LaunchVets

Small Business · The Provider's Path

Build the business. Win the contracts. Hire the team.

Federal certifications, SBA loans, and the operator network for vet founders running real businesses with real revenue.

"Build a profitable business that pays you well and hires other vets."

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How this path runs

Pick the lane closest to what you're building. Each filters the programs library to the programs and guides that fit.

Services & Consulting

B2B services, professional services, government services

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Trades & Contracting

Construction, skilled trades, federal contracting

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Food & Beverage

Restaurants, catering, food trucks, packaged food and CPG, beverage brands, coffee, and hospitality

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Farming & Ranching

Crop production, livestock, dairy, aquaculture, ag services, and farm-to-market operations

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Franchise & Acquisition

Buy a proven model. VetFran-supported franchises plus Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA): search funds, self-funded buyouts, holdco.

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Open right now

3 programs accepting applications. See all programs in the library for the full filter view.

Small BusinessCertificationGovernment Program
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

U.S. Small Business Administration

BLUF
  • Time:Varies
  • Admittance:Application + Committee Selection
  • Funding:No Cash Award
  • Delivery:Hybrid
  • Academic:Light

Socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners; 9-year program providing mentorship and access to sole-source contracts.

Sole-source contract eligibility up to $7M (goods) / $4.5M (services)
Rolling · Rolling
See details Program page
Small Business+ Trades & ContractingCertificationGovernment Program
SBA HUBZone Program

U.S. Small Business Administration

BLUF
  • Time:4-8 hours
  • Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
  • Funding:No Cash Award
  • Delivery:N/A

Business located in a HUBZone (historically underutilized) area with 35%+ HUBZone employees.

Federal contracting set-aside eligibility
Rolling · Rolling
See details Program page
Small Business+ StartupCertificationGovernment ProgramSD required
SDVOSB Certification (VetCert)

SBA Office of Veterans Business Development

BLUF
  • Time:4-8 hours (application) + ~12 days SBA processing
  • Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
  • Funding:No Cash Award
  • Delivery:N/A

Service-disabled veteran (10%+ VA rating) with 51%+ ownership and control of the business. Self-certification for federal subcontracting and goaling ended December 22, 2024 (NDAA FY2024). SBA VetCert is now the only path.

Federal contracting set-aside eligibility. Federal government aims to award at least 5% of all federal prime contracting dollars to SDVOSBs annually (SBA official goal). VA sets aside at least 7% of its contracts specifically for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs.
Rolling · Rolling
See details Program page

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