For veterans and service-disabled veterans aiming to leverage their entrepreneurial ventures, obtaining the appropriate certifications can significantly enhance access to government contracts and business opportunities. While federal certification through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a crucial step, many states offer their own certification programs, each with distinct benefits and requirements. This guide provides an in-depth overview of both federal and state-level certifications, detailing the processes and advantages to empower veteran-owned businesses nationwide.MTA+3ez8a+3Small Business Administration+3
The SBA's VetCert program is the gateway for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to access federal contracting opportunities.VIB Network+2Small Business Administration+2Veteran Small Business Certification+2
Beyond federal certification, numerous states offer their own programs to support veteran-owned businesses. These state-level certifications can provide access to additional contracting opportunities, tax incentives, and business development resources. Below is a comprehensive overview of state-specific programs:
Many additional states recognize veteran-owned businesses, even without formal SDVOSB certification processes. These states often provide preferences or recognition within broader small or disadvantaged business programs:
Federal Certification: SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
The SBA's VetCert program is the gateway for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to access federal contracting opportunities.VIB Network+2Small Business Administration+2Veteran Small Business Certification+2
Benefits:
- Federal Contracting Opportunities: Eligible to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government.The Official Website of New York State+8Veteran Small Business Certification+8Small Business Administration+8
- VA Contracts: VOSBs and SDVOSBs can pursue specific contracts set aside by the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA's Vets First program.D'Aniello Institute+3Veteran Small Business Certification+3VIB Network+3
Eligibility Criteria:
- Veteran Status: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans or service-disabled veterans.The Official Website of New York State+8Small Business Administration+8Defense Business网站+8
- Small Business Status: Must meet the SBA's size standards for small businesses.Veteran Small Business Certification+1D'Aniello Institute+1
- Active Registration: Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov.
Application Process:
- Prepare Documentation: Gather proof of veteran status, business ownership, and control.Small Business Administration+1Coupa Supplier+1
- Register with SAM: Ensure your business is registered and active in SAM.gov.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the SBA's VetCert portal.Pace University SBDC+3VIB Network+3Veteran Small Business Certification+3
- Await Verification: The SBA will review your application and notify you upon approval.
State-Level Certifications
Beyond federal certification, numerous states offer their own programs to support veteran-owned businesses. These state-level certifications can provide access to additional contracting opportunities, tax incentives, and business development resources. Below is a comprehensive overview of state-specific programs:
New York
- Program: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) ProgramThe City University of New York+6DASNY+6Office of General Services+6
- Administered By: New York State Office of General Services (OGS)
- Benefits: 6% participation goal in state contracts for certified SDVOBs.DASNY+1The City University of New York+1
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned by service-disabled veterans with a disability rating of 10% or more; significant business presence in New York.MTA+2Office of General Services+2The Official Website of New York State+2
- Application Process: Detailed steps and application portal available on the OGS website.Office of General Services
California
- Program: Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program
- Administered By: California Department of General Services (DGS)
- Benefits: 3% goal for DVBEs in state contracts; access to set-aside contracts.Veteran Small Business Certification+3ez8a+3avosba.org+3
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned by disabled veterans; daily business operations managed by disabled veterans.Coupa Supplier
- Application Process: Information and application details can be found on the DGS website.
Texas
- Program: Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program
- Administered By: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Benefits: Veteran-owned businesses can qualify; 21.1% overall MWBE goals with preference structures.
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned by veterans; principal place of business in Texas; meet size standards.
- Application Process: Guidelines and application are available on the Texas Comptroller's website.
Colorado
- Program: Bid Preference for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
- Administered By: Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration
- Benefits: 5% preference in state procurement bids.
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned by service-disabled veterans; registered in Colorado.Defense Business网站
- Application Process: Details can be found on the Colorado DPA website.
Florida
- Program: Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE) Programsez8a
- Administered By: Florida Department of Management Services
- Benefits: Preference in competitive solicitations; potential tax advantages.
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned by veterans or service-disabled veterans; resident in Florida.
- Application Process: More information is available on the Florida DMS website.
Pennsylvania
- Program: Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Recognition
- Administered By: Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS)
- Benefits: State-recognized designation, tracked in the PA Supplier Portal; helpful for agency outreach and subcontracting
- Eligibility: At least 51% veteran-owned and controlled; active business in PA
- Application Process: PA DGS Business Certification
Illinois
- Program: Veteran Business Program (VBP)
- Administered By: Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS)
- Benefits: 3% SDVOSB participation goal; eligibility for set-asides
- Eligibility: Must be 51% veteran- or SDV-owned and operated
- Application Process: CMS Veteran Business Program
Massachusetts
- Program: Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
- Administered By: Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)
- Benefits: Recognized status for state-funded projects; part of Supplier Diversity Program
- Eligibility: 51% ownership and control by veteran(s)
- Application Process: Mass SDO Certification
Maryland
- Program: Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE)
- Administered By: Maryland Department of General Services
- Benefits: 1% goal of total dollar value of procurement contracts to VSBEs
- Eligibility: 51% ownership, MD registration, and control
- Application Process: Maryland VSBE Program
Kansas
- Program: SDVOSB Preference (No certification process)
- Administered By: Department of Administration
- Benefits: Up to 10% bid preference
- Eligibility: Must be SDVOSB verified by VA or SBA and registered with the state
- Application Process: Kansas Procurement
Oregon
- Program: Certification through COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity)
- Administered By: Oregon Business Development Department
- Benefits: Recognition under COBID umbrella; includes SDVOSBs
- Eligibility: 51% owned and controlled; must meet COBID standards
- Application Process: Oregon COBID Program
Washington
- Program: Veteran-Owned Business Certification
- Administered By: Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
- Benefits: Statewide VOB registry; agencies encouraged to use VOBs
- Eligibility: 51% ownership and control by veteran(s)
- Application Process: WA VOB Program
Arizona
- Program: Small Business Certification (no VOB set-aside, but VOB status is tracked)
- Administered By: Arizona Department of Administration
- Benefits: Prime contractors may be encouraged to subcontract with VOBs
- Eligibility: Must be registered and operate in AZ
- Application Process: Arizona Procurement Portal
Louisiana
- Program: Veteran Initiative Program
- Administered By: Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
- Benefits: 10% evaluation preference for certified veteran-owned businesses
- Eligibility: 51% veteran-owned, Louisiana domicile
- Application Process: LED Veteran Initiative
Other States
Many additional states recognize veteran-owned businesses, even without formal SDVOSB certification processes. These states often provide preferences or recognition within broader small or disadvantaged business programs:| State | Status | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Preference system only | purchasing.alabama.gov |
| Georgia | Disadvantaged business recognition | doas.ga.gov |
| Indiana | VBE Certification | in.gov/idoa |
| Iowa | VOSB Preference | das.iowa.gov |
| Kentucky | SDVOSB Preference Policy | finance.ky.gov |
| Michigan | Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise | michigan.gov |
| Minnesota | Veterans Preference for State Procurement | mn.gov |
| Missouri | Veteran Preference Program | oa.mo.gov |
| Nebraska | SDVOSB Preference | das.nebraska.gov |
| Nevada | Emerging Small Business (includes SDVOSB) | diversity.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | SDVOSB Status Required for Points System | admin.state.nh.us |
| New Jersey | Veteran Business Registration | nj.gov |
| North Carolina | HUB Certification (includes SDVOSBs) | ncadmin.nc.gov |
| North Dakota | SDVOSB status for state bids | nd.gov |
| Ohio | Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) | das.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | SDVOSB State Vendor Preference | omes.ok.gov |
| South Carolina | Veteran-Owned Business Registry | sc.gov |
| South Dakota | Small Business status includes SDVOSB | sd.gov |
| Tennessee | VBE Certification | tn.gov |
| Utah | Veteran-Owned Registry | business.utah.gov |
| Vermont | SDVOSB Preference Policy | bgs.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | SWaM & SDVOSB Certification | sbsd.virginia.gov |
| West Virginia | Veteran-Owned Status Recognition | wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) | dva.wi.gov |
| Wyoming | VOB Recognition Registry | ai.wyo.gov |
Final Takeaway: Certify at Every Level That Matters
- Start with SBA SDVOSB certification – This is your foundation.
- Register with your state’s procurement system – Even if no formal certification exists.
- Apply for any state-level SDVOSB, VBE, or DVBE certifications – Use your federal cert as support where allowed.
- Track local municipalities and county-level opportunities – Many cities (like NYC or LA) also run independent VOB programs.