The Ultimate Guide for Service-Disabled Veterans Starting a Business (SDVOSB)

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If you're a service-disabled veteran thinking about starting your own business, you're not alone — and you're in the right place. Many SDVOSBs (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses) begin with one mission: to use their skills, discipline, and experience to build something meaningful. But how do you actually start? What kind of business should you launch? And how do you narrow down the ideas into something real and profitable?
This guide is built specifically for SDVOSBs in the planning stage. Follow the step-by-step breakdown to go from "just an idea" to "I know what I want to build."

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Step 1: Understand the SDVOSB Advantage​

Before you even decide what kind of business to start, it’s crucial to understand the unique advantages you hold:

• Federal & State Contracts: As an SDVOSB, you can access set-aside and sole-source government contracts.
• Veteran Support Programs: You qualify for access to VBOCs, SBA VetCert, SCORE, free training, and more.
• Tax Incentives & Resources: Depending on your state, SDVOSBs may be exempt from certain taxes or qualify for grants.

Bottom Line: Being a certified SDVOSB opens doors that civilian-owned businesses simply don’t have access to.

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Step 2: Identify Your Skills, Passions, and Limitations​

Ask Yourself:​

• What did I learn in the military that can translate into a business?
• What am I passionate about doing every day?
• What can’t I physically or mentally do due to my service-connected disabilities?

Create a simple 3-column list:

Skills/Experience	Interests	Limitations
Logistics, Planning	Working with tools	Can't stand long periods
Mechanical repair	Helping other vets	PTSD triggers in crowds
Tech troubleshooting	Building things	Can't lift over 25 lbs

This list will help you rule out bad fits and highlight businesses that make sense for your life and abilities.

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Step 3: Brainstorm Business Ideas for SDVOSBs​

Using your list above, start brainstorming categories and business models:

Common SDVOSB Business Ideas:​

• Government Contracting / Procurement Consultant
• Digital Marketing Agency / SEO Services
• Construction / General Contracting
• Online E-commerce (dropshipping, handmade goods, tactical gear)
• Handyman or Home Repair Services (if physically able)
• Cleaning Services (commercial or residential)
• IT Services / Cybersecurity / Networking
• Consulting (leadership, logistics, training, security)
• Transportation (non-emergency medical, courier, veteran transport)

Each of these has a low-barrier entry path with potential access to SDVOSB contracting.

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Step 4: Narrow Down to 2–3 Realistic Business Models​

Now it’s time to narrow the list:

Evaluate based on:​

• Startup cost (Do I need capital or can I bootstrap?)
• Physical/mental demands (Can I do this with my disability rating?)
• Income potential (What does year 1 vs. year 3 look like?)
• Contracting eligibility (Would this business make sense for set-asides?)
• Lifestyle fit (Do I want to be out in the field or working from home?)

Reduce the list to 2 or 3 finalists that check your boxes.

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Step 5: Do Quick Market Validation​

Take your top ideas and answer:

• Are other people making money doing this?
• Is there demand in my area or can I serve clients remotely?
• Do I know someone who does this already?
• Could I offer a unique veteran-owned angle that sets me apart?

You don’t need a full business plan yet — just prove that real people buy what you want to offer.

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Step 6: Register, Certify, and Launch​

Once you’ve chosen your idea, take action:

1. Choose a Business Structure​

• LLC: Most popular for flexibility and liability protection
• S-Corp: Better for established businesses with profits
• Sole Proprietor: Easiest to start but less protection

2. Get Your Certifications​

• SAM.gov: Register your entity
• VetCert: Apply for federal SDVOSB/VOSB status
• State-Level Certifications: Don’t skip these — many states have their own programs

3. Create a Simple Online Presence​

• Get a domain name
• Set up a 1-page website or use LinkedIn
• Explain your mission, services, and how to contact you

4. Start Talking About It​

• Post in veteran business groups
• List on directories
• Tell your story — people will support a mission, not just a service

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Final Thoughts​

You don’t have to know everything today. You just have to take the first step. Your experience, your service, and your sacrifice already make you uniquely qualified to succeed in business.
The SDVOSB Network is here to help you every step of the way.

• Ask questions.
• Share your ideas.
• Build with others who get it.

Your mission isn’t over — it’s just changing shape.