Business Resources2024-03-08T11:36:11-08:00
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Business Development & Resources

Business Development Programs & Annual Reports

The VIB Network offers a variety of business development programs throughout the year to help the Veteran business community learn and grow. We look forward to you joining us!

Business Development Webinars
The VIB Network offers a variety of business development webinars throughout the year to help sharpen your networking skills, tighten up your capabilities statement and so much more. Check our Events Calendar regularly, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

VIB Outreach Events
Networking and outreach events are an important part of the VIB Network. Being able to meet with key buyers is essential to the growth of Veteran businesses. The VIB Network is hosting its VIB Express Connect in Boston, MA on April 25th, 2024. Register here today – VIB Express Connect Site and our 8th Annual Veteran Business Conference in San Diego, CA on November 13-14, 2024 – registration opens May 1!

Veteran 2 Veteran Business Cohorts
Winter/Spring Cohort Session Applications Now Closed. This 6-month in-depth program is for 12 established SDVOSB/DVBE/VOSBs. Over the years, the V2V program has developed and grown to meet our Veteran business leaders’ needs. This program is one of our most intensive and successful initiatives. The V2V program continues to update the curriculum with our partner Leah Nelson (DVBE) of Nelson Leadership. This program is to help guide the established Veteran business owner in assessing their business for strategic growth and success. Click here to join the future V2V Cohort Application Waitlist

B.R.A.V.O. (Business Readiness And Veteran Optimization) Corporate Mentor/Veteran Business Protege Program
This 6-month program is designed to give 10 Veteran owned business the opportunity to be mentored one-on-one by a representative of a current VIB Corporate member, all guided by Professional Business Coach and US National Guard Veteran Kathey Porter (Kathey Porter website). Veteran Business Protege Applications are currently closed.

Training Opportunities
The VIB Network will offer FREE training to all Veteran businesses on topics including Contracts 101, Networking Skills, Government and Utilities Contracting and more through the Entrepreneurial Development Growth and Education (EDGE) program. The technical assistance and skills taught during these sessions are invaluable to the Veteran Business Community. Be sure to check our Events Calendar and News & Webinars pages, as we’ll be posting information there as it comes available. We’ll also send information in our newsletter – so sign up!

Annual Reports
If you’re looking to do work with any Utility Corporations in California, make sure you read their annual report. The Annual Reports provide an overview of how well the Corporation is performing and where you as a Veteran Business can help make an impact.   2022 CPUC Annual Reports »

Agencies Ready to Assist You

SBA (Small Business Administration)
The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

SBA (Small Business Administration)- Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
Veteran-owned small businesses can apply to be certified by the SBA to compete for federal contracts. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) will have the opportunity to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA’s Vets First program. Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) will have the opportunity to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers)
PTACs are the bridge between buyer and supplier, bringing to bear their knowledge of both government contracting and the capabilities of contractors to maximize fast, reliable service to our government with better quality.  http://www.aptac-us.org/

Starting A Business (by way of BestAccountingSoftware.com)
An exhaustive list of business resources for any veteran exploring a startup or growing their business.  https://bestaccountingsoftware.com/veterans-guide-starting-business/

SCORE -Veteran Fast Launch Initiative
Every year, over 180,000 dedicated men and women exit our nation’s armed services after their loyal service to our nation. For over 45 years, SCORE has been a leader in providing mentoring and training to entrepreneurs through its network of 13,000 volunteer mentors and trainers. SCORE stands ready to answer the call of helping our veterans to transition into life as entrepreneurs. https://www.score.org/content/veteran-fast-launch-initiative
https://www.score.org/find-location
1-800-634-0245

SBDC (Small Business Development Center )
America’s SBDC supports a well-established, respected, adequately funded and capable SBDC network, recognized by public and private sector entities as the preeminent provider of small/medium business counseling, education and information. The SBDC network provides uniform, high quality, cost effective assistance through its members, resulting in a positive long-term economic impact. http://americassbdc.org/home/find-your-sbdc/

VBOC (Veteran’s Business Outreach Center)
VBOC’s mission is to advance the growth and commercial competitiveness of veteran owned small business enterprises through education and services focusing on business development, technology deployment and e-commerce. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

DGS (Department of General Services-California)
California Veteran business owners become Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) certified. Learn about the opportunities to work with State Agencies and Corporations Get Certified as a DVBE
916-375-4400 • Advocate@dgs.ca.gov

CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs)
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/contact
CalVet Website »
CalVet Resource Book (PDF) »

800-952-5626 • TDD: 800-324-5966 • Outside California: 800-221-8998

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA has special authority for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB and VOSB) set-aside and sole source contracts.  http://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification/index.asp. The VA has an 8% goal with SDVOSBs/DVBEs. Make sure to register your business today at https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov/

San Diego Unified School District is always looking for Veteran businesses to assist projects and is consistently looking for all trades and licenses, construction materials suppliers, manufacturers and equipment providers. Click on the logo to view a current list of bids and solicitations. For additional information, contact Alma Bañuelos at abanuelos@sandi.net.

New York State has amazing opportunities for all Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) nationwide! The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act, signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on May 12, 2014, allows eligible Veteran business owners to get certified as a New York State SDVOB. The 6% goal encourages and supports eligible SDVOBs to play a greater role in the state’s economy by increasing their participation in New York State’s contracting opportunities. For more information visit: https://ogs.ny.gov/veterans/


Veterans:  Join today!   |   Buyers:  Looking for a VIB?  |   Already Registered?  Search Directory / Edit Your Profile


Protect your bottom line.

As Veteran business owners, we are always concerned about our bottom line. We have a list business resources we feel are useful for all types of businesses. Most of these resources are FREE or at very low cost and can help you cut through the red tape of government contracting, one-on-one business counseling, assist with your certifications and more.  So, before you pay for anyone to “help you,” check the resources on this page to see if they can assist you and protect your bottom line.

V2V Business Cohort

This 6-month in-depth program is for 12 established VetCert/SDVOSB/DVBE/VOSBs. Over the years the V2V program has developed and grown to meet our Veteran business leaders’ needs. This program is one of our most intensive and successful initiatives. The V2V program continues to update the curriculum with professional business coach Leah Nelson (DVBE) of Nelson Leadership. This program is to help guide the established Veteran business owner in assessing their business for strategic growth and success. Topics include:

  • Define Your Business
  • Marketing
  • Planning
  • Team/Partnering
  • Money
  • Continued Success

Sign up to be notified when V2V Cohort applications are open!
» V2V Cohort Notification List

Sponsor Logos

FREE U.S. Veterans Magazine Subscription for VIB Network members!

U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) is the premier resource magazine for transitioning service members, service-disabled veterans, veteran business owners and their spouses and families. USVM is the link between the qualified students, career and business candidates from the ranks of our nation’s veteran organizations, educational institutions, corporate America, and the federal government.

Do you offer services for Veterans?

Let us know, because we’d like to share!

If you offer services to help Veteran businesses for FREE or for a low cost, please Contact Us or call 877-270-8426. We’d like to add your information to our growing list of services and/or resources.

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