Veterans’ access to small business finance

According to the most recent census statistics, nearly one out of every ten small companies in the United States is owned by a veteran. If you have served our nation and are thinking about beginning your own company, there are various tools available to assist you.

Many vets might benefit from outside investment, since 61.8% of veteran-owned firms depend only on personal or family funds to get started. Nevertheless, most banks and other mainstream lenders have stringent credit standards, making this a challenging process. Thankfully, several organizations specialize in offering financial assistance to veterans who want to start their own businesses.

Resources provided by the government

Veterans Advantage 7(a) Financing from the Small Business Administration

The 7(a) loan, the SBA’s most popular program, assists veterans in finding inexpensive capital for their small enterprises. The 7(a) is more manageable than many other typical company loans due to its longer durations and smaller down payments. Loans in excess of $125,000 may be subject to an upfront guarantee cost, which is normally lower than the amount charged to non-veteran applicants.

Veterans Affairs Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office (OSDBU)

The OSDBU focuses on assisting companies owned by veterans who face economic challenges. The agency seeks to supply these enterprises with government contracts rather than subsidies or loans. If you register and verify your firm with the OSDBU, it will be included to their list of eligible enterprises and may be matched with a government contract. The VA also has a similar program for veterans who have a service-related disability.

Veterans Administration Self-Employment Pathway for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

The VA’s VR&E self-employment program assists veterans with service-related disabilities in achieving their business objectives. You must be enrolled in the VR&E and have a service-related disability that precludes you from obtaining acceptable employment to qualify. Examine the entire list of prerequisites to discover whether this program may assist you in getting your company up and running.

Disaster Loan Program for Military Reservists (MREIDL)

Although not suitable for all veterans, MREIDL provides low-interest loans to firms suffering financial difficulties as a result of a crucial employee being summoned to active service. The loan is intended to assist a small firm in meeting its commitments until the employee returns and regular operations resume. Veterans who have been discharged from active service for less than a year are eligible to apply for the loan, which has a maximum loan amount of $2 million and a period of up to 30 years. For loans more than $50,000, the program needs collateral. The SBA evaluates all applications and will only assist firms that would otherwise be unable to survive.

Private money lenders

StreetShares

StreetShares, which is owned and run by veterans, specializes in assisting other veteran company owners in locating loans that best suit their needs. A lump sum loan, line of credit, and contract finance are all flexible financing possibilities. A seasoned team member will assist you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Strivers and Hivers

Hivers & Strivers may be a wonderful resource for you if you are a U.S. military school graduate wishing to establish your own company. This angel fund is run by fellow West Point, Annapolis, Air Force, and Coast Guard academy grads. For each round of submissions, they provide cash ranging from $250,000 to $1 million and may collaborate with other lenders for larger investments. Although there is no assurance that your business idea will be funded, it wouldn’t hurt to submit it.

Further resources

VetsinTech

VetsinTech, which is well-known for assisting vets in finding education and jobs in the computer field, also provides financial courses for veterinarians who want to establish their own enterprises. The nonprofit organization provides a number of programs to assist you in learning about fundraising tactics and selecting the best sort of funding for your business. You may meet industry executives, ask questions, and present your ideas to a panel of business professionals who will give useful feedback. Although VetsinTech does not give direct financing, its instructional programs may be just as beneficial.