The Dept of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration provides many advantages to small business owners. Small business owners that are veterans have access to benefits specifically for them. These include education and retraining. The Veterans Benefits Administration provides coaching for small business owners.

Taking advantage of resources geared for veterans will give business owners an advantage. Attending the Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo is a great place to learn about these resources. Topics include financing for veterans and veteran small business legislation. Here are a few ways to keep on top of these ever-changing topics with the Veterans Benefits Administration.

1. Register for the available coaching through SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives, or the Office of Veterans Business Development.

2. Find out if you qualify for any education or retraining benefits with the Department of VA Benefits.

3. Take advantage of any programs that are offered through the VBA, SBA and any local entities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Speak with veterans administration for small business start-up advice

The Veterans Benefits Administration provides many tools to help small veteran business owners. Coaching and help with business planning is available to those who qualify for veteran benefits.

I recommend: The Center for Veterans Enterprise, or CVE, offers business coaching. The coaching helps to establish goals and gives an action plan to reach them. Geared to help both the beginner and the seasoned veteran entrepreneur, business coaching benefits both. The VBA recommends working with a SCORE Association coaching program as well.

Attend small business conferences recommended by the VBA

The Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo is a yearly event designed to keep veteran small business owners up-to-date on the latest developments.

I recommend: The Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo is presented every year by the Veteran Small Business Federal Interagency Council. Register for the classes that pertain to your business. The Federal Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilitzation (OSDBU) Directors Interagency Council hosts conferences on topics such as Finance Strategies for Veteran Owned Businesses and Effective Business Development Strategies and Tactics that benefit veterans in small business.

Register with your local Department of Veterans Affairs

In order to stay up-to-date on new legistlation, register with your local Department of Veterans Affairs. Keeping abreast of the latest laws concerning veterans in all regards will alert small business owners to any advantages they may have. It will also keep them involved in the community.

I recommend: The United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Benefits Administrations are the organizations in the federal government designed to keep the rights and benefits of veterans in the forefront.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Veterans Benefits Administration is a vital key to any veteran in business. New benefits become available on a continual basis. Make sure you use all the tools they provide and keep abreast of any legislation on the horizon. Ensure that you vote for the representation that will keep your veterans benefits in the forefront.