Empowering Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses: October's Focus on NDEAM Resources
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, when businesses nationwide celebrate workers' with disabilities and reflect on the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. This month, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is spotlighting resources available to help service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) thrive as entrepreneurs. Service-disabled veterans have unique skills and experience overcoming challenges, making them ideal business owners who can navigate complex situations and significantly contribute to their communities.
Service-disabled veterans should harness every available resource to help them start, grow, and sustain their businesses like service-disabled veteran Nate McFadden did to leverage his business, Elevated Technologies Inc. Just as this entrepreneur has found success, many also have the opportunity to start and grow their SDVOSB business or by serving their communities through inclusive workplaces and hiring employees with disabilities, further enhancing the impact their businesses have on communities and the economy.
Transitioning from military to civilian life is one of the best times for service-disabled veterans to consider entrepreneurship. The SBA recently signed a formal partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include entrepreneurship resources when active-duty service members or veterans with service-connected disabilities participate in the Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) vocational rehabilitation program.
The SBA’s Boots to Business program is designed to help these service members decide whether business ownership is the right path. As a flagship program, Boots to Business offers a free, two-day course that introduces service members to the basic principles of entrepreneurship, providing a solid foundation for making an informed decision.
The Boots to Business Reboot program is offered in local communities for veterans who previously separated from the military. Military spouses can benefit from the same information tailored to them through the Pathway to Business course. These programs are vital in helping service-disabled veterans and spouses understand the challenges and rewards of business ownership, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
A follow-on class is available for those who find that entrepreneurship aligns with their goals. The Boots to Business Revenue Readiness course, offered through a partnership with Mississippi State University, provides the financial knowledge essential to running a successful business. This online course features live, interactive sessions to help veterans write a business plan and prepare for business ownership.
Entrepreneurial Training: Building a Strong Foundation
Service-disabled veterans pursuing entrepreneurship can access more in-depth training to develop their business acumen further. The SBA’s Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP) offers a variety of specialized programs to meet this need.
One such program is the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP), hosted by Oklahoma State University, which focuses on helping veterans scale their businesses to profitability. This program is just one of several options available to SDVETP grantees, each designed to address different aspects of business ownership:
- Saint Joseph’s University Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans: This three-phase program offers feedback on business plans, fosters idea-sharing through classroom discussions, and provides mentorship to aspiring SDVOSBs.
- Warrior Rising: This initiative helps veterans repurpose their military skillsets for success in the private sector and prepare for business ownership.
- Veteran Entrepreneurial Training and Resource Network (VETRN): This program offers 14 unique training opportunities, engaging service-disabled veterans and their families in comprehensive entrepreneurial education.
These programs equip veterans with the tools to start and grow a successful business, ensuring they have the knowledge and support necessary to thrive in the competitive marketplace.
Contracting Opportunities: Fueling Business Growth
After completing their training and establishing their businesses, many SDVOSBs look to expand and increase their revenue streams. Securing government contracts is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. The federal government is committed to supporting small businesses with a goal to award at least 23% of all federal contracts to small businesses annually. Of this, at least 5% is specifically set aside for SDVOSBs.
SDVOSBs can access these exclusive contracting opportunities through the SBA’s SDVOSB contracting assistance programs. However, to qualify, businesses must first obtain certification through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program. This certification opens the door to a vast marketplace where SDVOSBs can win competitive contracts that significantly boost their growth.
Local Assistance: Ongoing Support Through VBOCs
Running a small business can be challenging, even with training and certifications. That’s where SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) come in. Expanding to 31 facilities this year, VBOCs are strategically located across the United States to offer personalized support and mentorship to service-disabled veterans at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
VBOCs provide expert guidance on everything from business planning to navigating federal contracting opportunities. Staffed by professionals with both military and business experience, these centers offer invaluable insights and support tailored to the unique needs of veteran entrepreneurs. Whether you prefer in-person consultations or remote appointments, VBOCs help SDVOSBs overcome challenges and succeed.
Conclusion: A Pathway to Success
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the SBA reaffirms its commitment to supporting service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs. Programs like Boots to Business, SDVETP, and VetCert provide the training, resources, and opportunities to turn dreams of business ownership into reality. With the additional support of VBOCs, SDVOSBs can confidently navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, access lucrative government contracts, and contribute to their communities.
This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). To learn more about OVBD and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.