Veteran-owned businesses are growing in numbers. Many veterans are seeing the skills they gained in the military as tools they can use to run their own businesses in the civilian world. There is special financing for veteran-owned businesses as well as priority in bidding for government contracts. Using a veteran-owned businesses provider is another way to show support for what they have done for our country.
Many small veteran-owned businesses are not advertised as such. To find veteran-owned businesses you may consult a veteran-owned businesses directory. These are often available by state. Some communities, regions and states may generate their own directory.
1. Consult with local community resources, such as community business associations, to find veteran-owned businesses.
2. State wide veteran-owned businesses information may be found online or through your state capital.
3. Ask for recommendations from other business sources for companies that are run by veterans.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Query local business associations for a veteran-owned businesses list
Local associations, such as the SBA, SCORE or NAWBO, have list of local businesses. They will be able to recommend one that provides the goods or services that you are looking that is a veteran-owned business.
I recommend: Find your local
SCORE office. This is an association that helps small business owners, to include veterans, to succeed in business. Your local
Small Business Administration office may also help you find veteran-owned businesses. Contact
Veteran Business Owners Association for a list of qualifying organizations.
Find state resources for locating veteran-owned businesses
Many states are now becoming supportive of veterans in the business field. They provide resources and classes for veterans. Regional areas are also becoming more popular for directories of services and goods provided by veterans.
I recommend: States have resources for veteran-owned businesses such as
Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. You can also find US
veteran-owned businesses by state through
US Veterans Directory.com. Regional directories such as
NEVBRC, Northeast Veterans Business Resource Center, are also available in some areas.
Locate national resources for finding veteran-owned businesses
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a wide variety of resources available for veteran-owned businesses. There are also many directories that veteran-owned businesses can be listed. Ensure that the business you choice to do business with is a qualified veteran owned business through the Veteran's Administration.
I recommend: Check the
Veteran's Business Directory. This is a national database, but is not inclusive. Businesses sign up for this service. Find out if the business you choose to do business with has gone through the Veteran's Administration Verification Program. The
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a voluntary program where businesses can verify that they are veteran-owned businesses.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Word of mouth is an excellent resource to find local veteran-owned businesses. If you are looking for a certain resource ask around for recommendation and advice from others that may have worked with veterans. If you find a veteran run business that you would recommend, spread the word.
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
