3 Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses

ShieldCo is one of the many veteran-owned business in Frederick, Maryland. From left to right are ShieldCo employee Kenny Green and co-owners Luke and Neil Markey. Neil served in Iraq and later was assigned to the US Army Special Operations Command, with the Second Ranger Battalion, and completed two tours to Afghanistan. A portion of ShieldCo's profits are donated to The Pointe du Hoc Foundation, a 501(c)3 that supports US Army Rangers and their families. 

Veteran-owned businesses and veterans thinking of starting a new business have access to unique resources. Below are three resources veteran entrepreneurs can use to help start and grow their businesses.

1. Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)This loan program provides no interest loans from $1,000 to $50,000 for up to 8 years for military personnel and Veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Commerce's website.  
    
2. VetBiz VetBiz is a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is the federal govenment web portal for veteran-owned businesses. The website vetbiz.gov provides resource assistance for veterans and service-disabled veterans who are considering starting or expanding a business. 
    
3. The U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a section of its website dedicated to helping veteran-owned small businesses and veterans interested in started their own small businesses get the information they need to help start and grow their businesses. Visit the website to learn more about SBA’s resources and information.