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Life event

Starting a business

SBA Vet, VR&E self-employment, contracting

Start here

  1. If VR&E-eligible, ask about the self-employment track; includes startup funding.
  2. Register as a Veteran-Owned Small Business for federal contracting preference.
  3. Apply for SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center mentorship.

Benefits that apply here

Category: Transition
TRANSITION

VR&E Self-Employment Track

VR&E helps veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities start a small business: help developing a business plan, analysis of the business concept, and training in small-business operations, marketing, and finances. Once VA approves self-employment, it can furnish minimum stocks, essential equipment, and fees such as a business license, but not land, buildings, or vehicles.

Available to veterans and service members enrolled in VR&E whose service-connected disability creates an employment handicap
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Category: Transition
TRANSITION

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Federal Contracting

SBA certifies veteran-owned (VOSB) and service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) small businesses through its VetCert program; the job moved from VA to SBA on January 1, 2023. Certified SDVOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government, and certified VOSBs can compete for them at VA under its Vets First program.

Available to veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses certified by SBA
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Category: Transition
TRANSITION

SBA Boots to Business

Free two-day, in-person entrepreneurship course for service members (including Guard and Reserve) and military spouses, offered through the Transition Assistance Program at participating military installations. Veterans of all eras can take Boots to Business Reboot in their communities, and either course leads to a six-week online follow-on course.

Available to service members, including Guard and Reserve, and military spouses; veterans of all eras take Boots to Business Reboot
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Category: Education
EDUCATION

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)

Vocational counseling, job training, education, and placement assistance for veterans whose service-connected disabilities create an employment handicap. Covers tuition, books, supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance.

Available at 10%+ service-connected disability with qualifying employment handicap~$1,029/mo subsistenceFull-time training, no dependents
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Beyond the VA

Add your state in your profile to see state and community programs for this moment. You can also browse the full network.

VR&E counselors handle self-employment.

A VSO rep can connect you with the right Chapter 31 counselor.

Find a VSO near you