Veteran Owned Businesses
Here you will find resources to help veterans start their own businesses and locate government contracting opportunities.
Small Business Assistance for Veterans
Financing a Business
Federal and state government agencies do not provide grants to veterans for starting a business. However, there are a number of low-interest loan programs that help veterans obtain startup financing. The following loan progams are specifically for veterans and members of the military community. Visit the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of grant, loan, and venture capital programs for which you might qualify.
- Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan
This loan program provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet its ordinary and necessary operating expenses that it could have met, but is unable to meet, because an essential employee was "called-up" to active duty in their role as a military reservist.
- Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
Provides financial assistance for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses.
- Prequalification Loan Program
Intermediary organizations assist prospective borrowers in developing viable loan application packages and securing loans. This program targets low income borrowers, disabled business owners, new and emerging businesses, veterans, exporters, rural and specialized industries.
- Employ Illinois - Military Reserve Loan
These loans are available to active reserve military, and provide low-interest access to capital to hire employees, make capital improvements or pursue other avenues that will lead to business survival.
- Wisconsin Dept of Veteran Affairs - Personal Loan Program
Veterans who meet military service and state residency requirements may apply the proceeds to starting or expanding a small business.
Government Contracting
Employing Veterans - Info for Employers