business.