A VETERAN’S GUIDE TO GETTING A SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION


By jlustig
Veteran business owner with a small business certification.

Your time in the service has come to an end, but you have acquired valuable skills such as discipline, dedication, grit, and attention to detail. Now, you want to apply them in the civilian workforce. Well, good news for aspiring entrepreneurs, the military is a great place to build a strong foundation. For Veterans wanting to own a small business, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, getting your Veteran Small Business Certification should be your first step on your list. There are so many benefits that come with owning a small business certification, and we are breaking them down below. The steps to take to earn a certification are simple and won’t take a lot of your time. Read on to find out more information about the process.

Small Business Certification: What Veteran Business Owners Should Know

Getting your Veteran Small Business Certification can lead to more career opportunities post-service. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to pursue contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA’s Vets First program. You can also compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Below, we're breaking down the application steps, eligibility requirements, and the benefits to getting your small business certification.

How to Apply

So, how do you begin the application process to obtain a small business certification?

First, you'll want to visit veterans.certify.sba.gov to start your small business certification application. Then, you'll need to create an account and explore the portal for access to application resources. You can use the portal to:

  • Check your application status.
  • Request information.
  • Access checklists and guidelines for your application.
  • Create an official account for your small business.
  • Search for a certified SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) or VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business).

Eligibility Requirements

If you are seeking a certification from the Small Business Administration, you must meet the follow requirements in order to be eligible.

  • You must be classified as a small business, as defined by the size standard in the NAICS code listed in your business's SAM.gov profile.
  • In order to obtain a small business certification, no less than 51% of the business must be owned or controlled by one or more Veterans.
  • For Veterans who are partially or totally disabled and unable to mange the day-to-day operations of their business, that doesn't mean that you won't qualify as an SDVOSB. If your spose of permanent caregiver is assisting in the management of your business you will still qualify.
  • SDVOSBs will continue to be certified for a max of 10 years if the service-disabled Veteran-owner should pass away and leave their surviving spouse the authority to assume ownership of the business.
  • To obtain a SDVOSB certification, no less than 51% of the business must be owned by a Vet with a service-related disability.

Additional small business certification requirements you have to meet in order to be eligible are listed here.

What Are the Benefits of a Small Business Certification?

There are tons of benefits you get for having a Veteran small business certification. Here is a list of just a few of them:

  • All federal government purchases between $10,000 and $250,000 are automatically set aside for small businesses, as long as there are at least two companies that can provide the product or service at a fair and reasonable price.
  • You will be eligible for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Lastly, a small business certification gives you access to small business tools you'll need to prepare for federal procurement and more.

Take Your Dream to the Next Level With a Small Business Certification

To apply for the small business certification go to https://veterans.certify.sba.gov to begin your application. From there, you will have access to checklists and pre-application guides. You can even check your eligibility, can search for a certified VSOB or SDVOSB, and more.

For Veterans wanting to start a new business venture, obtaining a small business certification can be a game-changer. To ensure that the process operates smoothly, and to cut down on the time it takes to obtain a certification, be sure to consult our checklist above. Finally, if you have more questions about the process, you can reach out to SBA VetCert Support at (800) 862-8088. Their hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.

FAQs

How long does the application take to process and how long will my certification last?

It takes about 90 days to process your application, but it can vary due to changes in regulations. New VetCert applicants that are certified by the Small Business Administration after January 1st, 2023 will receive a 3-year certification period.

What if I'm already certified by the VA Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE)?

Those already certified by the VACVE after January 1st, 2023 will be automatically granted SBA certification for the remainder of their business's eligibility period.

Does VA provide loan or grant money to Veterans to start their own business?

No, the VA does not provide loans for businesses. Additionally, there is a special loan program called “Patriot Express” and workers can get help to ensure they have the documents necessary to apply for the program.

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