Veterans Day 2022

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) honors the bravery and sacrifice our veterans have shown and continue to show each and everyday. What better way to honor veterans and their families than by helping them with small business veteran certification, procurement opportunities, funds and loans.

1:1 Business Advisory Services

Advisors at the Pace SBDC and throughout the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) statewide network are here to support veteran entrepreneurs at any stage of the business life cycle with business planning, financing for business launch & growth, creating marketing strategies, accessing government procurement opportunities, and more! Visit our contact page to make a no-cost, one-on-one appointment with a business advisor.

Become a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Administered by NYS' Office of General Services, the New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification program was established by the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act with a six percent goal for participation on state contracts by service-disabled veteran-owned firms. Eligibility requirements include ownership by one or more service-disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of ten percent or greater of at least fifty-one percent of the business; and that it is an independently owned and operated business enterprise with no more than three hundred employees and a significant business presence in the state of New York. Check out the FAQ document for more details.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) & Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Program

Administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the SDVOSB & VOSB Program gives small businesses owned by either service-disabled U.S. military veterans or U.S. military veterans a competitive advantage and the opportunity to compete for exclusive, set-aside procurement opportunities. Businesses can self certify on SAM.gov, but to access exclusive, set-aside contracts from the VA they must complete the VA's certification process.

Other Resources for Veterans

Beyond the Pace SBDC, there are a number of organizations devoted to helping veterans build successful small businesses. The list below is only a select few and we encourage veteran-owned small businesses to take advantage of all the assistance available to them.

• The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization provides Veteran-Owned Small Businesses with access to resources and support, such as potential qualifying for advantages when bidding on government contracts

• New York State Division of Veterans' services is New York's advocacy agency for all Veterans, Service Members, and their families. For over seven decades, the Division has connected generations of Veterans, Service Members, and their families and dependents to multiple economic, medical, and social benefits and services earned because of their military service. For more information on Veteran's benefits, please make an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor.

• NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) connects veteran business owners and entrepreneurs to the resources and services they need to grow and succeed, including funding opportunities, training programs, and networking events.

• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program provides business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

• NYC Veterans Alliance/Pathfinder Labs connects the community of veterans, military members, and their families across the NYC Metro area with events, opportunities, organizations, and resources to improve veterans lives and empower them.