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Key Resources and Telecom Tips for Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Key Resources and Telecom Tips for Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs to Grow Their Business

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With more than 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses in America, it’s safe to say that veterans play a key role in the economy. While they are involved in many industries (i.e., professional services, construction, IT, etc.), they face challenges when it comes to:

  • Accessing capital and training for their business ideas
  • Procuring government contract opportunities
  • Translating their military skills into success in the business world

Below, we’ll provide valuable tips and resources for veteran businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as their family members to help leverage their military experience, connect with various entrepreneur programs for vets, and ultimately, take their own business to the next level.

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Government Resources

NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association)

NaVOBA is a nonprofit organization that provides various certifications for veteran-owned small businesses. This business program opens federal procurement opportunities with both corporate and government partners. Further, having this certification ensures veteran business owners stand out when bidding for federal contracts or attempting to enter the corporate supply chain.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA.gov offers a wide variety of resources and entrepreneurship programs and resources for veterans. That includes startup funding programs, training opportunities, business ownership assistance and more.

The Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) liaisons with the U.S. military to ensure support for all veteran business owners.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

The VBOC is another SBA program that offers exclusive resources to veterans, active duty service members and military spouses. They provide programs and training for veteran entrepreneurs, including:

  • Transition assistance programs
  • Pre-business plan workshops
  • Concept assessments
  • Business plan prep 
  • Entrepreneurial training and counseling
  • Mentorship

Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA offers Small and Veteran Business Programs to provide aid, counsel and assistance for veteran-owned businesses. That includes programs and information for small-business set asides, government contracting, subcontracting plans and more.

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Financial Resources for Veteran Businesses

Getting a loan in today’s financial environment can be confusing and stressful. The good news is there are plenty of resources to help veterans bootstrap their businesses and chase the American dream:


SBA Funding Programs

Veteran entrepreneurs can take advantage of special funding programs from the SBA, including the Veterans Advantage Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans and other benefits to veteran-owned small businesses.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

The VBOC is another SBA program that offers exclusive resources to veterans, active duty service members and military spouses. They provide programs and training for veteran entrepreneurs, including:

  • Transition assistance programs
  • Pre-business plan workshops
  • Concept assessments
  • Business plan prep 
  • Entrepreneurial training and counseling
  • Mentorship

Helping veterans chase the American dream.

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Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs helps veterans and military spouses start and grow their businesses through programs such as Veterans in Residence. The program provides access to co-working spaces, mentorship and networking opportunities, which could help vets save a lot of money they’d otherwise spend for valuable business resources.

Warrior Rising

In addition to their six-step business development program for veterans, Warrior Rising offers vets the opportunity to compete for lucrative start-up grants. You only need to be a veteran or immediate family member to qualify.

Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

Each year, this grant offers 25 veterans up to $1,000 in micro grants. To qualify, you must be a veteran who owns a business that employs 2-100 people, and be in operation for at least one year. Further, your company’s revenue cannot exceed $5 million.

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Business Planning and Training Resources

From educational programs to hands-on-training, there are plenty of resources available to vets and their families who are interested in starting or growing their own business

Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

Supported by Syracuse University and JPMorgan Chase, IVMF provides various training and financial resources to veterans and active duty military members. They offer career training and many entrepreneurship programs, like:

  • Veteran EDGE: A four-day business conference for veterans and military spouses
  • V-WISE: Women-focused training programs
  • RISE: Six week virtual boot camp for those interested in pivoting their business

Boots to Business (B2B)

Part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Boots to Business offers transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses training on entrepreneurship and small business ownership. This also includes members of the National Guard and Military Reserve. 

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

In conjunction with the IVMF, EBV offers comprehensive entrepreneurship training to post-9/11 veterans (with honorable discharge). This program is free and participating veterans even get their travel and lodging paid for. It includes: 

  • 30-day online training
  • A nine-day, in-person residency experience 
  • One year of support to help create and grow your small business 

DAV Patriot Boot Camp

This transformative program focuses on helping veterans and military spouses succeed in the world of tech entrepreneurship. It offers intensive training, mentorship, valuable resources and unbridled access to a network of tech entrepreneurs and investors.

Vets2Industry

In partnership with Spectrum, this is a vast repository of free resources for active duty, reservists, veterans, military spouses, dependent children, caregivers and more. Their mission is to provide vets with hope and valuable knowledge, as well as connections and opportunities.

Telecommunications and Technology for Veteran-Owned Businesses

If you’re a veteran-owned business that’s just starting out, it’s in your best interest to work with a telecommunications provider that’s scalable, flexible and offers secure solutions for your business needs. Here’s what to look for in a business telecommunications provider: 

Further, it’s important to work with a provider who understands veteran-owned businesses and supports them. For example, Comcast has recently made a $1 Million commitment to supporting nonprofits that cater to the military community among other Comcast military community and outreach programs. That’s in addition to the latest upgrades they’ve made to their Military Discount Program. And, companies like Spectrum provide special military offers and plans to help keep military families connected.

Accessing the Best IT Solutions for Your Small Business With Business Services Connect

At Business Services Connect, we’re dedicated to helping veteran-owned businesses find the best telecom solutions for their phone, Internet, business TV and mobile services needs. By connecting with top telecom providers, veteran entrepreneurs can ensure their businesses stay competitive, well-connected and poised to succeed. 

No matter where your business is located, we can help you find the best telecommunications providers that offer service at your address.

Empowering Veterans with Legal Resources

Essential Support for Service Members

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Whether you’re currently in the military or a veteran, if you need legal assistance, there are several options available to you, including:

The Veterans Consortium

This pro bono program caters to unrepresented veterans or family members who have filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Handling these issues with professional assistance can help ensure you have the support you need while you handle growing your business.

Military Transition Assistance Programs (TAP)

TAP can connect outgoing veterans to essential programs and resources to help them bootstrap their businesses and grow their careers. While it doesn’t offer specific legal services, many of the programs provide information about your rights and privileges as a military vet.

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

If you have a service-connected disability, you may qualify to be speed tracked for certain opportunities. This federal contracting program helps service-disabled veterans get preferential access to government contracts. It ensures that a certain percentage of government procurement is reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

In many cases, it’s not what you know, but who you know. There are plenty of networking and mentorship opportunities designed to give veterans a leg up while connecting them to the people and resources they need:

SCORE Mentorship

As the largest network of expert volunteer entrepreneurs, SCORE provides free business mentoring to veteran entrepreneurs. This provides tremendous assistance for business planning, marketing and navigating financial challenges. SCORE also connects veterans with local business mentors for ongoing guidance.

    Veteran Mentorship Program (VMP)

    This is a four-month program that connects vets transitioning out of the military with successful mentors who are in the civilian workforce. Its goal is to empower veterans to create a solid network, learn professional etiquette and receive guidance on important business matters. 

    Veterans in Business Network

    The VIB Network is dedicated to investing in educational resources to help veterans create economic growth, establish solid business relationships and receive the help they need. It’s free to join and offers yearly conferences.

    How Business Services Connect Can Help Your Veteran-Owned Business

    Regardless of your needs, Business Services Connect provides insight and access to a wide range of telecom services that are essential to veteran-owned small businesses:

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