Veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to start a business. The combination of leadership experience, mission focus, logistics expertise, and operational discipline creates exceptional entrepreneurs. Federal programs provide significant advantages for veteran-owned businesses — from SBA loans to federal contract set-asides.
Key Veteran Business Programs
Free 2-day entrepreneurship course + 8-week online follow-on. Offered on installations through TAP. The best first step for any veteran considering business ownership. Register at sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/15891.
FreeSBA-funded centers providing free business training, mentoring, and consulting to veteran entrepreneurs. 22 centers nationwide. More intensive than Boots to Business. sba.gov/vboc
FreeSBA-backed loans for veteran-owned businesses. Competitive rates. SBA guarantees up to 85% of loans under $150,000. Apply through participating lenders.
If you have a service-connected disability, SDVOSB certification gives your business priority in federal contracting. Federal agencies are required to set aside contracts for SDVOSBs. This is one of the most powerful business advantages available.
High ValueFederal agencies can sole-source contracts up to $7M to VOSBs. Register at vetcert.va.gov. Qualification: at least 51% veteran-owned and controlled.
Federal ContractsVenture capital and accelerator programs specifically for veteran-founded businesses. Bunker Labs has chapters nationwide and runs the Labs to Leads accelerator program.
VR&E for Self-Employment
If you have a service-connected disability that makes traditional employment difficult, VR&E Chapter 31 Track 3 (Self-Employment) can fund your business startup costs — equipment, inventory, initial operating costs, and business planning support. A viable business plan is required. This is a legitimate path for veterans with physical disabilities who want to control their work environment. See our VR&E guide for full details.
Federal Contracting for Veteran Businesses
The federal government awards $700+ billion in contracts annually. Three percent is legally required to go to SDVOSB firms. This means a service-disabled veteran-owned business has legal access to roughly $21 billion in federal contract set-asides each year. Industries with the highest federal contract value include IT services, logistics, construction, professional services, and healthcare. The learning curve is steep — partner with an established prime contractor initially to build past performance before pursuing prime contracts independently.
Best Industries for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Veterans with security clearances and operational experience are highly valued by defense agencies. 8(a) and SDVOSB certifications open significant contract opportunities.
Military engineering, logistics, and project management experience translate well. Strong federal contracting opportunities through HUBZone and SDVOSB programs.
Many cleared veterans build small IT/cyber consulting firms serving DoD and federal clients. Lower overhead, high margins, and strong demand.
Owner-operator trucking or small fleet ownership is a common veteran entrepreneurship path. Lower capital barrier than many other businesses.
Build the Business Skills First
The career assessment identifies whether entrepreneurship aligns with your strengths and decision-making style — before you commit to the path.
Take the Career Assessment