Veteran-Owned Business

Veteran-Owned Business Resources

Veteran-owned businesses have access to a range of programs designed to support growth, strengthen operations and expand contracting opportunities at the local, state and federal levels. From hands-on training and business development support to certification programs that increase visibility and competitiveness, these resources are designed to help you succeed at every stage.

 

Training & Business Support

Before pursuing certification, it’s important to build a strong business foundation. These programs provide guidance, training and resources to help veteran entrepreneurs grow and prepare for new opportunities.

• Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Mississippi State University
  Provides business training, counseling and transition support for veterans, service members and military spouses. Learn more: https://www.vboc.msstate.edu/
• PAVE Program (Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs)
  Connects veteran-owned businesses with resources, mentorship and opportunities to strengthen business readiness and growth.
  
  

Federal & State Programs

Veterans bring a powerful foundation to entrepreneurship: discipline, leadership, adaptability and a mission-driven mindset. These qualities translate well into building and growing a successful business.

To support this transition, both federal and state programs offer dedicated resources for veteran entrepreneurs. These include specialized training, one-on-one business assistance and certification opportunities designed to help you gain traction and compete in the marketplace.

Certifications such as Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB) can open doors to government contracting opportunities at the federal and state levels. They can also position your business with larger organizations that actively seek to partner with veteran-owned companies.

Below, you’ll find programs that provide additional training, support and certification opportunities to help you move forward with confidence.

 

State Certification Programs

Louisiana offers certification programs that help veteran-owned businesses gain greater access to state purchasing and contracting opportunities.

Louisiana Veteran Initiative (LAVETBIZ)
The Louisiana Veteran Initiative is a certification program designed to help eligible Louisiana veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to state purchasing and contracting opportunities.

Certification provides meaningful advantages, including:

• Your business listed and visible to state purchasing officials and prime contractors
• Increased opportunities to serve as a subcontractor
• State agencies encouraged to request quotes from certified companies
• For purchases under $15,000, agencies may waive additional quotes if a certified company submits a reasonable bid
• Up to 12% additional evaluation points added to your bid on a Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Prime contractors may receive additional evaluation points when including certified businesses as subcontractors
  The program is designed to increase visibility, strengthen competitiveness and open doors to government contracts.

 

Service-Connected Disabled Veteran

An additional distinction is available for service-connected disabled-veteran-owned businesses. To qualify, the business must meet all general eligibility requirements and be at least 51% owned by a service-connected disabled veteran.

This designation may further strengthen contracting opportunities at the state level.

 

Federal Certification Programs

Federal certifications open the door to contracting opportunities with federal agencies and set-aside programs.

• Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
  Certification allows eligible businesses to compete for federal contracts designated for veteran-owned companies.
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
  Provides additional access to federal contracting opportunities specifically reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
• Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
  VetCert is the SBA’s official certification program that verifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses for federal contracting. Certified businesses gain access to sole-source and set-aside opportunities, including contracts through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vets First program and across federal agencies.