Small Business Administration

       

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development conducts comprehensive outreach to veterans, service-disabled veterans, and Reserve Component members of the U.S. military.  In addition, the office is the source for the formulation, execution, and promotion of policies and programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provide assistance to veteran-owned small businesses. SBA is the primary federal agency responsible for assisting veterans who own or are considering starting small businesses.

      

Among the services provided are business counseling and training through five Veterans Business Outreach Centers, more than 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, nearly 400 SCORE Chapters with 11,000 volunteer counselors, 100 Women Business Centers, as well as various loan and loan guarantee programs ranging from micro loans to venture capital assistance.  Veterans participate in all SBA federal procurement programs, and the SBA supports veterans and others in international trade.

      

A special Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan is available for self-employed Reservists whose small businesses may have been damaged through extended absences of the owner or essential employee as a result of activation of the owner or essential employee to military active duty. The SBA also conducts important research in veterans’ entrepreneurship.  A Veterans Business Development Officer is stationed at every SBA District Office.  Information about SBA’s full range of services call 202.205.6773 or 800-U-ASK-SBA (800.827.5722).