Veteran Entrepreneurship Series: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB)

Welcome to another part of Empire Resume’s series on Veteran Entrepreneurship, where we’re highlighting the resources you need to help fuel your veteran small business ideas. Today, we’re discussing the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB) and you how you can use this amazing program to get started on your small business journey. We’ll explain what it is, how to qualify for the program, and its benefits.

Many veterans like you serve this country and often times return home with disabilities that makes it a challenge to readjust to civilian life. The difficulties can affect the return to civilian employment or the possibility of starting a business.

What is the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program?

The SDVOSB program is a federal, socio-economic program that allows service-disabled veterans with small businesses to compete for government contracts. It helps to level the business playing field so disabled veterans can too live out their entrepreneurial dreams.

The program was created as a result of the Veteran’s Benefits Act of 2003 to honor veterans and recognize them for their sacrifices. However, the program does not come without qualifications of course.

How to Qualify for the SDVOSB Program

Eligibility requirements for the SDVOSB program are established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

To qualify for the SDVOSB Program, you must have a service-connected disability. Additionally, your business must be considered a small business according to the SBA’s standards and:

• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Have one ore more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations
• Have one ore more service-disabled veterans make long-term decisions

To review the eligibility requirements in its entirety, refer to Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations.

SDVOSB Program Benefits

The program offers several benefits to veteran entrepreneurs with service-connected disabilities.

First, if you’re interested in having your business sell its products or services to the government, you can represent your business to the government as a service-disabled veteran-owned business.

Next, you can access a contract award through the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Vets First Verification Program.

Once your business is verified through the VA, you can use the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business logo on your business’ marketing materials such as website and business cards.

Finally, your business is given priority much like veterans’ preference for certain government contract proposals.

Continue to keep an eye out on Empire Resume’s military to civilian blog for the next article in our series on Loans for Veterans. We’d love to hear how will the SDVOSB Program help you in your business venture. Let us know in the comments below.

Dr. Phillip Gold is President/CEO of Empire Resume and has vast experience writing resumes for service-members transitioning from the military into civilian roles. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force responsible for leading nuclear missile security. Phillip is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and holds a BA in Communications from The Ohio State University, an MS in Instructional Technology, an MBA in Finance, and a PhD in Finance.

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