Resources and more for veteran small business owners

Did you know there are more than 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S? Our nation’s veterans are hard-working, resilient and resourceful, making them specially equipped for entrepreneurship. However, they can often face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing capital and business networks. If this sounds familiar to you, you’ve come to the right place. In honor of National Veterans Small Business Week, we’re sharing some of our favorite stories of successful veteran entrepreneurs and resources that can help you start and grow a veteran-owned business. 

Advice from veteran small business owners

 “When you know you’re ready to move on from service, you have to prepare for your next steps before you leave.” Read more »

- Laurie Calkins, co-owner of Harpy Information Technology Solutions, St. Louis, MO

“Veterans have a lot to offer their communities and are natural entrepreneurs, but they need a variety of help and support to pursue their dreams once they become civilians again...Everyone can be a success, and everyone is a success.” Read more »

- Michael Taylor, owner of Michael Taylor Culinary Solutions, San Jose, CA 

“My belief is that you have to take risks, but take a strategic approach. Don’t blindly take risks, build a foundation and a safety net, and then take the leap.” Read more »

- Matt Banks, owner of Virtual Medical Group, LLC

Tips and resources for veteran business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs

Resource Locator Map
Use our resource locating tool to find in-person assistance near you for help navigating the entrepreneurial space. 

Q&A with Veterans Business Resource Center
Small Business Majority is proud to partner with the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC), an organization based in Missouri that provides mentorship and trainings for veteran small business owners, while also assisting their transition back to civilian life.

Register as a Small, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned or Veteran-Owned Business
Have you heard that federal procurement is an opportunity for your small, women-owned, minority-owned or disabled veteran-owned business, but don't understand the advantages or how to register? This overview serves as a starting point for small business owners interested in learning more.

Business Plan Templates
You know that writing a business plan is a critical tool for planning your business and for getting a loan, but it’s hard to know where to start. Like everything else, it’s easier to begin when you have a template to follow. 

How to Turn Your Small Business into a Legal Entity
Congratulations, you’re ready to start your own business! But how do you actually create that business as a legal entity? This primer covers the basics of making sure you've dotted your i's and crossed your t's. 

Doing Business With the Federal Government as a Subcontractor
The federal government spends billions of dollars on contracts each year, making it the largest buyer of goods and services in the country. Working with the government as a supplier or contractor is a huge opportunity for small businesses, especially since federal agencies are mandated to contract at least 23% to small business owners.

Which Loan is Right for Your Small Business
Before talking to a lender about a loan for your small business, you should understand the basics of your funding options. Having a better understanding of your options at the outset can save you a lot of time, energy and money. We’ve identified the most popular types of loans for small business owners as well as their features and things to consider before applying for funds.

Organizations we love!

Bunker Labs
Bunker Labs is a national network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own business. We are committed to seeing that every entrepreneur in the veteran community has the network, tools, and resources they need to start their own business.

Veteran and Military Business Owners Association
The Veteran and Military Business Owners Association (VAMBOA) is a non-profit veteran business trade association that promotes and assists veteran business owners, service disabled veteran owned businesses and military business owners.

Veterans Business Resource Center
The Veterans Business Resource Center assists military members, Veterans, National Guard, Reservists and their immediate families with startup and expansion of small businesses in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and southern Illinois. The Center helps transition military skills into small business success.

SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
The SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.

SCORE Mentors
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.
 

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