Start a Business
Your Path to Veteran Entrepreneurship Begins Here
Veterans and their spouses have access to an incredible range of free entrepreneurship training programs, opening doors to business ownership, financial independence, and long-term success. These initiatives provide tailored support, from business planning and mentorship to funding opportunities and federal contracting assistance.
Programs like Boots to Business, part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), introduce veterans to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Similarly, the Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) offers one-on-one mentorship, helping veterans refine business plans and connect with industry leaders.
For those with disabilities, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) provides cutting-edge training from top universities like Syracuse, UCLA, and Texas A&M, equipping veterans with essential business skills at no cost. Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) focuses specifically on empowering female veterans and spouses through immersive workshops and mentorship.
For veterans looking to scale their businesses, Bunker Labs and Hivers & Strivers provide networking, funding, and community support. Additionally, organizations like the StreetShares Foundation offer grants and financing opportunities to help veteran entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses.
Government-backed programs such as the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development and CVE VetBiz give veterans a competitive edge in federal contracting. Meanwhile, VetFran provides pathways into franchising, offering discounts and support.
These free programs give veterans and their spouses the tools to transform their skills and experiences into thriving businesses, ensuring long-term financial success and community impact.
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“”The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” – Warren Buffet
Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
We continuously update this list to support veteran entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses. These programs provide mentorship, funding, training, and networking opportunities.
Funding & Loan Programs
Hivers & Strivers
An angel investment group providing early-stage funding for businesses founded by U.S. military academy graduates and veteran entrepreneurs.
- Website: hiversandstrivers.com
- Email: Not publicly available
- Phone: Not publicly availableBusiness Defense+4Veterans Affairs+4Wikipedia+4
- Address: Not publicly available
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans (MREIDL)
Offers financial assistance to small businesses struggling with expenses when key employees are called to active duty.Texas Veterans Commission+8Veterans Affairs+8Texas Veterans Commission+8
- Website: sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/military-reservists-economic-injury-loans
- Email: Not publicly availableWikipedia+7Wikipedia+7AWP+7
- Phone: 1-800-659-2955 (SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center)Small Business Administration
- Address: U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St, SW, Washington, DC 20416
Patriot Express Loan Program
Provides veterans and military members with low-interest loans to start or expand small businesses.
- Website: sba.gov/content/patriot-express-pilot-loan-initiative
- Email: Not publicly availableWarrior Rising+3Small Business Administration+3Wikipedia+3
- Phone: 1-800-827-5722 (SBA Answer Desk)
- Address: U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St, SW, Washington, DC 20416
StreetShares Foundation
Offers grants, financing, and mentorship to veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses through programs like the Veteran Small Business Award.
- Website: streetsharesfoundation.org
- Email: info@streetsharesfoundation.orgWikipedia+2Texas Veterans Commission+2Wikipedia+2
- Phone: 1-800-560-1435Laredo Morning Times+1AP News+1
- Address: 1985 Isaac Newton Square W, Suite 202, Reston, VA 20190
Education & Training Programs
Boots to Business (B2B)
A Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) initiative that provides entrepreneurial education and training for transitioning service members and their spouses.
- Website: sbavets.force.com/s/
- Email: boots-to-business@sba.gov
- Phone: 1-202-205-8381
- Address: U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St, SW, Washington, DC 20416
Bunker Labs
A national network that offers educational programs, workshops, and access to funding for veteran entrepreneurs.
- Website: bunkerlabs.org
- Email: info@bunkerlabs.org
- Phone: Not publicly available
- Address: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212, Chicago, IL 60654
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
A free, intensive entrepreneurship training initiative for post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities. Participating universities include:
Syracuse University
- Website: ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/ebv/
- Email: ivmfeducation@syr.eduVeterans Affairs+1Veterans Affairs+1
- Phone: 1-315-443-6898
- Address: 700 University Avenue, Suite 303, Syracuse, NY 13244
UCLA Anderson School of Management
- Website: anderson.ucla.edu/programs-and-outreach/entrepreneurship-bootcamp-for-veterans
- Email: Not publicly available
- Phone: 1-310-825-7985
- Address: 110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Florida State University College of Business
- Website: business.fsu.edu/ebv
- Email: ebv@fsu.edu
- Phone: 1-850-644-7896
- Address: 821 Academic Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306
Texas A&M Mays Business School
- Website: mays.tamu.edu/ebv/
- Email: ebv@mays.tamu.edu
- Phone: 1-979-845-1998AWP+4AP News+4Warrior Rising+4
- Address: 4113 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843
Purdue University Krannert School of Management
- Website: krannert.purdue.edu/executive/ebv/
- Email: krannertexec@purdue.edu
- Phone: 1-765-494-1554