Top Business Resources for Women Veteran Owned Businesses
Veterans own 2.52 million businesses in the United States, and Women Veteran Owned Businesses make up 15.2% of that total. Various organizations and lenders are working to increase the number of Women Veteran Owned Businesses by providing resources, training, and funding opportunities.
Networking and Training Resources
National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
NaVOBA connects corporations with veteran-owned businesses, sponsors networking events, and offers training opportunities. They have partnerships with 135 of the world’s largest corporations to support veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans Business Network
This network provides a directory of veteran-owned businesses, a hiring network, exclusive deals for veteran-owned businesses, and corporate contacts through networking events.
Center for Women Veterans
The Center hosts events, provides information on available benefits, and helps women veteran owned businesses and veterans find local resources.”
Hivers and Strivers
An angel investment group that collaborates with military academy graduates, particularly focusing on Women Veteran Owned Businesses, by investing in early-stage companies and start-ups. Applications for Women Veteran Owned Businesses can be submitted online.
VeteransCorp
For disabled veterans, VeteransCorp offers services such as feasibility studies, business plan development, coaching, and NGO partnerships to support business growth.
Women Veterans Rock
This organization hosts an annual summer leadership retreat and local events, focusing on women in business.
Operation Boots to Business
A program that helps veterans transition from soldier to business owner with training programs and follow-up support.
The Vets Group
The Vets Group provides business and IT training, focusing on the information technology field, with support from educators and corporate partners.
Veteran Women
Offering training and networking for female small business owners who are veterans.
Small Business Loan Resources
Veteran Small Business Award
Street Shares offers a Veteran Small Business Award with prizes of $15,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place, and $4,000 for third place. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and the business must be 51% veteran-owned.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy veterans can qualify for personal loans through the Navy Federal Credit Union, which might have lower rates than credit cards or business lines of credit.
NavyArmy Community Credit Union
This credit union grants small business loans to members living in Texas. Similar credit unions can be found online for other regions.
The Jonas Project
The Jonas Project offers training, mentorship, and funding preparation for women veterans, helping them successfully obtain capital.
Veterans Business Fund
Currently in the fundraising stage, this non-profit organization plans to provide supplemental capital to help veterans secure small business loans.
Global Pacific Advisors
Global Pacific Advisors provides business funding to veterans and women with bad credit, with a quick and simple application process.
Conclusion
Starting or growing a small business as a woman veteran can be challenging, but numerous resources are available to help. Many of these organizations are local, so searching for similar resources in your area and consulting your local Veteran’s Affairs office can be beneficial. Your determination and grit from serving in the armed forces can undoubtedly be applied to becoming a successful small business owner.