LaunchVets

Startup · The Builder's Path

Ship the product. Win the SBIR. Keep your equity.

Non-dilutive capital, the right accelerators, and the vet founder network for people building venture-scale companies.

"Explore a problem. Validate a solution. Test. Iterate."

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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.

Hardware & Manufacturing

Physical products, electronics, manufacturing, supply chain

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Software & SaaS

SaaS, dev tools, AI applications, consumer apps

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Defense Tech & Dual-Use

DoD-facing, dual-use technology, federal sales motion

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Open right now

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

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
Small Business+ StartupTraining
Boots to Business

SBA + IVMF (Syracuse)

BLUF
  • Time:12-16 hours (2-day intensive)
  • Admittance:Open Enrollment
  • Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
  • Delivery:Hybrid
  • Academic:Light

Service members, vets, military spouses. Two-day intro intensive at military installations + online.

Training + connections to follow-on programs (Reboot, VBOC)
Multiple cycles · Monthly at most installations
See details Program page
Small Business+ StartupTraining
Boots to Business: Reboot

SBA + IVMF

BLUF
  • Time:40-60 hours (8 weeks)
  • Admittance:Open Enrollment
  • Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
  • Delivery:Remote
  • Academic:Light

Vets, military spouses, caregivers. 8-week deeper-dive entrepreneurship program.

Training + mentor network
Multiple cycles · Quarterly cohorts
See details Program page

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