A field guide to ten organizations that train, coach, and connect veterans and military spouses who want to start or grow a business.
The short version
Many nonprofits and government partners train veterans, service members, and military spouses to start or grow a business, and most charge nothing. This list covers ten that offer classes, coaching, and a network. A solid first move is a free SBA class, then a program that fits your stage.
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
How to use this list
These are vetted, not ranked, and being listed here is not an endorsement. Eligibility, dates, and funding change often, so confirm current details and deadlines on each official site before you commit time or money. If you are still in uniform, a SkillBridge slot can give you runway to build before you separate.
Where should you start?
Start free and local. The SBA runs no-cost training and a national network of Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and the nonprofits below add mentorship and peer support on top.
The 10 organizations
- SBA Boots to Business: A no-cost entrepreneurship course delivered through the DoD Transition Assistance Program and the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center network. It fits service members, veterans, and spouses who want the fundamentals. Start by contacting your installation TAP office or your regional VBOC.
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV): Run by Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), EBV pairs online coursework with an in-person residency at a partner campus at no cost to participants. It fits post-9/11 veterans ready to launch. Apply through the IVMF site.
- Bunker Labs (now the Military Founders Lab, under IVMF): IVMF acquired Bunker Labs in 2024 and folded its programs into the Military Founders Lab, a virtual cohort with tools, mentorship, and a peer network. It fits founders who want community while they build. Check current cohorts on the IVMF site.
- VETRN: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Training and Resource Network offers tuition-free entrepreneurship programs with assigned mentors and guest experts. It fits veteran and military-family business owners who want to grow. Apply on the VETRN site.
- DAV Patriot Boot Camp: A program of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) that provides no-cost startup education, mentorship, and a pitch event for military-connected founders, including spouses. It fits early-stage founders who want an intensive. Watch the site for cohort dates and application windows.
- Warrior Rising: A veteran-founded nonprofit offering free training, mentorship, and periodic grant pitch events for veteran entrepreneurs. It fits veterans turning an idea into a business. Start with the LaunchPoint program on the site.
- VETtoCEO: A free, cohort-based program taught by veteran business owners, covering startups, franchising, and buying a business. It fits transitioning members and veterans who prefer a structured online course. Register for a cohort on the site.
- Dog Tag Inc.: A five-month fellowship in Washington, D.C. that pairs a Georgetown University business certificate with hands-on work in its bakery. It fits veterans with service-connected disabilities, spouses, and caregivers. Apply through the Dog Tag site.
- The Rosie Network: Its Service2CEO program offers free, individualized training and mentorship for service members, veterans, and military spouses. It fits family-owned and spouse-owned startups. Apply on the site.
- SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): Not a class, but the official path to certify as a Veteran-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business so you can compete for federal set-aside contracts. It fits established owners eyeing government work. Start the application on the SBA portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do these programs cost money?
Most on this list are free or low cost. A few charge for optional add-ons. Confirm any fees on the official site before you enroll.
Can military spouses apply?
In many cases, yes. Several of these programs include spouses and sometimes caregivers and family members. Eligibility varies, so read each program's rules.
Do I have to be out of the military to start?
No. Active-duty members and Guard or Reserve members can join many of these while still serving. If you are transitioning, look at pairing training with your TAP timeline.
Can a program get my business funded?
No program can promise funding. Some run pitch events or connect you to lenders and investors, but capital depends on your plan and the people making the decision.
How do I pick one?
Match the program to your stage. Idea stage points to Boots to Business or VETtoCEO. Growth stage points to EBV, VETRN, or the Military Founders Lab.
What if I want federal contracts?
Look at SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification and your local VBOC, which counsels on government contracting.
Where to get help
- SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center: free counseling and Boots to Business classes.
- Your installation TAP office: transition counseling, including the entrepreneurship track.
- Military OneSource: free coaching and referrals for service members and families.
- VA: benefits and, through Veteran Readiness and Employment, a self-employment track for eligible veterans.
Verification Notes
- Bunker Labs is no longer a standalone nonprofit. IVMF (Syracuse University) acquired it in 2024, and its programs now run as the Military Founders Lab within IVMF. Confirmed on the IVMF site.
- StreetShares Foundation and its successor, the Second Service Foundation, were considered for this list but dropped. The Second Service Foundation states it has voluntarily shut down and is moving its resources into a new faith-based nonprofit that had not publicly launched as of this writing.
- Program dates, cohort schedules, and any fees change frequently. Confirm current details on each official site.
- SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) is administered by the SBA. Confirm current eligibility and processing details on the SBA certification portal.
Sources & links
VetraFi does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The content provided is for informational purposes only. You should consult your own advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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