Vetbiz Success: What Makes SBA Support Matter Most
Ki Ho Kang, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, built his career on solving the Air Force’s most complex engineering acquisition and sustainment challenges for aircraft systems. From avionics systems engineering to advanced weapons development and senior acquisition policy roles, Kang developed a deep understanding of how the Department of Defense designs, sustains and modernizes critical aircraft and weapons systems. From ROTC and hands-on problem-solving on aircraft under depot sustainment to developing and acquiring new systems for aircraft and eventually starting and growing his own company, Kang’s experience demonstrates the potential of starting small but, with incredible perseverance, winning big.
Kang carried that experience with him and applied it as he transitioned into entrepreneurship.
Start with a Mission
Kang’s 11-year active duty and 10-year reserve Air Force career, including earning his master’s degree, laid the foundation for skills he would need in his future entrepreneurial venture. His service included roles as an A-10 avionics systems engineer and flight test director, advanced studies in electrical engineering, and leadership positions in acquisition and technology development, ultimately serving at the Pentagon as the acquisition policy chief for fighter, bomber and weapons systems. These experiences gave him deep expertise in engineering and defense acquisition—skills he would later channel into building a small business.
Upon returning from activation during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kang decided to leave his prior employment at a research institute and start KIHOMAC to provide more flexibility to accommodate his Air Force Reserve commitments. He launched the company as a one-person startup, focused on engineering sustainment and advanced manufacturing solutions, gradually taking on more complex projects and expanding capabilities year after year. Kang’s business mission applied this technical depth to real-world aerospace challenges. KIHOMAC delivers engineering, sustainment (long-term system support), prototyping and manufacturing solutions that keep defense platforms mission ready.
Expand Operations with Access to Capital Through the SBA
Like many new entrepreneurs, Kang initially faced the challenge of understanding how to operate and scale a business. “When we started 22 years ago, we had to figure out everything. The SBA has always been in ‘our corner’ in how they supported us during various stages of our growth,” said Kang.
Things began to change when KIHOMAC received SBA guidance on navigating federal procurement. At the time, the company had just $140,000 in revenue. With support from an experienced SBA business specialist, Kang learned how to navigate the government procurement process. The mentorship provided the insight he needed to move into federal contracting and build the capacity to pursue larger opportunities. “Most of our early growth was due to SBA.” He stated, “Our continued growth after 2014 was also based on the foundation built under the SBA program.”
Tip: Whether you’re just exploring an idea or scaling an established business, connecting with experienced mentors and structured programs can accelerate your success and help you avoid common pitfalls. Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) offer mentorship and training resources to veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Learn and connect with your local VBOC.
Loans to Help with Business Expansion
To continue expanding, Kang utilized the SBA 504 loan program to finance the construction of a major manufacturing facility in Georgia. This long-term, fixed-rate financing enabled KIHOMAC to acquire the space, equipment and infrastructure needed to support advanced aerospace work. Kang shared, “SBA enables access to capital that would be much more difficult to get otherwise. The 504 loan enables banks to lend a larger project as they can rely on the SBA loan guarantee.” After securing the funding, Kang opened a 130,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Warner Robins, Ga., adjacent to Robins Air Force Base.
With this added capacity, KIHOMAC strengthened its production capabilities, improved efficiency and positioned itself to deliver larger and more technically complex projects for its defense customers. Access to affordable capital played a key role in helping the company scale at the right time and remain competitive in a demanding industry.
Tip: Explore SBA-guaranteed loan programs—from 7(a) to 504 and microloans—to find flexible financing options that support business growth and expansion. Use Lender Match to get connected to potential lenders with competitive rates and fees.
Use Entrepreneur Support Networks to Sharpen Business Skills
Kang also sought veteran-focused programs to sharpen his business skills. He completed the Veterans Institute for Procurement (VIP) GROW training, which he credits with providing “very tangible knowledge needed to operate in the military acquisition programs. SBA programs can help veteran entrepreneurs build strong foundations for long-term, sustainable growth.”
Through these support networks, Kang deepened his understanding of the federal marketplace and strengthened his ability to compete for advanced engineering and manufacturing contracts. Over time, KIHOMAC expanded. Their main office is in Virginia with additional locations in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.
Tip: Continued learning through veteran-focused training programs helps entrepreneurs confidently compete in highly technical or federal sectors. Find out more about VIP training.
Results and Future Growth
Today, KIHOMAC employs approximately 350 people and generates around $70 million in annual revenue, with new contract awards positioning the company for 20% growth in 2026. Looking ahead, Kang anticipates reaching $200 million in revenue within the next five to 10 years as the company expands further into advanced aerospace system design, manufacturing and sustainment—continuing the mission that began with a one-person engineering operation two decades ago.
KIHOMAC’s trajectory demonstrates what is possible when military expertise meets entrepreneurial vision and how commitment to precision, innovation and disciplined execution can propel a business to national recognition.
For veterans, transitioning service members or military spouses preparing to launch or scale a business, SBA resources and veteran-focused programs offer the support needed to take the next step toward entrepreneurial success. Connect with your local SBA District Office or a SCORE mentor to find answers to your questions.
Ready to take the next step? Visit sba.gov/veterans and follow SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.