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Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Starting a Business FAQs

(Additional Information)

  1. My “partner” says he will fund my start-up costs. Is this OK?

  2. I need assistance with starting or expanding a business.

  3. Does VA provide loan or grant money to Veterans to start their own business?

1.  My “partner” says he will fund my start-up costs. Is this OK?


If your partner is a Veteran, this does not present a concern.  If the partner is not a Veteran, we suggest that you seek legal advice.  VA’s regulation provides examples of “negative control,” where non-Veterans may or may not have authority over the Veteran owner. The details are explained in 38 CFR Part 74.4(i)(2).  During the examination review process, the Center for Verification and Evaluation will carefully evaluate the relationship of all owners.

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2.  I need assistance with starting or expanding a business.


  • If you are already open for business and want to sell to the Federal government, contact your closest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for assistance with all of the required documentation and registration to bid on Government contracts.  Please refer to the PTAC Website for the listing of an office near you.
  • If you need assistance in starting a business, please visit the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Website and contact your closest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for assistance.
  • If you are Service-Disabled Veteran who wants to start a business, please view the Veterans Business Outreach Program website and the SBDC website for assistance.

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3.  Does VA provide loan or grant money to Veterans to start their own business?


No, VA does not provide loans for businesses.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a special loan program for Veterans called “Patriot Express.”  We recommend that owners work with the Small Business Development Center to ensure they have the documents necessary to apply for the program.  Details are available at http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress.

If have service-connected disability rating, please refer to the Business Outreach Program website, otherwise visit the SBDC website.

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  • Mail only:
    810 Vermont Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20420

    OSDBU Call Center:
    1–866–584–2344
    Email: vetbiz@va.gov
    Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Eastern)
For advice on potential procurement opportunities in your area, contact your local
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