Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, held their first Patriot Bootcamp for veteran entrepreneurs last week, but there are other services the organization offers to veteran and active-duty entrepreneurs.
If you are a veteran or still in active duty and looking to launch a business or grow one, here are some local services that can help.
Small Business Administration
DAV offers free business counseling to small business owners. On their website, you can book a meeting with a counselor who is a partnering expert with DAV for business advice.
Entrepreneurs can also apply for loans to help fund their businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration. DAV has a “lender match” tool on their website to help small business owners find SBA-backed funding in their area.
DAV also helps in obtaining home and business disaster loans. These loans are also offered through SBA for business owners in declared disaster areas.
Help in finding and winning federal government contracting is also available. Small business owners can use the “find contracts” tool on the DAV website to learn more.
Office of Veterans Business Development
The Office of Veterans Business Development offers information for Veterans, service members, and military spouses.
They also have resources for:
- Women veterans
- Service-disabled veterans
- Reserve and national guard members
- SBA resource partners
- Other government resources
- Federal advisory committees
- Other SBA resources
- Grant opportunities and documents
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans is an initiative to help veterans become entrepreneurs. The EBV program offers experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management.
This Bootcamp is for post-9/11 veterans.
Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses
DAV offers resources to veterans to help them start a business, find funding, and gain customers.
Entrepreneurs can find help in:
- Writing a business plan
- Finding funding
- Franchising
- Government contracts
- Business education and training
- Networking and mentorships
- Disabled veteran’s resources
Patriot Bootcamp
The two-day boot camp put on by DAV includes presentations and panels covering funding for startups, scaling a business, and creating a marketing strategy.
The event ends with a competitive pitch contest and awards ceremony.
The Bootcamp is available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses.
