Are You a Veteran Looking to Start a Small Business? These 9 Organizations Can Help

Starting a small business can be a daunting task, especially for veterans who are transitioning from military service back into civilian life. The good news is that there are numerous organizations that offer support and resources to help veterans start and run successful small businesses. Here are some of the top organizations that provide assistance to veterans looking to start a business.

1. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Perhaps the most well-known organization that provides support to veteran-owned businesses is the Small Business Administration. The SBA offers a variety of programs and services, including small business loans, business counseling, and training.

In fact, the SBA has a program specifically for veterans, called the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), which provides resources and help specifically for veterans and their families.

2. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

The Veterans Business Outreach Center is a program funded by the SBA that provides counseling, training, and other resources to veterans who want to start or grow a small business. The VBOC has a network of centers located throughout the United States, which offers services such as business plan development, market research, and financial management.

The organization also provides continuous business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

The SBA also offers veterans Boots to Business (B2B), a free two-day entrepreneurial education and training program. Participants learn how to launch a business, develop a plan, and much more. This in-person or online course provides participants with an introductory understanding of business ownership.

3. Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is a research center at Syracuse University that provides career training and education programs to veterans and their families.

IVMF offers a variety of programs that can help veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. For example, IGNITE is a one-day entrepreneurship training event offered in cities across the U.S.

V-WISE is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management. EBV and EBV-F are programs offered that provide participants with the knowledge and tools that will help get their businesses up and running.

4. Hivers & Strivers Capital

This program is offered to veteran-owned startups seeking funding. It invests in businesses with high growth potential, providing anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million in funding.

To be eligible for Hivers & Strivers Capital, you need to be a veteran. The fund does not invest in lifestyle businesses, franchises, cannabis, or government contracting.

5. DAV Patriot Boot Camp

DAV Patriot Boot Camp is a unique opportunity for veterans and their spouses who are interested in entrepreneurship. Hosted by the Disabled American Veterans organization, the program offers an intensive three-day curriculum that covers topics such as business strategy, fundraising, and marketing.

Participants are also given access to a wide network of successful entrepreneurs and investors who provide valuable advice and mentorship. In addition to the educational component, the boot camp also offers opportunities for veterans to connect and form business partnerships with one another.

6. VetFran

VetFran, which stands for Veteran Transition Franchise Initiative, is a program that offers U.S. military veterans the opportunity to start their own business through franchising. The program was launched in 1991 by the International Franchise Association and has since helped thousands of veterans start successful franchises.

VetFran offers training and resources to help veterans navigate the franchising process, as well as financial incentives including franchise fee discounts and financing assistance. The program has over 650 participating franchise companies, covering a wide range of industries from food service to healthcare.

7. Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP)

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program is a program offered by the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. The program provides training, education, and mentorship to veterans who want to start or grow a business.

It's offered at no cost to participants and covers topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management. There are similar VEP programs at these schools:

• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• University of Florida in Gainesville

8. Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs offers multiple programs to empower veterans and military spouses who aspire to entrepreneurship. One of them is Veterans in Residence, which is a business incubator for early-stage startups and growth-oriented small businesses.

Bunker Labs also offers programs to help veterans and military spouses network with the community and continue to grow their business.

9. VETRN

VETRN, or Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Resource Network, is a comprehensive program offering a 28-week training program. It provides veterans with the necessary tools and skills to be successful entrepreneurs, including business planning, market research, financial management, and more.

The program is taught by experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as other veterans who have successfully started their own businesses. VETRN also offers ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities to veterans as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.

Starting a small business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it can also be a challenging one, especially for veterans who are unfamiliar with the business world. Reach out to these organizations to see how they can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals, and don't forget to search for small business grants geared towards your needs. With their assistance, you'll be in a better position to create a successful business that will give you financial stability and freedom in civilian life.