Veteran-owned businesses

SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.

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Training programs

To help you succeed, our custom courses are available in-person and online. Learn the basics of owning a business and get access to SBA resources. You will also hear from small business experts. Read on to see what's available.

Boots to Business training series

  • Boots to Business: Part of the U.S. Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Offered on military installations worldwide.
  • Boots to Business Reboot: Extends B2B to veterans of all eras in their communities. Includes National Guard and Reserve members.
  • Boots to Business Revenue Readiness: Make a business idea to an into an actual model. Must first complete Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot. Six weeks, offered online.

Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP)

Training to start or grow a business. For women veterans and service members. SBA grants funding for these specialized entrepreneurship training programs to:

Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP) 

For veterans injured in the line of duty who are or want to be small business owners. SBA grants funding for these specialized training programs to:

Resources for spouses

Support for military spouse entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and education. SBA offers the same flexible resources for spouses as for veteran business owners. Learn more about SBA resources for military spouse businesses.

Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program (VFPETP) 

Federal procurement training for currently involved or interested businesses. This nationwide training is open to veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Check out the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) for more information.

Funding

Explore our loan programs to find the best loan for your business. To receive a list of authorized lenders in your area, use our Lender Match tool.

Have an employee in the Reserves or National Guard called to duty? The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL) provides loans to help with losses. See if you qualify.

Federal contracting programs

The federal government awards an annual portion of its contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses. These programs help veteran-owned small businesses access these contracts. See if you're eligible.

Small businesses owned by veterans may also qualify to buy surplus government property.

Expert advice

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) are available nationwide. These centers offer business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship, and training. Available to eligible service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members. Find your nearest center.

Need help?

If you have questions, contact us at:

Office of Veterans Business Development
409 3rd St. SW, Suite 5700
Washington, DC 20416

Phone: 202-205-6773

Need help? Get free business counseling

Last updated January 19, 2024