The military fosters many characteristics that make Veterans good business owners. There are many resources dedicated to support Veterans become entrepreneurs.
The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) offers assistance in starting, managing and growing a business. They also have information on small business loans, grants, bonds and other financial assistance. Find out which method of financing is right for you!
Throughout Minnesota there is a network of Small Business Development Centers that provide the professional expertise and guidance that every small business owner needs to flourish in today's competitive and ever-changing business world.
The Minnesota Department of Administration operates a Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged and Veteran Owned (TG/ED/VO) Small Business Procurement Program where a Certified Veteran Owned Small Business may be eligible for up to a 6% preference in selling their products or services to the State. The business must have its principal place of business in Minnesota.
In order to apply for Certification as a Veteran Owned Small Business under the Program the owner must first be verified by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as a Veteran under Minnesota Statutes section197.447 or as a Veteran with a service-connected disability as determined at any time by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA). Veteran Status Verification Request Form (Note: Veteran Status Verification is not currently compatible with Internet Explorer).
SCORE is the premier volunteer business counseling and advice service. SCORE counselors can help take some of the mystery out of getting started and taking control of your business. To request counseling or for a schedule of workshops and seminars, visit the SCORE website. When requesting support, be sure to mention that you are a Veteran!
The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund serves northeast Minnesota, and Women Venture serves women in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. Both centers provide business information and counseling to women business owners.
Federal, state and local governments offer business the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of products and services. Many government agencies require that some percentage of the procurements be set aside for Veteran owned businesses. The SBA will have resources to help you register your business for government contracting.
Contact an APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) for assistance on becoming a certified Veteran-owned business.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages Veteran-owned small businesses to submit proposals for state funded MnDOT projects.
The Federal Small Business Administration offers information on small business loans, grants, bonds and other financial assistance. There are many financing options specific to Veteran-owned businesses.
