VBOCs are a gateway into SBA's resource partner ecosystem. Through the VBOC, service members, veterans, and military spouses can access courses, community, certification, one-on-one coaching, and more to help aspiring entrepreneurs find their footing and belong; and to help existing business owners expand their impact.
Service members and their spouses can receive transition assistance through Boots to Business, the entrepreneurship track of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program. The curriculum provides an overview of business fundamentals to those interested exploring business ownership. Off installations, VBOCs also host Botts to Business Reboot, an extension of Boots to Business, to veterans of all eras, military spouses, and members of the National Guard and Reserve.
Federal programs help give government contracting opportunities to veterans. Each year the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to veteran-owned businesses. Certification through the Veteran Smal Business Certification (VetCert) portal allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government.
The SBA offers online training programs and development and growth opportunities designed to empower and educate small business owners. Select your stage of business and be ready to grow. You will also find training in marketing, procurement, and export assistance.
Qualified transitioning or active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses may be able to gain access to capital at any stage of business through various SBA-backed loan programs offered through your local vendor.
Currently, the VBOC is unaware of specific grants for veterans to open a for-profit business. Typically, grants go to non-profit social service, larger research and educational institutions. However, the VBOC advises that those veterans interested in grants search the internet (www.grants.gov) and other financial publications for information.
You need someone in your corner that has the experience, knowledge, and connections to be able to really help you succeed. So, don't recreate the wheel. Stop at the SBA first.
Kara Rutter, Founder, Project Victory Gardens Boots to Business Graduate
Located throughout the nation, the SBA ecosystem is comprised of grantees, resource partners, district offices, interagency organizations, and more. SBA Partners with organizations around the country to provide training, opportunities, and funding to local communities. See the network.
Under the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development, find specialized programs and resources for veterans, women veterans, service-disabled veterans services to start, grow, and expand their small business.