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America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

A nationwide network of small business development centers providing free consulting to businesses of all types at all stages.

 

Service Area:
Virginia
American Dream U

Who We Are:
We are dedicated to helping our military members and their spouses in the transition so they can find a successful landing after their service; whether that is higher education, a dream job, or the ability to start their own business.

How We Help:
American Dream U offers two main services for transitioning veterans: Online programs and educational workshop events.
American Dream U’s online programs are catered to helping veterans become successful professionals in the world of business, with breadth in courses; everything from entrepreneurship to the intricacies of setting up a LinkedIn profile.
American Dream U’s workshop events are fueled by the same purpose; offering unique, differentiating benefits when paired with the online courses such as networking and connecting with other veterans, as well as hearing personal success stories of post-service careers.

Who We Help:
Military, Veteran and spouses are our mission and the stats below reflect the need. Here at American Dream U, we believe that a smoother transition will go a long way in improving these stats in the future.

– 2 out of 3 new veterans will find it difficult to transition
– About 400,000 veterans remained unemployed at the end of 2017
– 22 – 28 veterans will commit suicide each day.
– Approximately 245,000 Service men and women will transition out of the military in 2018.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Beyond the Uniform

Free resources to help military Veterans identify, evaluate, pursue and succeed at their ideal civilian career.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Boots to Business

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.

Begin your journey

Introduction to Entrepreneurship: The foundational two-day, in-person course provides you with an introductory understanding of business ownership.

Continue your journey

Optional Follow-on Courses: “B2B: Revenue Readiness” is an online course delivered through a partnership with Mississippi State University. Receive sign-up information once you complete the in-person introductory course. B2B and B2BR participants are also encouraged to take advantage of the many resources offered by the SBA and its partner network.

If you don’t have access to a military installation, read about Boots to Business Reboot (https://sbavets.force.com/s/reboot-course-information).

Boots to Business is delivered in partnership with SBA’s Resource Partners, SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. It is available free of charge at participating installations to service members and their dependents transitioning or retiring from the U.S. military.

To learn more information about Boots to Business, please email us at boots-to-business@sba.gov or call 202-205-VET1 (202-205-8381).

For more SBA resources for veterans, visit SBA.gov/vets.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs helps veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses find the quickest route to a successful business.

 

Service Area:
California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, District of Columbia
Coalition for Veteran Owned Business (CVOB)

A national initiative that supports the success of veteran, service member, and military spouse-owned businesses by connecting them with entrepreneurial education and training, small business resources and solutions, and commerce and supplier opportunities.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Combined Arms

Combined Arms (CAX) delivers innovative technology solutions that improve quality of life for veterans & military families. CAX streamlines the connection between (1) active service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF), and other military-connected individuals, and (2) the social service organizations that can serve their needs. Through our community resource referral system, clients find needed resources and connect quickly and directly to service providers to get assistance to thrive professionally and personally in the areas of community, wellness, professional support, and essential services.

Combined Arms is a dynamic, ever-evolving collaborative impact organization that is using an innovative approach to technology and service delivery to disrupt the veteran transition experience. By providing comprehensive support to military members and their families as they transition to civilian life, we are accelerating veteran transition in order to deliver maximum impact on the communities they return to.

 

Service Area:
Texas
DoDTAP - Transition Assistance Program

About DoD TAP

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information and training to ensure Service members transitioning from active-duty are prepared for their next step in life – whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector or starting their own business.

TAP is a cohesive, modular, outcome-based program that bolsters and standardizes the opportunities, services and training that Service members receive to better prepare them to pursue their post-military career goals.

The TAP curriculum is an outcome-based curriculum that transforms the way the military prepares Service members for transition back to civilian life. The curriculum is designed to provide Service members with the resources, tools, services and skill-building training needed to meet Career Readiness Standards (CRS). Shortly before departing the military, Service members demonstrate achievement of these standards to their command through a verification process called Capstone. This process includes an opportunity to connect Service members who may need additional assistance to agency partners who provide them with additional support.

The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (FY19 NDAA) authorized many changes to the TAP, to be implemented late 2019. The purpose of the program will remain the same, but the TAP process will be updated to reflect the requirements in the NDAA.

About the Military-Civilian Transition Office

The DoD Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO) formed as a result of a merger between two DoD programs under the Defense Human Resources Activity’s Defense Personnel and Family Support Center to provide streamlined services to members of the armed forces and their families.

The Office for Reintegration Programs (ORP) combined with the Department of Defense (DoD) Transition to Veterans Program Office (TVPO) to efficiently deliver resources to transitioning Service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, their families and communities worldwide in January 2020.

The DoD Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO) is responsible for designing, overseeing, and evaluating TAP. MCTO provides transition assistance policy and program oversight to promote, advance, and instill a culture of career-ready Service members.

Transition Assistance Curriculum
The TAP curriculum for Service members transitioning to civilian life.

Online Transition Assistance Curriculum
The Transition Assistance Program Curriculum has moved from Joint Knowledge Online.
Service members looking to receive official credit/certification for TAP courses, can take the courses online via the new Transition Training Portal (https://tapevents.org/courses).
Veterans, Family Members, and Caregivers can also access the curriculum online.
Select ‘Get Started’ to start a course. If you want to resume a course you previously started, use the link that was sent in your registration confirmation email, or complete the registration form with the same information.

Transition Services

Managing Your Transition Timeline (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Managing_Your_Transition_Timeline.pdf)
Download your VMET (https://www.dodtap.mil/login.html)
milConnect (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect)
Veterans Administration Careers and Employment (VEC) (https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/)
Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) (https://www.dol.gov/vets)

The following Resources and Tools provide additional information and planning assistance for transitioning Service members and their spouses.
he following links to external sources provide additional information and resources to transitioning Service members, their spouses, and Veterans.

Service-specific Transition Assistance Program Sites
Army TAP (https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil/)
Navy TAP (https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/work-and-family-life/transition_assistance.html)
Air Force TAP (http://www.afpc.af.mil/Transition-Assistance-Program)
Marines TAP (http://www.usmc-mccs.org/services/career/transition-readiness/)
Coast Guard TAP (http://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Transition-Assistance-Program/)

Resources for Veterans
Veterans Education and Training (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/)
Submit feedback (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/feedback.asp) on problems with schools when using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and the Military Tuition Assistance Program
FedsHireVets.gov (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/)

Partnering Agencies
Department of Veterans Affairs (http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/tap.asp)
Department of Labor (http://www.dol.gov/vets)
Office of Personnel Management (https://www.opm.gov/)
Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/veterans-and-military-families)
Small Business Administration, Boots to Business Entrepreneurship Track (http://www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness)

Department of Defense Resources
Department of Reserve Affairs (http://www.people.mil/)
milConnect (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect)
Military OneSource (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/)
Military Crisis Line (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx) (1-800-273-8255, Press 1)
DoD’s Compensation and Benefits Handbook (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/benefits/compensation-and-benefits/)
DoD SkillBridge (https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/)
TAP Events (https://tapevents.org/)

Resources
Transition Assistance Program Curriculum Overview (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=TAP_Curriculum_Overview.pdf)
Managing Your Transition Timeline (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Managing_Your_Transition_Timeline.pdf)
Statement of Benefits for Military Members (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Statement_of_Benefits.pdf)
Benefits Guide for Reserve Component Military Members (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Benefits_Guide_Reserve_Component.docx)
Career Readiness Standards (CRS) Overview Info Sheet (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=CRS_and_Capstone.pdf)
DoDI 1332.35 (https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/133235p.pdf?ver=2018-11-08-133557-850)
TAP/CRS Compliance (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=VOW-CRS_Compliance_Info_Sheet–DoDTAP_Perf_Meas.pdf)
Financial Planning Worksheet (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Transition_GPS_Financial_Planning_Worksheet.xlsx)
DoD Self-Assessment Worksheet (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=DoD_Self-Assessment_Worksheet.pdf)
TAP Counselor Tool_Locked_Updated Scoring 10_3 (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=TAP_Counselor_Tool_Locked_Updated_Scoring_10_3.xlsx)

Tools
Military Career Fields and Civilian Equivalents – A Primer (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Intangible_Skills_and_Military_Fields_Primer_Handout.pdf)

Transition Forms

The following forms are used by TAP staff to document Service members’ separations.
DD eForm 2648 (https://www.dodtap.mil/rest/docs?filename=Blank_eForm_PDF_Print_Out.pdf)- Service Member Pre-Separation / Transition Counseling and Career Readiness Standards eForm for Service Members Separating, Retiring, Released from Active Duty (REFRAD)

The following forms have been superseded by the above DD eForm 2648, and are no longer utilized to document a Service member’s separation.
DD Form 2648 – Active Duty Pre-Separation Checklist
DD Form 2648-1 – National Guard and Reserve Pre-Separation Checklist
DD Form 2958 – Individual Transition Plan (ITP) Checklist

Partnering Agencies
In addition to the military departments, the Transition Assistance Program is the result of an interagency partnership between the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (ED), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

U.S. Department of Labor:
• The DOL conducts a one day employment overview that teaches Service members vital skills such as how to build a resume and prepare for an interview. Their contribution to the curriculum also includes the DOL Employment Track and the DOL Vocational Track. After transition, DOL’s local One-Stop Career Centers located across the nation continue to assist veterans in meeting their employment goals through a range of services including job placement, career counseling, and occupational training.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
• The VA is responsible for educating transitioning Service members on the wide range of veterans’ benefits available to them and assisting with the process of applying for benefits during the transition process. The VA contributions to the TAP curriculum includes the VA Benefits and Services brief. After separation, the VA continues to provide educational and vocational counseling to Service members.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management:
• OPM provides Service members with an overview of Federal employment, the careers offered within the Federal government and a linkage to the kinds of occupations and competencies transitioning Service members and veterans have. It also acquaints transitioning Service members and veterans with resources to support them in obtaining work with the Federal Government, including the Veterans Employment Program Office, which offers career tools such as a Military Skills Translator, a Resume Builder and a federal job search database.

U.S. Small Business Administration:
• The SBA’s “Boots to Business” is the Entrepreneurship Track that helps Service members understand the dynamics involved in developing and sustaining a business. It includes discussion of the key components of a business plan and has information on identifying required resources. It also provides the opportunity for Service members to learn from other business owners. Service members can continue their education with an eight-week online course covering the principles of accounting, finance, market analysis, planning, business operations, sales, and more. SBA’s support for veteran entrepreneurs continues after TAP, providing veterans with counseling and training services, access to capital and preparing them to compete for government contracts.

U.S. Department of Education:
• The ED promotes the success of TAP for Service members and their families by communicating available information and expertise regarding college access, success, and affordability, financial aid and programs specifically sponsored or overseen by ED for the benefit of Service members.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Dog Tag Bakery

The Dog Tag Fellowship program combines education with hands-on experience to create a living business school, building a bridge to employment and helping veterans and military families find fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.

 

Service Area:
District of Columbia
Dog Tag Inc.

Dog Tag Inc. seeks to build a bridge to employment and a productive civilian life for veterans and military families that have served our country so well. We provide a transformative opportunity for veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, and caregivers through a five-month fellowship, offering an education at Georgetown University and real life work experience in our small business, Dog Tag Bakery. Upon completion of our program, our fellows are business ready, competitive and employable.

 

Service Area:
District of Columbia
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) offers cutting edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Fiserv

We help people and businesses move money and information every minute of every day. Our solutions connect financial institutions, corporations, merchants and consumers to one another, millions of times a day, behind the scenes, reliably and securely.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB)

WHY FAVOB

Florida is home to approximately 187,000 veteran-owned businesses (VOBs) generating over $57 billion in

annual revenue. FAVOB is the only Florida business organization singularly focused on advocating for and supporting VOBs to do business with each other, while creating opportunities for VOBs to do business with local government agencies and for-profit supplier diversity programs.

 

OUR MEMBERS

 

Our 350+ statewide members represent a wide variety of businesses and industries. FAVOB member’s businesses include B2G, B2B, and B2C business models. Many FAVOB members are minority-and supplier-diversity certified. Members are listed with NAICS codes and can be searched by certifications, industry, and branch of service.


DO BUSINESS WITH AMERICA’S BEST, DO BUSINESS WITH A VET

 

GI’s CAN
Galvanize

support around our vision to be the recognized voice and leading state-wide organization for Veteran-Owned businesses that positions Florida as the “Veteran State of Choice” to own and operate a business

Inform

and educate members about FAVOB’s products and services and the value of membership.  Provide professional development opportunities so our members can run and grow a successful veteran owned business

Connect

our members to each other and to supplier diversity and commercial business opportunities that increases revenue and profitability, so our member businesses thrive in their professional and personal life.  Connect our members to partners and collaborators who provide the support and services needed to start and grow a business

Advocate

for FAVOB and veteran owned businesses.  Communicate to community and business leaders, legislators, and the public about FAVOB’s Vision, Mission, and Value Proposition and the “value of the veteran owned business.” Influences pro-business policy change and increases veteran owned business ownership in Florida

Network

with like-minded VOBs and work together for our mutual benefit. Create networking opportunities and professional development events for our members to do business with each other and to access each other’s network

 

Service Area:
Florida
Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Our Vision and Mission

Helping to connect the Sunshine State’s more than 1.5 million veterans and their families with earned services, benefits and support are the more than 1,100 men and women of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They play a major role in the direct infusion of more than $18.4 billion annually for veterans into Florida’s economy through federal compensation, education and pension benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical services and military retired pay.

Florida offers unique benefits such as in-state tuition rates for veterans and their families using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, several layers of property tax exemptions, expanded veterans’ preference, and extensive benefits, licensure and fee waivers for many activities and occupations. We also offer high quality care at our network of seven state veterans’ homes, with two additional homes in development in Port St. Lucie and Orlando.

In 1988, Florida citizens endorsed a constitutional amendment to create the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs as a separate agency charged with providing advocacy and representation for Florida’s veterans and to intercede on their behalf with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Our advocacy increases federal benefits for Florida’s veterans, improves the quality of life for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and provides access to federally funded medical care for eligible veterans.

Florida’s Veteran Service Organizations

The Sunshine State plays host to many congressionally chartered Veteran Service Organizations. These organizations have departments, posts and chapters in Florida, and serve our state’s veterans and their families in a variety of ways. Among the more active organizations in Florida include the following.

American Gold Star Mothers
https://www.goldstarmoms.com

American Legion

Home

AMVETS
http://www.amvetsfl.org/

Disabled American Veterans
http://www.davmembersportal.org/fl/

County Veterans Services Officers Association of Florida
https://www.facebook.com/CVSOAFL/

Military Officers Association of America
https://www.moaafl.org/

Military Order of the Purple Heart
https://www.purpleheartflorida.org/

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Home

Veterans of Foreign Wars
https://vfwfl.org

Vietnam Veterans of America
https://www.vvafsc.org/

Benefits & Services:
Health Care
Claims
Education
Employment
Veterans’ Preference
State Approving Agency
Housing
Burial Benefits
Forms
Veteran Certified Businesses

The following sites provide additional resources for veterans and their families.

Homebound Veterans and COVID-19
www.floridavets.org/homeboundveterans
Crisis/Hotlines

National VA Homeless Hotline – 24 Hour
Toll Free at 1-877-424-3838
http://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veterans Crisis Line – 24 Hour
Toll Free at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Change Direction: Give An Hour Campaign – Know the Five Signs!
http://www.changedirection.org/give-an-hour/

Florida Veterans Support Line
1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1

The Recovery Village

Teletherapy App

VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274
https://www.caregiver.va.gov

White House VA Hotline – non-emergency, VA inquiries
1-855-948-2311
https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp

COVID 19 Vaccine Questions
Ask A VA Doc About The Safety Of COVID-19 Vaccination

Homebound Veterans and COVID-19
www.floridavets.org/homeboundveterans

GI Bill – COVID-19 Fact Sheet
https://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/covid-19_Factsheet.pdf

VA Public Health
www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/index.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Florida Department of Corrections
www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html

Florida DEO Covid-19 Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide
http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/new-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_14

Florida Department of Health

Home

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Recovery Bureau FAQ Website
https://fdemgrantsmanagement.force.com/fdemcovid

The Florida League of Cities
http://flcities.com/coronavirus-resources

SOF Missions – COVID-19 Care Kits
https://sofmissions.org/

If you have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 or visit their website https://www.va.gov/debtman/ to request assistance.
New VA Online Discharge Upgrade Tool

A web-based tool that will provide customized guidance to veterans who desire to upgrade or change the conditions of their military discharge.
https://www.vets.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions

Employment & Business Services

Employ Florida Vets
https://veteran.employflorida.com/

Florida State Veterans’ Homes Recruitment
https://floridavets.org/were-looking-for-you/
https://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Were-looking-for-you-tri-fold-brochure.pdf

Florida Veterans’ Business Assistance
www.floridasbdc.org
www.fptac.org

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
www.osd.dms.state.fl.us

Salute our Soldiers Military Loan Program
https://www.floridahousing.org/

Veterans Retraining Assistance Program
https://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.asp

VOW to Hire Heroes Act 2011
https://benefits.va.gov/vow

Veterans Florida Career Services

Careers

Veterans’ Benefits

Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide
https://floridavets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide/

Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Education Benefits
https://benefits.va.gov/gibill

Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents Guide
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp

VA Claims Information
https://www.va.gov

Florida Military-Friendly Guide
https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/Florida-Military-Friendly-Guide-2021.pdf

VA Website for Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp

Social Security Benefits for Veterans
https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/

VA MISSION Act
https://floridavets.org/va-implements-mission-act/
Veterans’ Resources

VA Video Connect
https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect

VA Online Discharge Upgrade Tool
https://www.vets.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions

Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Military and Veterans Assistance Program (MVAP)
www.myfloridalegal.com/MVAP

Florida Veterans Legal Helpline
(866) 486-6161
https://bals.org/veterans-legal-helpline

Financial Frontlines Program
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM/FinancialFrontlines/

Small Business Program
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM/smallBusiness/Default.aspx

Locate Military Records
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/

National Resource Directory
https://nrd.gov/

Veterans Health Matters Magazine, Publications and Products
https://www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/news/publications.asp

Serve Save Succeed Program
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/servesavesucceed/

SHINE – Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
http://www.floridashine.org/

Military One Source
http://www.militaryonesource.mil/

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Information
https://www.vetsprobono.org/

Visit Florida Travel Information for Veterans
https://www.visitflorida.com/military

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Veterans webpage
https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Veterans

VA Debt Management Center
https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/
Veterans’ Legal Resources

Military Pro Bono Project
https://www.militaryprobono.org/

Bay Area Legal Services
https://bals.org/

American Bar Association
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/committees/veterans-benefits-and-services/initiatives/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/milvets/
Women Veterans

Homeless Women Veterans
http://www.va.gov/homeless/for_women_veterans.asp

VA Center for Women Veterans
http://www.va.gov/womenvet/

VA creates National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence in fight against breast cancer
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5549

VA Hotline on Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans
1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)

Women Veterans Health Care
http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/
Other Departments and Agencies

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Servicemembers Affairs
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/practitioner-resources/servicemembers/

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Employment Opportunities
www.FDACS.gov

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Operation Outdoor Freedom
www.operationoutdoorfreedom.com

Florida Defense Alliance
https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/military-defense/florida-defense-alliance/

Florida Defense Support Task Force
https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/military-defense/florida-defense-support-task/

Florida Department of Military Affairs

Home

Florida Veterans Foundation

No Florida Veteran Left Behind

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
www.va.gov

Veterans Florida

Home


Other

National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs

MyFlorida.com
http://www.myflorida.com/

Returning Service Members
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/

Returning Service Members Mental Health Support
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/returningservicevets.asp

Veterans & Mesothelioma

Veterans and Mesothelioma

Hope for Healing Florida, mental health and substance abuse campaign
http://HopeforHealingFL.com

Florida Military License Plates
https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/personalized-specialty-license-plates/specialty-license-plates/

 

Service Area:
Florida
FourBlock

Re-imagining career readiness for a new generation of veterans. We go beyond traditional transition programs and support veterans in discovering their new calling.

Addresses are not exact.

 

Service Area:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington
Free for All Military

An America that is fully committed to our active Military, Veterans and First Responders. Establishing a sense of honor, respect, and support for those who have served, are currently serving and those who will serve in the future.

 

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
G.I. Jobs

G.I. Jobs® serves the needs of the nation’s service members who leave the military every year and enter the civilian workforce. These new veterans look to us for advice and tools to help them find the right jobs, education, and vocational training during and after leaving the military.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Hives for Heroes

Hives for Heroes is on a mission to save bees and save vets.

We are a national military veteran non-profit organization focusing on honey bee conservation and a healthy transition from service.

We are a national network of beekeepers and veterans providing purpose, education, and healthy relationships fostering a lifelong hobby in beekeeping.

 

Service Area:
Texas
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

IVMF is higher education’s first interdisciplinary academic institute, singularly focused on advancing the lives of the nation’s military veterans and their families.

 

Service Area:
New York, Online-Nationwide
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilites enhance their employability, and shows how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilites add to the workplace.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. MVAA was created by Executive Order 2013-2 and began operations on March 20, 2013, the 10th anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

MVAA is a state government agency and is housed within Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The agency works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. Unlike the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides health care, educational, compensation and pension benefits, and more, the MVAA assists veterans and their families by connecting them to their federal resources and benefits, as well as those state benefits they have earned. The agency does this by working with various state departments and agencies, as well as hundreds of community-based veteran programs to create a no-wrong-door access to benefits and services.

Services provided by MVAA include:

The Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center (800-MICH-VET) and MichiganVeterans.com website provide one-stop access for veterans and their families seeking information, resources and staff support.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund grants help combat-era veterans and their families weather unforeseen, temporary financial emergencies.

MVAA’s Discharge Document Retrieval Service provides veterans copies of DD-214 discharge documents.

MVAA’s Vision:

For Michigan to be the place veterans choose to live, raise a family, work and retire.

 

Service Area:
Michigan
Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce

OUR MISSION

To ensure that all active duty and veteran military spouse business owners have the tools and resources they need to strengthen their families, communities, and our economy.

OUR HISTORY

Founded by military spouse entrepreneurs with over 30 years of collective experience in the nonprofit and for-profit world. We are determined to provide the best in class resources to help our spouses succeed.

OUR TEAM

Our team is committed to empowering and advocating on behalf of our nation’s military spouse business owners and budding entrepreneurs from Capitol Hill to communities across the United States.

Who is Eligible to be a Member?

U.S. military spouses are eligible to join MSCC as a member if they are considering starting a business endeavor; are already a business owner; work in the gig economy or as a freelancer; are self employed; have a side hustle; or consider themselves to be entrepreneurial.

We honor an inclusive definition of a military spouse:

“In the spirit of inclusivity, a military spouse is defined (outside the confines of federal entities) as a current or former partner of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves and Veterans, we include Spouse Caregivers, Dual Military Spouses, and Gold Star Spouses.”

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce

Home of Military Spouse Owned Business

OUR MISSION
To ensure that all active duty and veteran military spouse business owners have the tools and resources they need to strengthen their families, communities, and our economy.

OUR HISTORY
Founded by military spouse entrepreneurs with over 30 years of collective experience in the nonprofit and for-profit world. We are determined to provide the best in class resources to help our spouses succeed.

OUR TEAM
Our team is committed to empowering and advocating on behalf of our nation’s military spouse business owners and budding entrepreneurs from Capitol Hill to communities across the United States.

 

Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options

Military spouses serving in professions with occupational license requirements face special challenges. They experience gaps in employment and costly interruptions in their career trajectory due to frequent relocations. It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Labor to reduce employment barriers and enhance career opportunities for military spouses.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)

A third party Veteran Owned Business Certification program to provide a credible and reliable certifying authority.

 

Service Area:
Michigan, Online-Nationwide
National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)

NaVOBA provides a direct link for contracting between corporate America and Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (SDVBE).

 

Service Area:
Pennsylvania, Online-Nationwide
National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)

Let’s Grow Together!

By joining NVSBC, you’re meeting other veteran small business owners to share experiences, get support in finding government contracts, and have endless networking capabilities. We are veterans helping veterans in business.

What it Means to be in NVSBC

NVSBC is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides Training, Networking, and Advocacy for Veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market to ensure they are Procurement Ready and have enhanced access to opportunities to start, operate, sustain, and grow competitive and strong businesses serving Federal agencies and other government contractors.

Join chapters and other veteran small business owners in promoting policies that affect your small business.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
About US

     NaVOBA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and two-thirds of NaVOBA’s Board of Directors seats are held by corporations to ensure its alignment with the needs of corporate supplier diversity programs. NaVOBA’s VBE/SDVBE certifications directly mirror those of the MBE and WBE certifications and ensures that any certified VBE/SDVBE is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more U.S. military veterans.


NaVOBA has trademarked the “Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™” and “Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise™” designations wordmarks and seals, making NaVOBA the exclusive organization certifying VBEs/SDVBEs for the private sector.


NaVOBA’s process collects the applicant’s military service record information directly from the U.S. Federal Government on the veteran’s behalf immediately upon initializing the application to eliminate the possibility of fraudulent submissions (e.g. the OPPOSITE of self-certification) while simultaneously accelerating the process.


Like other certifications, site-visits will be conducted in 100 percent of cases however, VBE/SDVBE certifications are good for two (2) years. NaVOBA employs a dedicated team of full-time documentation analysts, dramatically increasing efficiency and reducing processing time relative to existing programs. Finally, and most importantly to the veteran-owned firms, the cost is substantially less than any other private sector veteran-owned business certification.

     In April of 2019, NaVOBA joined the National Business Inclusion Consortium joining our partners at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Disability:IN, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), US Black Chamber of Commerce (USBCCC), US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAAC, WEConnect International, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Patriot Boot Camp

Patriot Boot Camp is a worthwhile and powerful investment in making your business successful. Whether you are in the idea stage or have a company that’s up and running, PBC will leave you with far more than you came with.

 

Service Area:
Colorado, Online-Nationwide
PenFed Foundation

Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is that all service members are able to serve our nation free of financial worry and that every veteran has a strong financial future.

The mission of the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is to empower military service members, veterans and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity.

The Foundation’s Values
Service: Focus on the mission and giving back to those who gave for us.

Collaboration: Build unity of effort — within the Foundation, with our donors and beneficiaries, with the PenFed Credit Union, through partnerships with other veteran service organizations, and through supporting nonprofits whose work supports or supplements our programs.

Trust: Behave with integrity and in ways that build trust within the Foundation, with our beneficiaries and with our donors.

Empathy: Understand and respect the experience and perspectives of our colleagues, beneficiaries, and donors.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
SCORE

SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education.

 

Service Area:
Virginia, Online-Nationwide
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Discover what it means to be a SDVOSB and get up to speed on the various contracting assistance programs.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide, District of Columbia
Small Business Administration

The SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide, District of Columbia
Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center

SWVBRC IS AN ALL VOLUNTEER PUBLIC BENEFIT NATIONAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

The Southwest Veterans’ Business Resource Center, Inc., Fallbrook, California in concert with the support of communities was established May 21, 2008 in honor of Memorial Day and its doors first opened November 1, 2008 in honor of Veterans Day. To assist veterans and active duty military members that have served in any military component, and with exception, spouses through outreach and education programs.

Our Mission

Empower communities with knowledge and best practices to serve Veterans
Provide a means to communities to learn about Veteran benefits and services available
Shape the future of communities serving Veterans
Our Vision
Be the nations’ premier Veterans’ Business Resource Center, providing world-class services; anytime, anywhere

Guiding Principles

We believe:

Communities are our most important resource
Veterans are our focus
Success is judged by those we serve
Service, professionalism, respect, teamwork, safety and compassion are valued
Building a veteran force, preventing homelessness, and harvesting knowledge are the cornerstones of our service
Quality service is centered on families and communities
Structured and disciplined resource decisions lead to sound business practices
Communication, coordination, and cooperation are critical to our success
Continuous improvement is essential to quality service and veterans’ success

Who we are

We are a national public benefit nonprofit organization that educates American Communities about best practices to serve Veterans. We honor their service by empowering Veterans to apply their training and skills to successfully transition to productive careers and enterprises.

We provide free vocational training 24/7 to all of our members through our website, in addition to local events. We believe the tenet that American Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries when Veterans claim their benefits and invest in productive endeavors.

The SWVBRC enlists the support of members of local Communities like you to increase Veteran awareness of the value of obtaining a VA card and receiving earned benefits.

Sponsorships, donations, volunteers and support from communities like yours enable us to reach out to Veterans and empower them to transition back into successful, productive enterprises that ultimately benefit all Americans and support future generations.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Stanford Ignite

Stanford Ignite Post-9/11 Veterans is tailored to recent U.S. veterans who want to bolster their know-how about innovation and entrepreneurship. This full-time program is exclusively for post-9/11 veterans and uses the same curriculum as our on-campus Stanford Ignite offerings.

 

Service Area:
California
TechStars

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Texas Veterans Commission

OUR MISSION

Since 1927, the mission of the Texas Veterans Commission has been to advocate for and provide superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Texas Veterans Commission will aggressively advocate for Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

The Texas Veterans Commission will provide quality service through eight program areas: Claims Representation and Counseling, Veterans Employment Services, Veterans Education, Veteran Entrepreneur Program, Health Care Advocacy, Veterans Mental Health Program, Women Veterans Program, and the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

The Texas Veterans Commission will provide quality service through a dedicated, professional, and well trained workforce.

The Texas Veterans Commission will connect with all veterans across the state, and tailor its service to meet their needs and the needs of their families and survivors.

The Texas Veterans Commission will take the lead in coordinating efforts between our eight programs and with federal, state, and local governmental offices and private organizations that provide services and assistance to veterans.

The Texas Veterans Commission will ensure that Texas veterans maintain the highest quality of life and well-being through its advocacy and dedication to veterans’ services.

We hold ourselves personally and professionally accountable to provide exemplary customer service to veterans, their families, and survivors through our core values.

PROFESSIONALISM

Perform your duties to the highest standard and providing excellent customer service in every program area.

INTEGRITY

Provide fair, honest and objective advocacy in an ethical manner while displaying the highest standard of conduct both on and off duty.

COMPASSION

Consistently demonstrate care, concern and understanding in every encounter with Veterans, family members and stakeholders.

COMMITMENT

Fully dedicated to develop yourself to become the best you can be in carrying out the mission of the TVC.

TEAMWORK

Working together in a positive and productive manner to accomplish the mission and goals of the agency.

The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the State Service Office to assist veterans of the Indian wars, Spanish-American War and World War I. Our purpose has always been to act as the state appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation’s armed forces.

We are able to do this through our eight program areas:

  • Claims Representation and Counseling serves veterans, their dependents and survivors, in all matters pertaining to veterans’ disability benefits and rights. It is the designated agency of the state of Texas to represent the State and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
  • Veterans Education Program approves all programs for Chapter 30, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607 federal educational benefits. Through an approval process, the Texas Veterans Commission ensures that institutions and employers are in compliance with federal guidelines and are qualified to provide the type of training offered.
  • Veterans Employment Services offers employment services to Texas veterans and helps employers find qualified veteran job applicants. The goal of these services is to match veteran job seekers with the best employment opportunities available.
  • The purpose of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP) is to foster and promote veteran entrepreneurship throughout the state of Texas.  The Texas Veterans Commission, with the help of the Governor’s office and several prominent Legislators, passed Senate Bill 1476 in 2013. This allowed for the funding of a team of experienced business consultants to be available for any veteran in the state of Texas to consult with, free of charge to the veteran.
  • Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is a program that makes grants to eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families.
  • The Health Care Advocacy Department is a team of highly-trained Texas Veteran Commission staff, strategically positioned across the state to act as liaisons for Texas veterans in addressing issues involving Veterans Administration health care related services.
  • In collaboration with the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans Mental Health Program consists of multiple initiatives focusing on peer support, clinical mental health care access, and community collaboration.
  • The Women Veterans Program serves women veterans by helping them to obtain their benefits and services. We strive to raise awareness of women veteran contributions and services to our country and state, as well as inform and educate women veterans and their resource providers about the benefits and services to women veterans.

Through these program areas, the Texas Veterans Commission provides excellent service so that each veteran receives every benefit that they deserve. As a veteran works with our counselors, the quality of life for that veteran and their family significantly increases.

Today, Texas is leading the country by making sure each veteran is represented and cared for. The people of Texas have sent a clear message that the sacrifices made by veterans and their families are deeply appreciated, and that there is an agency that will stand by them and take care of them: the Texas Veterans Commission.

 

Service Area:
Texas
The Rosie Network

Rosie Chapters provide military spouse business owners and budding entrepreneurs around the country with a supportive online learning environment and facilitated group meetings.

 

Service Area:
California, Texas, Virginia, Washington
Veteran Business Network (VBN)

A location to find resources for Veterans concerning small business practices, finding employment, and supportive businesses to work with as well as connecting with a nationwide network of Veterans.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (VWISE)

Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Veterans Business Outreach Center Of Florida

About Us

The Veterans Business Outreach Center Region IV, representing the State of Florida, has twice been honored as the VBOC of the year, in 2014 and 2018.

Under the leadership of Brenton Peacock, the staff strives to continuously meet the needs of its clients. We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you and provide the necessary skills to start or grow your own business.

Following a 1999 law to promote veteran participation in the entrepreneurship and small business field, the Small Business Association created and established a number of VBOCs. The Florida program, which is one of twenty-two in the country, finds that success is reflected in many start-ups throughout the State. Our clients have cumulatively received millions of dollars in contract awards, the bulk of which is through federal government contracting and loans. We help strengthen our clients’ business by providing education and resources, with the understanding that military service has set-up veterans to be fine entrepreneurs.

Consulting services are free, and we offer one-on-one communications with clients. Our consultants have been entrepreneurs, were in the military or closely related to the military, have worked in various industries, and have a wide range of education and skills to assist with almost any type of business venture.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center at Gulf Coast State College
Proudly Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship in Florida

Our Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serves active duty personnel, veterans, and military spouses who want to learn more about, then start and grow a small business of their own in the State of Florida. We serve the entire State of Florida, from our headquarters in Panama City at Gulf Coast State College.
WHAT CAN THE VBOC DO FOR YOU?

We are your tax dollars at work. The VBOC is funded in part by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). We stand ready to help with FREE business counseling and assistance to Florida’s veterans and military spouses to help you.

Test the feasibility and potential profitability of your start-up idea or expansion of an existing business.
Write a solid business plan before you spend any money.
Take the right steps to start and successfully manage a small business in Florida.
Identify funding sources (banks, credit unions, non-traditional business lenders) and SBA loan programs. VBOC is not a lender nor do we represent any lenders.
Understand business taxes and your financial statements.
Develop marketing and customer acquisition strategies to grow your business.
Consider government contracting and take advantage of your veteran-owned small business status in procurement at all levels (federal, state and local).

 

Service Area:
Florida
Veterans Chamber of Commerce

To holistically enrich the lives of our nation’s transitioning military, veteran, and their families across a wide spectrum of needs under our five pillars of support: Business, Employment, Education, Wellness, and Family.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Veterans Florida

Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida provides powerful tools for veterans to take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State.

Through our Career Services Program, we connect veterans with employers who are eager to hire veterans for jobs that put their particular military skills to use. We also assist veterans in creating a winning resume and preparing for job interviews. Employers receive veteran recruiting assistance and may apply for our Workforce Training Grant.

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program provides all the knowledge needed to successfully launch and operate a business. As soon as their business is up and running we keep them connected with mentors and resources.

Veterans Florida’s mission can be summed up in our theme – Your Pursuit. Our Power. – because we recognize military veterans are incredibly focused and will succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals when they take advantage of our tools and resources.

 

Service Area:
Florida
Veterans on Wall Street

Through a combination of educational initiatives, mentoring, outreach to the military, employee affinity groups, and an annual conference, VOWS promotes career development, support, and retention of veterans throughout the global financial services industry.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Veterati
AMERICA’S MENTORING NETWORK FOR THE MILITARY

Join thousands of Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses in setting up free 1-hr mentorship phone calls with successful professionals. We’re the only Veteran Mentorship Platform to let you choose your own mentors and as many as you would like; our average member selects 4 mentors, and some mentees have 25+ mentors! Create a free profile at Veterati to get unlimited access to thousands of volunteer mentors: CEOs, recruiters, entrepreneurs, managers, Veterans & civilians alike.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
VETLANTA

VETLANTA is a club operated in Atlanta exclusively for veteran social and business networking and community service purposes.

 

Service Area:
Georgia
Vets In Tech

VetsinTech supports our current and returning veterans with re-integration services, and by connecting them to the national technology ecosystem. VIT is committed to bringing together a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for our veterans interested in Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment – the 3E’s!

 

Service Area:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Washington, District of Columbia
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

Veterans and military spouses may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.

 

Service Area:
Online-Nationwide
Warrior Rising

Warrior Rising empowers U.S. military veterans and their immediate family members by providing them opportunities to create sustainable businesses, perpetuate the hiring of fellow U.S. military veterans, and earn their future.

Locations:
Salt Lake City, Utah Valley, Park City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Napa, Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, and Las Vegas.

 

Service Area:
Utah
Warriors Breaking Bread

We are Veterans of the Military and First Responder Communities whose service continues as peer leaders creating gathering spaces each month meant to encourage grassroots meaningful human connection.

 

Service Area:
Florida, Washington