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).
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