VEteran Business

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Veterans interested in starting, growing, or expanding a business have access to a variety of programs, training opportunities, and funding resources designed specifically to support veteran entrepreneurs

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ARTICLE:Top 10 Benefits Available for Veteran-Owned Businesses in the U.S.

If you’re a veteran and you own a business, or looking to start a  veteran owned business,  here is an article you might be interested in.


As veterans there are some perks that you’re privy to that you may be unaware of. Not only that, but small businesses are the entire backbone of our economy and there are more than 2.52 million of them that are majority veteran-owned. Because veterans have served their country, the government feels it is only fair to recognize their sacrifices and service by helping them access the resources that they need and providing them with plenty of opportunities and benefits along the way. 


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The UConn Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

The UConn Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) opens the door to economic opportunity for veterans by developing their competencies in the many steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. The program is offered at no cost and brings together a dedicated UConn community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others to rally around this group of exceptional individuals. 

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Apply for CT Veteran-Owned Micro Business


The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development provides guidance for veterans interested in starting their own business.


Nearly 10% of the businesses in Connecticut are owned by veterans. Across the state, we are committed to supporting veterans who want to launch or grow a business — as well as businesses that want to hire veterans.


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Veterans Business Outreach Center

In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) equips veteran and active duty service members and their families with the resources to help them start and run their businesses. VBOC of New England serves veterans in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The VBOC of New England is operated by the Center for Women & Enterprise who offer quality classes, programs and services to those who want to start and grow their business.

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work vessels for vets

Work Vessels for Vets provides critical equipment and direct services to injured veterans who see self-employment as a way forward to accommodate frequent medical appointments and “bad days.”*Our commitment is recognized with the highest national ratings including GUIDE STAR’s highest recognition – PLATINUM STATUS for Efficiency & Transparency, TOP RATED NONPROFIT by GreatNonProfits rating agency, and Accredited Charity by Better Business Bureau.

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veteran entrepreneur program

Since 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has supported more than 120 Veteran and military-spouse founders nationwide. Through The PenFed Foundation’s network of investors, mentors, and subject-matter experts, alumni have raised millions in early capital, built strategic relationships, and received world-class guidance from industry leaders.

Our program is made up of a two-track model: Incubator and Accelerator. This model allows us to support founders at every stage, from those developing a new idea to founders ready to scale an existing business.

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workforce GPS

The Veteran Entrepreneur Portal, hosted by the VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), offers veterans streamlined access to resources essential for starting and growing their businesses. The portal provides a range of tools for business planning, funding, and government contracting, along with guidance on navigating federal programs specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs.