Veteran Small Business Benefits: Complete Guide to Programs

Over 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses operate across the United States, contributing significantly to local economies and job creation. If you've served your country and now run your own company, specialized programs exist to help you access capital, win government contracts, reduce operating costs, and grow faster—but many small business owners never learn about these opportunities or how to claim them.

Understanding Veteran Business Ownership: Certification & Eligibility

Before accessing most federal benefits, you need to establish your status through official certification. This process verifies your eligibility and opens doors to exclusive opportunities designed specifically for those who have served.

What Qualifies as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)?

To qualify as a VOSB, your company must meet three core requirements. First, veterans must own at least 51% of the business and maintain control over day-to-day operations and long-term strategic decisions. Second, your company must meet SBA small business size standards, which vary by industry and are based on employee count or annual revenue. Third, eligible veterans include those from all service eras, including National Guard and Reserve members who completed their service obligations.

The ownership requirement means veterans must hold the majority stake and cannot be passive investors. Control extends beyond ownership percentages—veterans must actively manage the business, make key decisions, and hold the highest officer positions within the company structure.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Requirements

SDVOSBs represent a specialized category with additional eligibility criteria. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans who possess a service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This disability must have been incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Documentation requirements include a valid disability rating letter from the VA establishing a service-connected rating between 0 and 100 percent, or a valid disability determination from the Department of Defense. For veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage daily operations, their spouse or appointed permanent caregiver may assist with management while the business maintains eligibility.

How to Register: SBA VetCert Program Step-by-Step

The SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program became the mandatory certification pathway as of January 2024, replacing previous self-certification methods. This centralized system provides a single point of support for certification needs across all federal agencies.

Start by visiting the MySBA Certifications portal and creating an account. You'll need to gather several documents before beginning your application: DD Form 214 showing your discharge status, VA disability rating letters (for SDVOSB applicants), business formation documents proving ownership structure, tax returns demonstrating business size, and documentation showing veterans control daily operations and strategic decisions.

The application process typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to approval. Common mistakes that delay certification include incomplete ownership documentation, missing control evidence (such as organizational charts or management agreements), expired VA disability letters, and incorrect NAICS code selection. Review all requirements carefully and use the pre-application checklists available through the portal.

After certification approval, you must maintain your status through annual recertification and notify the SBA of any material changes to ownership, control, or business structure. Certification opens access to set-aside contracts, sole-source opportunities, and specialized programs unavailable to non-certified businesses.

Federal Funding Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Multiple federal loan programs offer preferential terms, reduced fees, and specialized support to help veterans access capital for starting or expanding their companies.

SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) Loan Program

The Veterans Advantage program provides significant financial benefits on the SBA's most popular loan product. Loans under $150,000 carry no upfront guarantee fee, saving thousands of dollars in initial costs. For loans between $150,000 and $350,000, veterans receive substantial fee reductions, cutting typical costs significantly.

Loan amounts range from $50,000 to $5 million with repayment terms up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment, and 7 years for working capital. Eligible uses include purchasing equipment, acquiring real estate, refinancing existing debt, covering working capital needs, and buying inventory or supplies.

The application process requires a solid business plan, financial projections, personal financial statements, and business tax returns (for existing businesses). Use the SBA's Lender Match tool to connect with approved lenders in your area who understand veteran-specific programs and can guide you through underwriting requirements.

SBA 504 Loan Program for Veterans

The 504 program specializes in fixed asset financing with up to 90% financing available for commercial real estate and major equipment purchases. This structure requires only 10% down from the borrower, with 50% provided by a Certified Development Company (CDC) and 40% from a participating lender.

Fixed interest rates remain stable throughout the repayment period, which can extend 10, 20, or 25 years depending on the asset type. Veterans benefit from lower fees and streamlined processing when working with veteran-friendly CDCs. Eligible purchases include land and building acquisition, construction or renovation of facilities, long-term equipment with a useful life exceeding 10 years, and refinancing existing debt on eligible fixed assets.

Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL)

This specialized program addresses a unique challenge faced by small business owners who employ members of the Reserve or National Guard. When an essential employee receives orders for active duty, the business may qualify for up to $2 million to cover operating expenses and help weather the temporary loss of key personnel.

An "essential employee" is defined as someone whose absence causes substantial economic injury to the business—typically owners, managers, or employees with specialized skills that cannot be easily replaced. The loan covers working capital needs, paying fixed debts, payroll costs, and accounts payable that become difficult to manage during the employee's absence.

Interest rates are typically low (around 4%), and repayment terms extend up to 30 years. Application requires documentation of the employee's military orders, evidence of their essential role, and demonstration of economic injury resulting from their absence.

Grant Opportunities for Veteran Businesses

While loans provide most funding, several grant programs offer non-repayable capital. The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant awards five $10,000 grants annually to veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses. Eligibility requires 51% or greater ownership, 3-20 employees, and location in an economically vulnerable community or demonstrated financial need.

State-specific programs vary widely by location. Many states operate their own grant initiatives targeting veteran entrepreneurs, often focused on specific industries like manufacturing, technology, or agriculture. Research your state's Department of Veterans Affairs and economic development agencies for local opportunities.

Private foundations and corporate programs also provide grants. Organizations like FedEx, USAA, and various veteran service organizations run annual competitions and application cycles. These typically require detailed business plans, community impact statements, and growth projections.

Angel Investment and Venture Capital

Hivers & Strivers operates an angel investment program specifically for military academy graduates launching businesses. Investment amounts range from $250,000 to $1 million, with many investors being veterans themselves who understand the military experience and leadership development that academy graduates bring to entrepreneurship.

The application process emphasizes the business concept's viability, market opportunity, and the founder's leadership capabilities. While focused on academy graduates, similar veteran-focused investment groups exist across the country, often connected to local veteran business organizations and economic development councils.

Federal Contracting Opportunities for Veterans

The federal government represents the world's largest customer, spending hundreds of billions annually on products and services. Specialized programs help veteran-owned businesses access this massive market through set-aside contracts and preferential consideration.

Understanding Federal Set-Aside Contracts

Federal agencies aim to award at least 5% of contracting dollars to SDVOSBs and maintain substantial goals for VOSB participation. Set-aside contracts limit competition to eligible small businesses, dramatically improving your odds compared to full-and-open competition where large corporations dominate.

Two primary types exist: competitive set-asides, where multiple eligible businesses bid against each other, and sole-source awards, where agencies can award contracts directly to qualified businesses without competition (typically up to $4 million for non-manufacturing contracts and $7 million for manufacturing contracts for SDVOSBs).

Federal procurement follows the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which establishes rules, processes, and requirements for all government purchasing. Understanding basic FAR principles helps you navigate solicitations, respond to requests for proposals, and comply with contract requirements once awarded.

Veterans First Contracting Program (VA Contracts)

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Veterans First program, which prioritizes veteran-owned businesses for VA contracts. Certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs receive first consideration for VA procurement opportunities before the agency can use other small business programs or full-and-open competition.

This "verification" through the SBA VetCert program is mandatory for participating in Veterans First opportunities. The VA represents one of the largest federal agencies by budget and procurement volume, offering contracts across healthcare, IT services, construction, facilities management, medical supplies, and professional services.

Bidding strategies should focus on understanding VA needs, building relationships with VA procurement officers, attending industry days and networking events, and developing capability statements that clearly articulate your relevant experience and qualifications.

Service-Disabled Veteran Set-Aside Program

SDVOSBs gain access to exclusive contract opportunities across all federal agencies through the SDVOSB set-aside program. This 5% federal contracting goal translates to billions in annual opportunities, with agencies actively seeking qualified SDVOSB contractors to meet their mandated targets.

Certification through SBA VetCert is required—there is no self-certification option for these opportunities. Once certified, register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), which serves as the central database federal buyers use to search for contractors.

Finding contracts requires regular monitoring of beta.SAM.gov for solicitations matching your NAICS codes, signing up for agency forecast notifications, connecting with Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (now called APEX Accelerators) for bid matching services, and building relationships with agency small business specialists who can alert you to upcoming opportunities.

Prime Contracting vs. Subcontracting Opportunities

Prime contracts come directly from federal agencies, making you the primary contractor responsible for performance. Subcontracting involves working under a larger prime contractor who holds the main contract. Both paths offer advantages depending on your business size, experience, and capabilities.

Department of Defense contractors with small business subcontracting plans must include specific goals for SDVOSB and VOSB participation. Large defense contractors actively seek veteran-owned subcontractors to meet these requirements, creating substantial opportunities for smaller businesses not yet ready for prime contracts.

Finding subcontracting opportunities involves identifying prime contractors in your industry, attending subcontractor matchmaking events hosted by agencies and prime contractors, registering in primes' vendor databases, and networking through veteran business associations and chambers of commerce.

Federal Surplus Property Program

The General Services Administration (GSA) operates the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program, allowing certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs to acquire federally owned property no longer in use. Available items include office equipment, computers, vehicles, tools, furniture, and various supplies—often at no cost beyond administrative fees.

State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP) manage distribution within each state. Contact your state's SASP to verify your eligibility, review available inventory, and understand the application process. Requirements include using property for business purposes only (not personal use), maintaining it within the state, and agreeing not to sell or transfer it during the restriction period without written authorization.

Property restrictions typically last one year for equipment and supplies, during which you must use items as intended for business operations. This program can significantly reduce startup and operating costs by providing necessary equipment and supplies without capital expenditure.

Tax Benefits and Credits for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Several federal tax incentives help veteran-owned businesses reduce their tax burden while supporting hiring and accessibility initiatives.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $9,600 per qualified veteran hired, with the amount varying based on several factors. Veterans unemployed for at least four weeks before hiring qualify for higher credit amounts, as do those receiving SNAP benefits or other public assistance, and those with service-connected disabilities.

To claim this credit, file IRS Form 8850 with your state workforce agency within 28 days of the veteran's start date—this deadline is strict and missing it disqualifies the credit. The state agency certifies eligibility, then you claim the credit on your federal tax return using Form 5884.

The credit calculation is based on first-year wages, with different percentages applying depending on the veteran's circumstances and hours worked. Veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been unemployed for six months or more qualify for the maximum credit amount.

Disabled Access Credit

Small businesses can claim up to $5,000 annually for making facilities more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Eligible modifications include installing ramps and curb cuts, widening doorways and hallways, modifying restrooms for accessibility, adding accessible parking spaces, installing visual fire alarms and other safety features, and improving signage and wayfinding systems.

This credit applies to businesses with $1 million or less in gross receipts or 30 or fewer full-time employees in the preceding year. Claim it using IRS Form 8826, and maintain documentation of all accessibility improvements including receipts, contractor invoices, and before/after photos.

Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit

Businesses that provide on-site childcare facilities or childcare referral services can claim a credit for 25% of qualified childcare facility expenditures and 10% of qualified childcare resource and referral expenditures, up to $150,000 annually. This benefit particularly helps veteran-owned businesses that employ military spouses or other veterans with young children.

Qualified expenditures include acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating childcare facilities, operating costs for qualified childcare facilities, and costs of contracting with qualified childcare providers. The facility must be used primarily by employees, and at least 30% of enrollment must come from employees earning less than a specified income threshold.

State-Specific Tax Incentives

Many states offer additional tax benefits beyond federal programs. Illinois provides veteran business tax credits through the Illinois Veteran Business Program, offering procurement preferences and potential tax incentives for certified businesses. California offers various benefits including property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and sales tax exemptions for certain equipment purchases.

State programs vary significantly in structure, eligibility, and benefit amounts. Research your state's Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Revenue, and economic development agency websites for current programs. Many states also offer reduced licensing fees, expedited permit processing, and waived application fees.

Training and Education Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Comprehensive training programs help veterans develop entrepreneurial skills, understand business fundamentals, and prepare for successful business ownership.

Boots to Business Training Series

Boots to Business integrates into the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP), providing entrepreneurship training at military installations worldwide. The program introduces service members to business ownership as a viable career option during their transition to civilian life.

Boots to Business Reboot extends this training to veterans of all eras in their communities, including National Guard and Reserve members. The program covers opportunity recognition, business concept development, market analysis, financial planning, and accessing resources and support systems.

Boots to Business Revenue Readiness offers a six-week online program for graduates of the initial courses who want to turn their business idea into an actual revenue-generating model. This advanced training focuses on customer acquisition, revenue streams, pricing strategies, and scaling operations.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)

VBOCs operate nationwide, offering free business counseling, mentorship, and training specifically for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. Services include one-on-one business counseling, business plan development workshops, concept assessments and feasibility studies, financial planning assistance, and connections to capital sources.

These centers employ counselors who understand military culture and the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to entrepreneurship. Find your nearest VBOC through the SBA website and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your business goals and access available resources.

Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP)

Specialized training programs serve women veterans and service members through SBA-funded initiatives. The Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program, operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), provides comprehensive entrepreneurship training, ongoing support, and networking opportunities.

STRIVE (Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship), offered through the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center, delivers training focused on business fundamentals and growth strategies. ONABEN provides culturally focused entrepreneurship training for Native American veterans.

These programs recognize the unique challenges women veterans face in business ownership and provide gender-specific support, mentorship from successful women veteran entrepreneurs, and connections to women-focused capital sources.

Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP)

Service-disabled veterans access specialized training through several SBA-funded programs. The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at Oklahoma State University provides comprehensive business training adapted for disabled veterans, including accommodations for various disabilities and flexible learning formats.

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans at St. Joseph's University offers intensive training covering all aspects of business ownership, from concept development through growth planning. Warrior Rising, a nonprofit organization, empowers disabled veterans through business training, mentorship, and ongoing support services.

These programs understand the additional challenges service-disabled veterans may face and provide appropriate accommodations, flexible scheduling, and support services to ensure successful participation and learning outcomes.

Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program (VFPETP)

The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) delivers specialized training for veterans interested in federal contracting opportunities. This nationwide program teaches the federal procurement process, including understanding solicitations and contracts, developing capability statements and past performance documentation, navigating SAM.gov and other federal systems, and building relationships with contracting officers and agency small business specialists.

Training combines online learning modules with in-person workshops and provides ongoing support as you pursue your first federal contracts. Graduates gain certification demonstrating their understanding of federal procurement and readiness to compete for government contracts.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Self-Employment Track

Service-disabled veterans eligible for VR&E benefits can access the Self-Employment Track, which provides comprehensive support for starting and operating a business. The program helps develop detailed business plans, provides training in necessary business skills, offers implementation support including potential funding for equipment and supplies, and delivers ongoing counseling and support during the first year of operation.

Eligibility requires a service-connected disability and entitlement to VR&E services. Contact your local VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to explore whether self-employment represents a viable rehabilitation goal and to begin the application process.

Specialized Support Programs and Resources

Beyond training and funding, numerous support organizations provide ongoing assistance to veteran entrepreneurs.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

SBDCs operate in every state, offering no-cost business counseling and low-cost training to entrepreneurs at all stages. Services include pre-venture counseling to evaluate business concepts, business plan development and review, financial projections and analysis, marketing strategy development, and growth and expansion guidance.

Many SBDCs employ veteran business specialists or maintain partnerships with VBOCs to ensure veteran-specific expertise. Counseling is confidential and tailored to your specific business needs and goals. Find your local SBDC through the America's SBDC website and schedule an initial consultation.

SCORE Business Mentoring

SCORE connects entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors who volunteer their time and expertise. Many SCORE mentors are veterans themselves or have extensive experience working with veteran-owned businesses. Mentorship is free and can continue long-term as your business grows and faces new challenges.

Mentors provide guidance on strategic planning, marketing and sales, financial management, operations and efficiency, and industry-specific challenges. Request a mentor through the SCORE website, specifying your industry and any preference for a veteran mentor.

State-Level Veteran Business Programs

States operate their own programs with varying benefits and structures. The Illinois Veteran Business Program (IVBP) provides certification for state procurement preferences and connects businesses with state contracting opportunities. California offers certification for state contracting preferences and maintains a directory.

Many states set aside approximately 3% of state procurement spending for veteran-owned businesses, creating substantial opportunities at the state and local level in addition to federal contracts. State programs often provide faster certification processes and less competition than federal opportunities, making them excellent starting points for businesses new to government contracting.

Manufacturing Support for Veterans

The SBA supports veteran-owned manufacturing businesses through specialized initiatives focused on reducing regulatory burdens, expanding access to capital, promoting workforce development, and creating dedicated infrastructure support. The Make Onshoring Great Again portal provides resources for manufacturers looking to bring production back to the United States or expand domestic operations.

Manufacturing-specific grants and loans help with equipment purchases, facility expansion, and workforce training. Contact your local Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center for technical assistance, process improvement support, and connections to manufacturing-specific resources.

Maximizing Your Benefits: Strategic Action Plan

Successfully accessing benefits requires a systematic approach with clear phases and milestones.

Phase 1: Certification and Registration (Weeks 1-4)

Begin by gathering all required documentation including DD Form 214, VA disability rating letters (if applicable), business formation documents, tax returns, and organizational charts. Apply for SBA VetCert certification through the MySBA Certifications portal, carefully reviewing all requirements and using available checklists.

Register your business in SAM.gov, the federal government's central contractor database. This registration is mandatory for federal contracting and takes 7-10 days to process. Complete your NAICS code selection carefully, as these codes determine which contracts you're eligible to bid on and your small business size standards.

Phase 2: Training and Education (Months 1-3)

Enroll in Boots to Business or another relevant entrepreneurship training program to build foundational business skills. Connect with your local VBOC for one-on-one counseling and develop a comprehensive business plan that addresses all aspects of your operation including market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategy, and operational plans.

Complete relevant courses through the SBA Learning Center, focusing on areas where you need additional knowledge such as financial management, marketing, or federal contracting basics. This education phase builds the foundation for all subsequent activities.

Phase 3: Funding and Capital Access (Months 2-6)

Research available funding options and determine which programs best match your capital needs and business stage. Apply for SBA 7(a) or 504 loans if you need substantial capital for equipment, real estate, or working capital. Research and apply for relevant grant opportunities, noting application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Build your business credit profile by establishing vendor credit accounts, opening a business credit card, and ensuring timely payment of all obligations. Strong business credit improves your access to capital and may qualify you for better loan terms. Explore angel investment options if your business model suits equity investment and you're comfortable with outside investors.

Phase 4: Federal Contracting Preparation (Months 3-6)

Complete Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training to understand the federal contracting process thoroughly. Identify relevant contract opportunities by monitoring beta.SAM.gov for solicitations matching your capabilities and NAICS codes. Develop professional capability statements that clearly articulate your qualifications, past performance, and differentiators.

Network with procurement officers by attending industry days, small business forums, and agency-specific outreach events. Building relationships with contracting officers and agency small business specialists significantly improves your chances of winning contracts. Start with smaller contracts to build past performance before pursuing larger opportunities.

Phase 5: Ongoing Growth and Optimization (Year 1+)

Claim all applicable tax credits by filing required forms within specified deadlines and maintaining proper documentation. Maintain your certification status through annual recertification and prompt notification of any material changes to your business structure or ownership.

Track and pursue set-aside contracts regularly, building a pipeline of opportunities at various stages from identification through proposal submission to award. Leverage SCORE mentorship for ongoing guidance as your business grows and faces new challenges. Continuously evaluate which programs provide the most value for your specific business and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding frequent pitfalls helps you navigate the certification and benefits process more smoothly.

Certification and Documentation Errors

Incomplete VetCert applications represent the most common cause of delays and denials. Carefully review all requirements before submitting and use available checklists to ensure nothing is missing. Missing or expired VA disability documentation frequently causes SDVOSB application rejections—request updated letters from the VA well before applying.

Incorrect ownership percentage calculations can disqualify otherwise eligible businesses. Ensure you can clearly demonstrate that veterans own at least 51% through stock certificates, operating agreements, or partnership agreements. Control documentation must show veterans make day-to-day operational decisions and long-term strategic choices.

Funding Application Pitfalls

Insufficient business plan documentation leads to loan denials even when businesses are otherwise qualified. Develop comprehensive plans that address market analysis, competitive positioning, financial projections with supporting assumptions, marketing and sales strategies, and operational plans. Poor credit preparation limits access to capital—address credit issues before applying and work to build strong business credit.

Misunderstanding loan versus grant opportunities causes wasted effort. Grants are rare and highly competitive, while loans are more readily available with better terms for veterans. Focus your primary capital-raising efforts on loan programs while pursuing grants as supplementary opportunities.

Federal Contracting Mistakes

Bidding without proper experience or past performance often results in unsuccessful proposals. Start with smaller contracts to build your track record before pursuing larger opportunities. Inadequate capability statements fail to communicate your qualifications effectively—develop professional statements that clearly articulate your capabilities, past performance, and differentiators.

Missing SAM.gov registration deadlines or allowing registration to lapse prevents you from competing for contracts. Mark renewal dates on your calendar and complete renewals well before expiration. Failing to understand solicitation requirements leads to non-responsive proposals that are eliminated before evaluation—read solicitations carefully and address every requirement.

How Vida Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses

As your veteran-owned business grows and pursues federal contracts or serves more customers, communication challenges can become bottlenecks. Missing customer calls means lost opportunities, and managing appointment scheduling manually takes time away from core business activities.

Our AI Agent OS at Vida helps veteran entrepreneurs streamline customer communication and reduce manual work. Our platform handles incoming calls 24/7, captures lead information, schedules appointments, and coordinates follow-ups automatically. This ensures you never miss a potential customer or contract opportunity because you were focused on other business priorities.

For veteran-owned businesses pursuing federal contracts, our system helps manage the increased communication volume that comes with contract awards. Automated appointment scheduling reduces administrative burden, letting you focus on contract performance and business growth rather than phone tag and calendar management. The platform integrates with your existing systems and scales as your business grows, whether you're just starting out or managing multiple federal contracts.

Similar to how AI-powered call answering helps law firms stay accessible 24/7, our AI receptionist ensures veteran-owned businesses never miss important calls from potential clients or contracting officers. Visit our platform page to learn how automation can support your operations, or explore our features to see specific capabilities that address common communication and scheduling challenges.

Conclusion

Veteran-owned businesses have access to substantial benefits across funding, federal contracting, tax incentives, and training programs—but these opportunities require active pursuit and proper certification. Start by obtaining your SBA VetCert certification, then systematically work through the phases outlined above: training, funding, contracting preparation, and ongoing optimization.

The federal government and numerous private organizations recognize the value veterans bring to entrepreneurship and have created programs specifically to support your success. Take advantage of free counseling through VBOCs and SBDCs, pursue preferential loan terms, compete for set-aside contracts, and claim available tax credits. Your military service has prepared you with leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills that translate directly to business success—now leverage the additional support available to you as a veteran entrepreneur.

Begin today by visiting the MySBA Certifications portal to start your certification application, then connect with your local VBOC to develop your strategic plan for accessing the benefits that best match your business needs and growth goals.