Pathways to Progress

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
The Department of Veterans Affairs can provide some financial assistance to disabled veterans who are starting a small business through the VocRehab program.  If you have a Service-Connected disability of 10% or more, you can apply for the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program to see if you qualify for assistance though their Self-Employment track.  Qualification for this track is based solely on the decision made by your VocRehab counselor.  This program is operated by the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration dedicates its energy and resources to providing support to Small Businesses and Small Business owners across the nation.  They have numerous resources for starting and expanding Small Businesses.

Small Business Development Centers
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are partnerships primarily between the government and colleges/universities administered by the SBA and aims at giving educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
The SCORE Association is a nonprofit association comprised of volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories.  SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered at no fee, as a community service.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOP)
The VBOP is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business.  The SBA has 16 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).

Women’s Business Centers (WBC)
WBCs are designed to assist women start and grow their small businesses, especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged.  WBCs offer comprehensive training and counseling.

Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative (Patriot Express Loan)
The Patriot Express Loan provides financial assistance for veterans and members of the military community who want to establish or expand small businesses.  Your local SBA district office will have a listing of lenders in your area (800-827-5722).

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers help businesses seeking to compete successfully in Federal, state and local government contracting.  PTACs provide a range of expert services at little or no charge.

Vet Success
Vet Success provides resources for service members, Veterans, and their family members to ensure a seamless transition from military to civilian life.  Vet Success also helps employers find Veterans for employment.

Vet Centers
Vet Centers welcomes home war Veterans with honor by providing quality readjustment counseling and other resources to support the war Veterans.

National Resource Directory
National Resource Directory is a website for connecting wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, and their families with those who support them.

“For their service and sacrifice, warm words of thanks from a grateful nation are more than warranted, but they aren’t nearly enough.  We also owe our Veterans the care they were promised and the benefits that they have earned.  We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America.  It’s a commitment that begins at enlistment, and it must never end.  But we know that for too long, we’ve fallen short of meeting that commitment.  Too many wounded warriors go without the care that they need.  Too many Veterans don’t receive the support that they’ve earned.  Too many who once wore our nation’s uniform now sleep in our nation’s streets.”  ~President Obama, March 19, 2009

Joining Forces
Brings attention to the unique needs and strength of America’s military families.  Inspires, educates, and sparks action from all sectors of our society — citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government — to ensure Veterans and military families have the opportunities, resources, and support they have earned.  Showcases the skills, experience, and dedication of America’s Veterans and military spouses to strengthen our nation’s communities.  Creates greater connections between the American public and the military.

Supporting Our Veterans Community And Their Families