So you’re a veteran and you want to learn how to start a veteran owned business following your military transition. Well then, get your business plan together. Know what makes you unique and determine exactly what you have to offer. When starting a veteran owned business there are plenty of resources available to you.
Get Started
Join the National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). The association is an advocate for veteran owned businesses and features resources for helping veterans transition into small business ownership.
Contact your local SBDC (Small Business Development Center, run by the Small Business Administration).
Determine if your company is considered a “small” business.To help you, the Small Business Administration has established a table of small business size standards.
Determine your NAICS code(s), which is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
Determine your company’s small business classification: SDVOB, VOB, 8(a), WOB, HUBZone, etc. Th is is especially important when seeking gain access to government contracts.
Get Registered
If you plan to incorporate, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Consult the IRS.
Register your company with Dun & Bradstreet, which provides a D-U-N-S Number that is a unique nine digit identification number for each physical location of your business. D-U-N-S Number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the U.S. Federal government for contracts or grants.
Register and get verified by the VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise. This site provides information about the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) efforts to verify Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs).
Register with SAM (Systems for Award Management). The Government offers registration forms for free.
Register and consult with your local PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center, run by the Defense Logistics Agency) office. PTACs are the bridge between buyer and supplier, bringing to bear their knowledge of both government contracting and the capabilities of contractors.
Research Your Options
Check out NaVOBA…
NaVOBA’s Mission is simple—to create opportunities for all of America’s veteran-owned businesses. More than 3 million men and women who have defended our nation’s freedoms by serving in America’s armed forces have made the choice to start their own small businesses after their military service.
Check with OSDBU (Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization) offices for opportunities.
Check the pages of Vetrepreneur for companies that are advertising. They’ve made an investment to find you!
NETWORK!
