Small Business Grants for Veterans
Small Business Grants for
Veterans
Often retired, working or service
disabled Veterans look for opportunities to start their businesses but lack of
funds and assistance cause a barrier in the fulfillment of their dreams. As per
the SBA 2012 Veterans’ Report, there are almost 2.4 million businesses run by
Veterans in the country which are still escalating.
To boost further growth and development
of businesses the government, state and recognized agencies offer funding aid,
grants and benefit programs to Veterans for their undertakings. This has
created better prospects for Veterans to accomplish their goals.
List of Small Business Assistance
Programs for Veterans
The
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA has multiple plans and business
programs that assist Veterans and service related disabled Veterans to
establish their independent business undertakings. The programs offer the
required resources like planning, training, survey, customers, etc that help in
commencing, functioning and developing of small businesses. The following are
the list of programs offered:
·
Starting
a business
·
Growing
a business
·
Financing
a business
·
Mentoring
and training
·
Selling
to the government
Besides, SBA offers many loan
programs like Patriot Express Pilot Loan, Military Reservist Economic Injury
Disaster Loan (MREID) and Express Loan Program that offers loans up to
$350,000.
Office
of Veterans Business Development
Administered by SBA, the Office
of Veterans Business Development offers many assistance programs and services
to Veterans, helping them commence their independent businesses and procure
government contracts for steady growth and development. Veterans interested in
starting their venture can apply at the main office of SBA or in the state
office where an official staff person is designated to guide applicants.
Moreover, Veterans can avail
professional training, mentoring, counseling and ideas about business planning
from the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers located in almost all regions.
It gives a clear understanding of the procedures and the right proposal to start
business.
Venture
Capital Fund
Businesses owned, commenced,
headed and managed by US Veterans can now avail Veterans’ Opportunity Fund (VOF), a venture capital fund offered
for investment purpose. Eligible Veterans can obtain funds to maximum of $3
million for the growth and development of businesses specializing in specialty
manufacturing, technology, business services and healthcare.
Self-Employment
Grant Program
The Veterans Administration
provides self-employment program to the service-disabled Veterans, enabling
them to fund for marketing, training, supplies, licensing fees or buy
equipment, inventory or any other start-up requirements. The Veterans just need
to contact their VA office to apply for the program.
There are however, two
groups---Category I and Category II. The former category is related to Veterans
with severe service-related disabilities while the latter category relates to
not so severe employment related disability. The grants depend on the category
in which the Veterans belong. Submit your business plan in VA for
consideration.
If you have served the nation before
and now looking to invest in no-profit business then start applying for the
small business programs specialized for Veterans for funds. Get information
about the application procedures, resources and funding opportunities
available, the eligibility criteria and start applying today.
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