VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS
Small businesses contribute to the lions’ share of America’s Gross National Product. Veterans have had great success in making this statistic a reality.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamps for Vets with Disabilities (EBV)
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a week-long free program provided by university business schools that offers cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines disabled as a result of their service supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Schools participating: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Florida State University College of Business, Mays Business School at Texas A&M, and the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.
Learn More: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV)
Loans and Grants Search Tool
Many states and other organizations also provide loans to veterans. This search tool assists in looking for such programs in your state.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans
This provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses that can’t be met due to an essential employee being called to active duty.
Learn More on the SBA Website
National Veterans Business Development Conference & Expo
This annual conference focuses on veteran small businesses and federal procurement opportunities.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Office of Veterans Business Development
This provides access to training, counseling, and assistance.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup
This program helps veterans transition into business ownership through education and support.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
This initiative is for veterans and members of the military community who want to establish or expand a small business.
Learn More on the SBA Website
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
The mission of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development is to maximize the availability, applicability, and usability of all administration small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors.
External links:
- SBA Office of Veterans Business Development website
- Directory of District Veterans Business Development Officers – Each SBA district office has such an officer. This map/directory will help you locate one nearby.
- SBA Programs and Resources for Veterans
SBA Resources for People with Disabilities
This offers information about starting, financing, and running a small business aimed at disabled persons, including service-disabled veterans.
Learn More on the SBA Website
The Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)
The mission of the Veterans Administration’s Center for Veterans Enterprise is to improve the business climate for veterans, minimize access barriers, and inform the public about the benefits of working with veteran-owned small businesses. The service assists veteran-run businesses seeking to sell services and products to the government by providing “acquisition teams” that offer procurement coaching, free market research, awareness briefings, and awards for noteworthy achievements.
External link:
Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP)
The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is an SBA-backed program designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. The SBA has eight organizations participating in this cooperative agreement, serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).
External link:
- Veterans Business Outreach Programs (VBOP) – Information about the program and a directory of the eight programs.
American Corporate Partners (ACP) Mentorship Program
ACP offers free one-on-one career guidance and mentorship for veterans transitioning to business ownership or corporate careers.
Learn More: American Corporate Partners
Bunker Labs
A national nonprofit that provides community, programs, and courses to help military veterans and military spouses start and grow successful businesses.
Learn More: Bunker Labs
Entrepreneurship Bootcamps for Vets with Disabilities (EBV)
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a week-long free program provided by university business schools that offers cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines disabled as a result of their service supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Schools participating: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Florida State University College of Business, Mays Business School at Texas A&M, and the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.
Learn More: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV)
FedEx Small Business Grant for Veterans
FedEx awards grants to veteran-owned businesses through an annual contest that provides funding and networking opportunities.
Learn More: FedEx Small Business Grant
Hivers & Strivers Angel Investment Group
Hivers & Strivers is an angel investment group that provides early-stage funding for veteran-led startups.
Learn More: Hivers & Strivers
Loans and Grants Search Tool
Many states and other organizations also provide loans to veterans. This search tool assists in looking for such programs in your state.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans
This program provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses that can’t be met due to an essential employee being called to active duty.
Learn More on the SBA Website
National Veterans Business Development Conference & Expo
This annual conference focuses on veteran small businesses and federal procurement opportunities.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Office of Veterans Business Development
This provides access to training, counseling, and assistance.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup
This program helps veterans transition into business ownership through education and support.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
This initiative is for veterans and members of the military community who want to establish or expand a small business.
Learn More on the SBA Website
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP)
This program helps military veteran entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through access to capital and education.
Learn More: PenFed VEIP
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
The mission of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development is to maximize the availability, applicability, and usability of all administration small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors.
External links:
- SBA Office of Veterans Business Development website
- Directory of District Veterans Business Development Officers – Each SBA district office has an officer to assist veterans.
- SBA Programs and Resources for Veterans
SBA Resources for People with Disabilities
This offers information about starting, financing, and running a small business aimed at disabled persons, including service-disabled veterans.
Learn More on the SBA Website
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification
This certification allows veteran-owned businesses to compete for set-aside federal contracts.
Learn More: SDVOSB Certification
StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
StreetShares provides grants and resources for veteran entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
Learn More: StreetShares Foundation
The Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)
The mission of the Veterans Administration’s Center for Veterans Enterprise is to improve the business climate for veterans, minimize access barriers, and inform the public about the benefits of working with veteran-owned small businesses. The service assists veteran-run businesses seeking to sell services and products to the government by providing “acquisition teams” that offer procurement coaching, free market research, awareness briefings, and awards for noteworthy achievements.
External link:
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
V-WISE is an entrepreneurship training program for female veterans, offering mentorship and networking opportunities.
Learn More: V-WISE
Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP)
The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is an SBA-backed program designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. The SBA has eight organizations participating in this cooperative agreement, serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).
External link:
- Veterans Business Outreach Programs (VBOP) – Information about the program and a directory of the eight programs.
Warrior Rising Business Development Program
Warrior Rising provides funding, mentorship, and business development support for veterans looking to become entrepreneurs.
Learn More: Warrior Rising