Small Business Programs
NH & federal programs to launch and grow your business
Here’s a comprehensive overview of veteran small-business programs available in New Hampshire, highlighting both federal and state/local initiatives, with descriptions and key contact details:
1. SBA Veteran-Owned & Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Certification
- The SBA provides designations such as VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) and SDVOSB (Service-Disabled VOSB), enabling access to preferential loans and federal contracting opportunities, including VETS-GWAC (VETS 2)—set-aside contract pools for service-disabled veteran businesses.
- In New Hampshire, the NH SBA district office handles these certifications and offers counseling, loan facilitation, and contract navigation: Address: 55 Pleasant St., Suite 3101, Concord, NH 03301 Phone: 603.225.1400
2. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) & "Build Your Small Business Profile" Program
- The VBOC of New England, in partnership with SBA and Apex Accelerators, runs a multi-week cohort to help veteran business owners build capability statements and profiles for government contracting. Benefits include mentoring, pitching guidance, and SubNet/SBA search exposure.
3. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
- Offers free mentoring, workshops, and education tailored to small business owners, including veterans. Several New Hampshire chapters serve different regions:
- Merrimack Valley (Manchester),
- Lakes Region, Seacoast,
- Monadnock (Keene),
- Upper Valley (Lebanon), and
- Mt. Washington Valley (Conway).
4. DoD SkillBridge & GI Bill-Approved Apprenticeships
- SkillBridge allows active-duty service members to gain civilian work experience during their final 180 days of service—without forfeiting pay or benefits.
- Registered Apprenticeship Programs with GI Bill approval offer veterans tuition support and a housing allowance while they train for in-demand trades. New Hampshire employers may be connected through DMAVS.
- Contact: VeteranFriendlyBusiness@dmavs.nh.gov for SkillBridge and apprenticeship partnerships.
5. VR&E Self-Employment Track
- Part of the VA's Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program, this track supports veterans with service-connected disabilities in starting their own businesses. Offers include business planning, operations coaching, and limited financial support—though eligibility and funding levels vary.
1. NH SBA™ Veteran-Owned Business Certification
- The NH-specific certification highlights veteran ownership (≥51% owned by veterans), providing decals, certification seals, and easy verification—without onerous requirements. It boosts credibility in local and corporate markets.
2. Community Navigator Program
- A statewide initiative offering trusted advisors ("navigators") who provide tailored business guidance to veteran entrepreneurs—including help with planning, marketing, operations, and access to capital or training.
3. NH Veteran-Friendly Business Network
- Co-managed by DMAVS and NH Employment Security, this recognition program celebrates businesses that demonstrate inclusive policies for service members and veterans. It encourages development of veteran-friendly workplace practices. Contact: VeteranFriendlyBusiness@dmavs.nh.gov
4. NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC)
- Offers free, confidential business advising, workshops, and financial/legal consultations (via the LeAF program). Supports veteran entrepreneurs statewide: Notable outcomes: ~$15.8M in new capital raised and 6,500 jobs supported (2024).
5. NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA)
- While not veteran-specific, DBEA supports overall small business growth via economic development strategies and resources—veterans can tap into programs like the APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC).
