U.S. Small Business Administration
Since 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has helped Veterans start, manage and grow small businesses. Today, the SBA offers a full range of entrepreneurial support programs to every American and specific programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard Members. The SBA’s mission is to help you successfully transition from the world’s finest warrior to the world’s finest small business owner.
SBA Resource Partners
Veterans Business Outreach Centers
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) provide free business consulting and free or low-cost training services to aspiring Vetrepreneurs – active duty or past military service as well as military spouses – and veteran-owned small businesses throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, and its territories.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services to small businesses and aspiring civilian and military entrepreneurs throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SCORE
SCORE’s nationwide network of experienced business owners and managers provide a variety of free business mentoring and low-cost training services at area chapters and online. They have also launched a resource specifically for Black Entrepreneurs.
Women’s Business Centers
The nationwide network of Women’s Business Centers provides training, mentoring, business development, and financing opportunities.
Institute For Veterans And Military Families (IVMF)
The IVMF designs and delivers world-class educational and vocational training programs designed to provide service members, veterans and their families with the skills they need to be successful in business ownership, careers and life.
IVMF Entrepreneurship Training Programs Specifically for Veteran and Military Spouses
Boots to Business
Boots to Business, an optional entrepreneurship training track in the DoD’s TAP GPS program for transitioning active duty personnel and military spouses.
Boots to Business Reboot
Boots to Business Reboot for veterans and service members of all eras, National Guard and Reservists as well as military spouses through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
V-WISE Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
V-WISE for active duty women, women veterans and military spouses.
Ascent
SBA’s free learning platform for women entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans With Disabilities
EBV for Post 9/11 veterans with a service-connected disability.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veteran Families
EBV-F for military family members who are caregivers to a veteran with a service-connected disability and for surviving spouses of a military member who lost his or her life while in service.
Other Resources
Veterans Florida
Veterans Florida, a non-profit corporation created by the State of Florida to help veterans fully transition to civilian life in the Sunshine State with career opportunities, education, and entrepreneurship training.
Warrior Rising Vet to CEO Business Accelerator Program
Veterans Business Accelerator Program is facilitated by successful small business owners who are also are veterans. You’ll join a group of fellow qualified veterans and Active, Guard, and Reserve military who are either exploring entrepreneurship as a career path choice or already have active small businesses and want to learn more. The program is online, and you can attend from anywhere. The program is at no cost with proof of service (DD214 or Government ID – you can redact SSNs before submitting).
Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
The National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) offers five no-cost training tracks designed by seasoned executives from industry and government to help Veteran Owned Small Businesses and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses increase their ability to win government contracts. Programs vary in length from one to three days, and are held in the Washington, DC area, just 11 miles from the White House. Participants receive hands-on, market-based instruction that help establish best business practices for Federal government contracting.
Veterans Business Network
This online directory is free for all to use and free for veteran-owned businesses to list their businesses. The VBN is a non-profit organization. You can utilize this service to add your business and have another way for customers to find you.
Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses
The Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) is a For Public Benefit Organization (non-profit 501c6) statewide business association that advocates for the success of veteran business owners (VOBs) in Florida. We are a community of over 450 veteran business owners and patriotic members across the state with chapters in Orlando, Tampa, the Space Coast, Jacksonville and the Panhandle.