The Department of Veteran Affairs is a federal Cabinet-level agency that provides integrated assistance to vets across America. It has several programs to promote business ownership by veterans. 

Reported Metrics 

In 2019, VA spent $6.9 billion with veteran-owned businesses

Resources & Opportunities: 

-The department facilitates set-asides for veteran owned businesses

-The department conducts annual events aimed at assisting veteran-owned businesses. 

-The Direct Access Program offers unique opportunities for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses to build partnerships, maximize networking, and gain access to Procurement Decision Makers. 

-VA has a forecast of contracting opportunities. 

Pro Tips: 

The Department of Veteran Affairs has FAQs for vets and service disabled-owned businesses. 

Here is a list of FAQs for the verification process. 

Our Review

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides assistance to veterans and service disabled veterans through various forms and one of those ways is through empowering vets who own businesses. The department has an Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business which assists veteran and service disabled-owned businesses that have been certified via the Vets First Verification. The program offers verification assistance and counselors to all veteran owned and controlled businesses in a bid to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Once certified these small businesses are then able to compete for set aside Veteran Affairs contracts. Other benefits include access to mentors, liaisons, events and programs designed to make these small businesses contract ready. 

Though the Veterans First Certification was designed for businesses to win government contracts, many corporations also accept this certification for their supplier diversity programs. 

VA  Says:

“VA will help Veterans pursue economic opportunities and professional or career development. VA will enhance education and career counseling to transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans eligible for VA education benefits. VA will further partner with State, Local, and community organizations to ensure that transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and their families are informed of and connect to community resources that support their transition and promote their economic well-being.”

Portals

https://www.va.gov/OSDBU/index.asp

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification