Benefits / Work & Business

VetCert: Certify Your Veteran-Owned Small Business

VA says

SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert); VOSB and SDVOSB

We say

VetCert is a free certification from the Small Business Administration that lets veteran-owned businesses compete for set-aside government contracts.

Who qualifies: Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans (VOSB), or by veterans with a VA service-connected rating (SDVOSB).

What it is

The federal government buys hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services every year. Some of that is set aside for businesses owned by veterans. To compete for those set-aside contracts, your business must be certified through VetCert, run by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

There are two types:

  • VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
  • SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, for owners with a VA service-connected rating

The government's goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year. VA also has its own "Veterans First" program that gives priority to certified veteran businesses.

Who qualifies

Your business must:

  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. Control means veterans run the day-to-day work and make the big decisions.
  • Count as a small business under SBA's size standard for your industry code (NAICS).
  • For SDVOSB, the veteran owners must have a service-connected rating from VA.

If a veteran owner is permanently and totally disabled and can't manage daily operations, a spouse or permanent caregiver may help run the business without losing eligibility.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Register your business in SAM.gov. Your size and industry codes come from there.
  2. Gather documents. Expect to provide your DD214, VA rating letter (for SDVOSB), ownership papers like your operating agreement or bylaws, tax returns and records showing who runs the business.
  3. Go to certifications.sba.gov and create an account.
  4. Use the eligibility checklist and fill out the application.
  5. Respond quickly if SBA asks for more information.
  6. Once approved, keep it current. Update your info when ownership changes, and plan to recertify on time.

Getting value from it

Certification is a door, not a contract. To win work:

  • Look up set-aside opportunities on SAM.gov.
  • Talk to your local Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). They're free.
  • Contact agency small business offices.
  • Team up with larger contractors who need veteran-owned subcontractors.

Helpful free resources

  • Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Free training and counseling from SBA, including the Boots to Business course for transitioning service members.
  • SCORE and Small Business Development Centers: Free mentors and business planning help.
  • VR&E self-employment track: If you have a service-connected disability, VR&E may help you plan and start a business.
  • SBA loans: SBA's loan programs work with lenders who serve veteran owners. Ask about any fee breaks for veterans.
  • Your state: Many states have their own veteran business certifications and set-aside goals for state contracts.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Splitting control on paper. If a non-veteran partner holds key decision power, you may not qualify.
  • Paying a company to "get you certified." The application is free.
  • Assuming VA's old certification still works. VA's program moved to SBA in 2023.
  • Not having your VA letter ready for SDVOSB status.

Related benefits

See our guides on Veteran Readiness and Employment (which has a self-employment track), veterans' preference for federal jobs, and VA Solid Start.

Last reviewed November 2026. WeSpeakVA is not the VA. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.

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