10/06/2026

Resources for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Short answer: the U.S. Small Business Administration runs several programs for veterans, from training before you leave service to local business centers and federal contracting. The SBA says its partners offer free or low-cost counseling and training. Brandager is veteran owned, and we know how hard the move from military to civilian life can be, so we are glad to point you to them.

A signpost with several arrows pointing down a road to a small storefront

What does the SBA offer veterans?

The SBA's page for veteran-owned businesses lists these programs. Eligibility and details change, so confirm each on the SBA's own pages (SBA: Veteran-owned businesses, page undated).

  • Boots to Business. A training series that is part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program, offered on military installations worldwide.
  • Boots to Business Reboot. Extends the training to veterans of all eras in their communities, including National Guard and Reserve members.
  • Boots to Business Revenue Readiness. Helps turn a business idea into an actual model. You must first complete Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot.
  • Veterans Business Outreach Centers. The SBA says these centers offer business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship and training, for eligible service members, veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members.
  • Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program. Supports veterans injured in the line of duty who are, or want to be, small business owners.
  • Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Provides loans to help with losses for employees called to duty.
  • Federal contracting. The SBA says the federal government awards an annual portion of its contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses.

Where to start

  • Thinking about starting a business

    Look at the Boots to Business programs first. They are built for the idea stage.

  • Already running one and want mentoring

    Veterans Business Outreach Centers list mentorship and training, and SCORE and your local SBDC are free for any owner.

  • Interested in selling to the government

    Read the SBA's federal contracting information before you invest time. Confirm what applies to your situation.

  • Hit by an economic loss from a call to duty

    Ask the SBA about the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Local help alongside the veteran programs

The SBA says it and its partners offer free or low-cost counseling and training in your area, and its partners include Small Business Development Centers, SCORE and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (SBA: Local assistance, page undated). In Northeast Florida, see free small business help in Jacksonville.

When an independent specialist can help

Free programs are a strong start. When you face a decision that is hard to reverse, such as choosing a platform, moving to the cloud or planning how to use AI, a specialist can add an independent view. Brandager is flexible about how we engage, and we aim to be fair on pricing and generous toward non-profits and veteran-owned businesses. See what a business growth consultant costs, or contact us. The first conversation is a general get-to-know-each-other.

FAQ

What is Boots to Business?

The SBA describes it as a training series that is part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program, offered on military installations worldwide.

Are there programs for veterans who are not leaving service now?

Yes. The SBA lists Boots to Business Reboot for veterans of all eras in their communities, including National Guard and Reserve members.

Are the SBA's veteran programs free?

The SBA says it and its partners offer free or low-cost counseling and training. Check each program's page for its current terms.

Researched and drafted with AI, then reviewed and edited by the site's editors.