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Veterans in Biz FAQs

Review FAQs and discover the myriad of programs and resources available to support Veteran's efforts in starting, growing and succeeding in business.


  1. How do I become certified as a Veteran-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business?
  2. Can I use my GI Bill for business capital?
  3. Are there government grants for start-up capital?
  4. How do I find other Veteran-owned companies for business partnerships?
  5. I want to hire Veterans to work for my company. How can I find them?
  6. How do I buy a franchise?
  7. What types of franchises are available and are there any incentives for veterans?
  8. What do I need to do to become a government contractor?
  9. How do I learn about other business development assistance programs?

How do I become certified as a Veteran-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business?

In order to be considered a Veteran-owned or Service-disabled Veteran-owned company, a Veteran must own 51% of the business. The FEDERAL definition of a Veteran is one who has served at least 180 days of active duty other than training OR served on active duty in a hostile zone for at least 15 days. Your DD214 certifies you as a Veteran in most states. Some states, however, do have their own certification process. Check with your state's Department of Veteran Affairs to be sure that you have the necessary paperwork for your state.

Can I use my GI Bill for business capital?

No. The GI Bill is intended only for education. The GI Bill will pay for face-to-face entrepreneurial training if the program and site have been approved by your state's VA office. The GI Bill can only be used for online entrepreneurial training if the training leads to a terminal degree/certificate/diploma. The best way to find out if a program/site has been approved for GI Bill use is to ask the instructor/site directly or contact the VA education office in your area. To find out if you're eligible for GI Bill entrepreneurship training benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Are there government grants for start-up capital?

Generally, the answer is no. Although you may have heard on television or radio that the government will give you money to start your business, business grants are usually for the growth/expansion of an already successful business or for a very specific purpose. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) does not give grants for small business start-ups, but you can go visit www.grants.gov to view available government grants from other agencies. Most small businesses must borrow money from an outside source to get started. Visit The Veterans Corporation (TVC) for information on accessing capital to start or grow your business.

How do I find other Veteran-owned companies for business partnerships?

The Veterans Corporation Business Directory is a great place to start. Through this searchable database you can find other Veteran-owned businesses that complement your business.

I want to hire Veterans to work for my company. How can I find them?

The Veterans Corporation (TVC) is working with RecruitMilitary.com to incorporate TVC members into its searchable database. By searching, you can find Veterans who fit your business needs.

How do I buy a franchise?

VetFran is a branch of the International Franchise Association that offers discounts and special deals to Veterans who choose to open one of their Veteran-friendly franchises. Visit http://www.franchise.org/ and click on Franchises for Veterans to see a list of Veteran-friendly franchise opportunities.

What types of franchises are available and are there any incentives for veterans?

Hundreds of different franchises seek former military personnel to buy their businesses offering a range of incentives, training, funding and other support programs. As a veteran, you are one of a select group of motivated and disciplined individuals well suited to business ownership. Franchise companies know that both you and they will benefit from your ownership of their franchise businesses. Discover Franchises Listed by State, Franchises for Military Families, Work from Home Franchises, Franchises for Military Wives and other options.

What do I need to do to become a government contractor?

Visit www.veteranscorp.org/outreach/outreachInt.aspx?id=62 to learn the steps to becoming a government contractor.

How do I learn about other business development assistance programs?

Discover and directly connect with thousands of FREE small and mid-sized business assistance resources including funding, marketing, international sales, business counseling, and much more.

About Your Educational Champion

Veterans in Business "Dun & The Veterans Corporation (TVC) provides Veterans with the tools they need to be successful in business including access to capital, entrepreneurial education, access to markets, access to services and business networking opportunities."

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Note: This information has been compiled by Knowledge Institute for educational purposes only in order to convey a general overview of the options and related services available to small businesses in the subject areas introduced. Content is provided on an "as is" basis and is not intended to be an exhaustive representation, nor does it provide advice or create a customer relationship between Knowledge Institute, buzgate.org, its affiliates and any other organization named herein, and any reader.
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