Resources For Women Veteran-Owned Businesses

Having served our country with pride, veterans are natural entrepreneurs, excited to lend their energy and leadership to the workforce when they return home. But returning to corporate life can be a struggle. This may be why so many veterans are starting businesses. At SELF MADE, we want you to realize there are a ton of opportunities related to funding for veteran women at your disposal and programs set for women just like you.

According to the 2017 SBA Veterans Report, there are over 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses making over $1.2 trillion in sales a year. Of the 2.4 million, veteran women own close to 100,000 businesses in this booming minority group of entrepreneurs, making up four percent of the market. We see room to grow! So what are you waiting for? Jump right in.

Funding for Veteran Women

There are a number of organizations with a special focus on funding for veteran women. Visit the links below to learn more about veteran specific funding opportunities available to grow your business.

Accion

Provides small business loans and support for underrepresented small business owners, including minority women. http://accion.org/

Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce is the go-to digital resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs, providing the guidance they need to start and run successful businesses. This guide is meant to help veterans looking to start their own business. It offers business resources, funding possibilities, and covers a lot of frequently asked questions. https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/veterans-guide-to-starting-a-business

Hivers & Strivers

Hivers & Strivers focuses on startup companies. Most investors have also served in the military and have businesses of their own. http://www.hiversandstrivers.com/

Navy Veteran Credit Union

The credit union offers loans and special programs for people returning from duty and looking to start businesses. https://www.navyfederal.org/

The Jonas Project

A program that offers funding for veteran women, training and mentorship through local community helpers to make veteran dreams come true. https://thejonasproject.org/

Veterans Business Fund

A nonprofit fund set up by donations whose mission is to return all money to help veteran-owned businesses. http://www.veteransbusinessfund.org/

Coupon Chief

The aim of this guide is to show veterans of the United States military some of the many benefits extended to them from grateful businesses. It provides examples of organizations that serve as clearinghouses for discounts provided to veterans; and look at discounts available from individual businesses to give you an idea of how varied the possibilities really are. Veterans can save on everything from airplane tickets, to cell phone services, refrigerators, and more. https://www.couponchief.com/guides/retail_savings_for_veterans

Resources For Training

If anyone understands the importance of training it’s veterans; like basic training for the military, training for entrepreneurs is necessary for the growth and development of your business. Check out the resources below to get started.

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In partnership with Syracuse University, IVMF focuses on social, economic and policy issues affecting veterans to help educated on how to make small businesses most successful. http://vets.syr.edu/

The Vets Group

This group provides training in information technology and business, and connects participants to federal programs to help get veterans on the track to owning their own business. http://www.vetsgroup.org/

Veteran Entrepreneurship Portal

This site offers a guide to resources and online training courses for veterans seeking to open businesses. https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur/

Veteran Women

This organization offers three-step training programs, including one for businesses hoping to grow and another for starting entrepreneurs. It also offers a network of women veteran small-business owners. http://whitman.syr.edu/vwise/

Veteran’s Business Outreach Program:

In conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the VBOC helps to provide education and mentoring to all veteran entrepreneurs, from the business-planning stage onward. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=Veteran%27s%20Business%20Outreach%20Center&pageNumber=1

Veteran Affairs Mental Health Services 

On the journey to becoming a Self Made, we must not only aim to be rich financially, but also rich in family. Unfortunately, PTSD is common among Veterans, and can create many setbacks in our financial and personal lives. Maryville University has given info on PTSD as well as resources for anyone struggling with PTSD. https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/psychology/understanding-a-veteran-with-ptsd/

Resources for Networking

Emotional, financial, and economic support are key when you’re about to start your own businesses, which is why networking is especially important. Below are some great leads to help you get started.

Center for Women’s Veterans

A center for all things women that offer resources from health to business. http://www.va.gov/womenvet/

National Veteran Owned Business Association

A directory of veteran-owned businesses whose mission is to connect businesses with corporate America. https://navoba.org/

Veteran’s Business Network

Connecting people still serving in active duty as well as veterans, this organization helps businesses find partners and offers services to help veterans reach full potential. http://veteransbusinessnetwork.com/

Veterans United Network

A network for veterans to find help in all aspects of their personal and business life, as well as training for entrepreneurs. https://www.veteransunited.com

Women Vets Rock

An active network of women veterans who support each other’s business and hold local events. http://www.womenvetsrock.org/