The Federal government provides ex-military personnel with various benefits and resources that help them on their path to becoming successful federal contractors. Veterans also benefit from special guidance, assistance, and set-asides from the federal government. Every year, a certain percentage of federal contracting dollars is set aside for veterans under Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

By April 2024, the federal government had nearly achieved its target for subcontracting, with businesses awarding them contracts totaling $86.4 billion, or 33.34% of the total. Moreover, a priority is to guarantee that 5% of all federal contracting dollars are allocated to Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) annually. Initiatives supporting veteran-owned firms’ involvement in government procurement procedures will benefit small businesses.

This blog will discuss the various support programs available to veterans and how they can benefit from them.

Mentorship Opportunities

1. Veteran Business Outsourcing Program:

The Veteran Business Outreach Center program offers resources and support to veterans, service members, and spouses of military personnel who want to start or grow their small businesses. Service members, veterans, military spouses, National Guard and Reserve members, and family members can benefit from entrepreneurial development through business training and counseling. SBA’s VBOCs provide training, counseling, and mentoring opportunities through the 28 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement. VBOCs also help individuals and firms navigate the SBA’s extensive resource partner network and refer you to a community partner, lender, or SBA program. VBOCs provide the following programs and services to the participating members:

• Transition Assistance Programs: Work with SBA district offices and Transition Service Managers at military installations to undertake Boots to Business classes for service members and military spouses.
• Pre-Business Plan Workshops: Conduct entrepreneurial development workshops that address employment issues by providing each participant with an opportunity to work directly with a business counselor.
• Concept Assessments: Assist participants in assessing their entrepreneurial needs and requirements.
• Business Plan Preparation: Assist participants in developing and maintaining a five-year business plan. The plan includes elements such as the legal form of business, financials and costing, equipment requirements and specifications, strategic plan, market analysis, and financial plan.
• Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis: Help identify and analyze the business plan’s strengths and weaknesses to increase its probability of success. The analysis results are used to revise the business plan.
• Mentorship: Conduct, as appropriate, on-site visits with participants to ensure adherence to their business plans. Additionally, VBOCs review monthly financial statements to determine whether a business plan revision is warranted or that desired results are being attained.

2. Boots to Business Program

Boots to Business Program is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA that provides participants with an overview of business ownership and entrepreneurship. B2B equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to start and run a successful business. B2B program has a proven track record of helping veterans launch successful businesses in various industries. The SBA continues to support B2B graduates through various resources, including access to funding and government contracting opportunities. This program is a valuable resource for veterans and their spouses interested in entrepreneurship. It provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals, a supportive community, and ongoing access to resources that can help turn business dreams into reality. By leveraging the training, mentorship, and support provided by the Boots to Business program, veterans can gain the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to successfully start, manage, and grow their own small businesses.

Certifications and Set-Aside:

1. Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program

Small businesses certified by SBA as service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) allow them to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. In addition to this, certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have the additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program. As per the changes implemented from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA 2021), the certification authority was transferred from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to SBA as of January 1, 2023. The transfer provides veterans with a central support point for their small business certification needs.

Applying for Certification:
Using the application portal, you can:

• Access checklists and pre-application guides
• Check your firm’s eligibility
• Request information
• Create an account, log in, and proceed with an application
• Search for a certified VOSB or SDVOSB

To apply for certification with SBA as a VOSB or SDVOSB, a firm must meet the following requirements:

• Be considered a small business, as defined by the size standard corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile.
• Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
• For certification as an SDVOSB, at least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by one or more veterans rated as service-disabled by the VA.
• For veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage their businesses’ daily operations, their businesses may still qualify if their spouse or appointed permanent caregiver assists in that management.
• For a complete list of eligibility requirements, see here.

2. Donation Program for Federal Surplus Personal Property

Under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program, VOSBs can access federally owned personal property no longer in use. VOSBs might use this method to purchase more supplies and equipment to support their business operations. The certified firms can access these properties and reduce their businesses’ operational costs. The surplus property is available to eligible organizations for free, with the receiver only paying for shipping and related costs. This allows VOSBs to obtain needed items at much lower costs than acquiring new property. Certification via the SBA’s VetCert program and fulfillment of additional requirements, including ownership, location, and planned use of donated property, are prerequisites for eligibility to this program. Small companies run by veterans can improve their operations by leveraging the GSA’s Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program to acquire surplus supplies and equipment from the federal government. VOSBs are further motivated to go through the certification procedure by the requirement of SBA VetCert certification. You can contact the SASP in the state where your VOSB is headquartered for more details on program requirements and eligibility.

The federal government is committed to providing veterans with opportunities, mentorship, and training to ensure that veterans have enough support and resources to excel post-service. Navigating all these resources needs time and effort. iQuasar’s Government Consulting Services proudly aids veterans and emerging contractors in their federal contracting endeavors. We are also a member of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) initiative, reflecting our commitment to serving those who’ve served the country.

Our team of experts will supervise and support your federal contracting journey by helping you with all the required documentation and certifications and getting you ready to bid for rewarding federal opportunities. Feel free to reach out for further information!

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