Veteran Business Resources
The Roanoke Regional SBDC offers dedicated support to veteran business owners through the VetBiz program directed by Tom Tanner. To learn more about small peer groups, networking meetings, and a resource newsletter, visit our VetBiz website.
In addition to our regional program, there are other local, state, and federal resources to help both active duty armed forces and veterans become small business owners.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) supports veterans becoming business owners through the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). SBA's VBOCs offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities. VBOCs can also help veterans navigate SBA’s extensive resource partner network and refer them to a community partner, lender, or SBA program. Services include:
Transition Assistance Programs like Boots to Business classes. Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education program open to Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses.
Pre Business Plan Workshops
Concept Assessments
Business Plan Preparation
Feasibility Analysis
Entrepreneurial Training and Counseling
Mentorship
Other Business Development Services
The VetResources newsletter can have general information of interest to veteran small business owners.
The National Resource Directory is a U.S. government site that lists resources available for various groups. Type “veteran” into the search field, along with your location, for a list of resources near you.
Veteran and Military Business Owners Association (VMBOA) is free to join and provides networking, collaboration, mentoring, education, certification and advocacy.
The VetBiz portal is a gateway to information and services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). The VetBiz portal provides access to:
Vets First Contracting Program for VA set-asides and sole-source contracts
Acquisitions and Program Management Support and resources for federal procurement guidelines
VA verified firm designations
Training
Communications
Events to access procurement opportunities
The Vets First Verification Program affords verified firms owned and controlled by Veterans and Service-disabled Veterans the opportunity to compete for VA set asides.