2 MIN. READ
Veteran-owned businesses are an integral part of the U.S. economy, with over 2.5 million companies providing jobs for nearly 6 million people and generating over $1 trillion in revenue. Many veterans bring their leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence from the military into their roles as business owners. For these entrepreneurs, obtaining Veteran-Owned certification isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a strategic step to maximize business opportunities and growth.
Are you thinking of applying for veteran-owned certification for your manufacturing company? Obtaining Veteran-Owned status confers many well-deserved advantages, but there are several steps you must take in order to attain this status, and there are strict eligibility requirements. In this article, we’ll take a look at the advantages of becoming a certified veteran-owned company, the requirements you must meet, and the steps you can take to get the process started.
Advantages of Becoming a Certified Veteran-Owned Business
In today’s fluctuating economic landscape, obtaining Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification can provide crucial advantages. Certified veteran-owned businesses gain access to government contracts, networking opportunities, and resources that help increase visibility and stability. This certification also makes businesses more appealing to supply chains and private buyers looking to support veteran entrepreneurs. Certification programs offer veterans a strong foothold to navigate economic uncertainty by opening doors to exclusive opportunities, enhancing brand reputation, and providing access to educational programs that help them thrive.
Businesses certified by both state and federal governments can:
• Gain more support access.
• Qualify for more opportunities.
• Gain more visibility to supply chains.
• Access more educational programs.
• Network with other Veteran-Owned Businesses.
Who Can Qualify?
Whatever the advantages, as with many government programs, applicants must demonstrate they meet the requirements. An applicant must have:
• Served on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.
• An honorable discharge or release.
• Own at least 51% of the business.
• Actively participate in daily operations of the business.
These requirements hold for Service-Disabled-Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). In addition, disabled veterans will need a disability rating letter from the Veterans Administration (VA) or a disability statement from the Department of Defense (DOD).
Which Qualification?
As a next step, veteran business owners also need to figure out what type of certification they must have. They should consider that:
• State and local contracts offer their own certification programs.
• For federal contracts, veterans should file with the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
• The SBA offers certification for SDVOSBs.
• The VA provides free certification with or without service-related injuries.
• To pursue private-sector contracts, veterans should apply with an advocacy group. Two examples are the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA).
The Paperwork
Veterans completing an application must gather a number of documents concerning the business as well as personal information. These may include:
• An operating agreement.
• Articles of organization or incorporation.
• Tax returns.
• DD Form 214 (discharge or release).
• A resume.
A veteran applying for an SDVOSB will also need proof of disability, as noted above.
As the process moves forward, veterans may be asked to provide further documentation.
Making it Work
Once a veteran obtains certification, the business must put it to work. Bidding on contracts requires registration with organizations that handle submissions. One of these is the System for Award Management (SAM).
NaVOBA and NVBDC will also offer access to contracts with large corporations like FedEx and JP Morgan Chase.
However, promotion is the key for veterans more interested in supplying privately held businesses. Marketing materials should highlight Veteran-Owned status. Directories are another outlet. Two of these uniquely for veterans are BuyVeteran.com and Veteran’s Business Network. Some organizations also provide trademarks for use on brochures and flyers.
Unfortunately, these veteran-to-veteran directories offer limited reach. According to census data, veterans are only 7% of the U.S. population. Still, veterans can reach more potential buyers through directories that cover all of the industry.
A Helpful Resource
One such directory is IndustryNet. More than a directory, IndustryNet offers a wide array of services. Powered by MNI data, the industrial information source since 1912, IndustryNet provides listings of 400,000 U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of more than 11,000 parts and services, drawing millions of industrial buyers to the site each year.
For veteran-owned manufacturers looking to maximize their brand’s reach, IndustryNet provides a unique platform to connect directly with potential buyers. Enhanced listings on IndustryNet can boost your visibility and credibility, making it easy for buyers to find your contact information and learn about your offerings. IndustryNet’s sponsored content options also allow you to showcase your expertise and thought leadership, keeping your business top of mind for future purchasing decisions. By listing with IndustryNet, veteran-owned businesses gain a competitive edge through targeted exposure to a highly qualified audience of industrial buyers and procurement professionals. Learn more about how IndustryNet can help you succeed.
Add or update your free IndustryNet profile today so that new business can find you!
If you’re looking to actively promote your veteran-owned business, you can also upgrade your IndustryNet listing to really stand out from the competition and make it easier for potential business to send quotes directly to you. Connect instantly with qualified buyers and receive hits to your website. Announce your new veteran-owned certification on the IndustryNet blog, reaching a highly relevant audience of industrial buyers, purchasers, and procurement professionals. Add your social media accounts, upload videos, photos, catalogs, and more!
Learn more about what IndustryNet’s marketing solutions can offer you here.
