If you’ve served in the armed forces and are now running a business, the government offers programs such as SDVOSB and VOSB certification designed to support veteran entrepreneurs. In this article, we’ll explore how these programs can benefit veterans.
What Is VOSB & SDVOSB?
VOSB stands for Veteran-Owned Small Business, and SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. These are official designations that business owners can apply for through the Small Business Administration (SBA). There are several great benefits for those who qualify for this certification, including:
- Access to Federal Contracting Opportunities
One of the most significant advantages is eligibility for sole-source contracts and set-aside contracts reserved specifically for veteran-owned businesses. Federal agencies aim to award a percentage of government contracting dollars to VOSBs and SDVOSBs each year, which creates valuable opportunities for which non-certified companies cannot compete.
- Competitive Edge in Bidding
Even when government contracting jobs are not exclusively designated as small business set aside contracts, VOSB certification can make it easier to compete for federal contracts. In addition to bidding on set-aside contracts, many agencies and large prime contractors actively seek certified veteran-owned businesses to meet subcontracting goals.
- Priority in Subcontracting
Prime contractors working with the federal government often need to meet subcontracting goals that include veteran-owned businesses. Being certified can help your company win subcontracting work that may lead to larger contracts down the road.
Subcontracting is an excellent way to get started as a federal contractor, as you can learn the ropes from the prime contractor without having to deal with the complexities of bidding on contracts.
- Recognition & Credibility
Certification demonstrates that your company has been verified by the SBA, adding credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of both government agencies and potential partners. As a side note, SDVOSB certification previously was managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but this management was transferred to the SBA in 2023.
- Networking & Resources
VOSB certification often connects you to government-sponsored training programs, networking events, and mentoring opportunities designed to help veteran-owned businesses grow. Many of these events provide valuable information about federal contracting, as well.
- Support for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Veteran small business certification isn’t just about contracts—it’s part of a larger effort to support veterans transitioning into business ownership. It shows clients and partners that your company is part of a recognized group contributing to economic development. Additionally, potential clients may be more inclined to select your business since partnering with veteran-owned companies aligns with their values.
How To Get Started
The first steps you need to take include completing your registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and signing up with the SBA, and Federal Contractor Registry can help with both of these tasks. SAM is the central database that includes data about every government contractor.
SAM registration is required for any business owner who wants to do business with the federal government. Whether you want to bid on contracts from the Department of Defense, FEMA or another federal agency, SAM registration is a step all contractors must complete.
The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, nor does it charge a fee to sign up with SBA or for SBA set-aside certifications. However, the SAM registration process and SBA certification can be complicated and take 10 or more hours to complete.
Many business owners choose to hire a third-party registration service to complete these registrations. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can take the guesswork out of federal contractor registration and provide you with fast and accurate SAM registration services and SAM renewal services.
We also can determine which SBA set-aside programs are the best fit for your company. In some cases, you might be eligible for more than one certification. For instance, if your business is 51% or more owned by a woman, it may qualify as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and there are also designations for Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs).
Other programs include HUBZone certification and the 8(a) Business Development Program, also known as 8a certification. HUBZones are Historically Underutilized Business Zones, and these are found throughout the United States. You can participate in the WOSB federal contract program along with VOSB, HUBZone, or other programs if you meet the qualifications.
Once the team at Federal Contractor Registry determines which set-asides match your business, we can help you sign up for the SBA and link your SBA account to your SAM account, so that procurement agents and prime contractors can see that you are participating in these SBA set-asides.
Once your SAM registration is approved by the federal government, you will be eligible to bid on government contract jobs. You also will be eligible to apply for various government grants and government loans through the SBA, if needed.
Get Started With Government Contracting
Contracting can serve as an excellent way to expand your business, and there are many opportunities for active and retired military personnel who apply for SDVOSB or VOSB certifications. SAM registration is the first step, and if you would like us to complete your registration as well as help you sign up with the SBA, simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage.