The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in coordination with the Department of Defense provides a full range of small business ownership counseling, training, financing and procurement programs available to veterans and Reservists.  There’s a wealth of information and resources readily available for U.S. service members wanting to start or grow small businesses after leaving active duty.

Business planning assistance is available at approximately 1,500 locations nationally, and SBA provides a range of business financing options, including the direct Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (MREIDL) available to activated self-employed Reservists or employers of Guard and Reservists, the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative available to veterans, reservists, discharging service members, spouses and widows, and other loan programs from Micro Loans to Venture Capital investments. 

In addition, numerous Federal procurement programs are managed by SBA, and Surety Bonding and International Trade resources are available.  All sixty eight SBA district offices have a Veterans Business Development Officer assigned to guide you through all of our services, and SBA maintains five Veterans Business Outreach Centers to assist you.

Resources to Assist Veterans

Determine if Small Business Ownership Is Right for You

Assisting Small Business Owners