Veteran Entrepreneur Program

Helping Veteran Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Their Business

CLICK HERE to Connect with a Business Consultant

Photo of Megan Tamez
Megan Tamez, Director


The Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP), established in 2013 and in accordance with Texas Code Sec. 434.022. (2)(c), provides veteran entrepreneurs and veteran small businesses the tools they need to start or grow their businesses. Our team of consultants, who are veterans, business owners, and MBA graduates, are dedicated to your success and our program advisor ensures that our tools and processes help us deliver timely, quality services to veterans, family members, and survivors.

 

Veterans Entrepreneur Program

Is a small four-person team serving all veterans and family members within Texas through the entrepreneurial process. Each request is processed manually. Due to the small nature of our team, we currently have up to a 75-business-day processing time for each request.

 

Consultative Services

  • Veteran Verification Letters
  • Veteran Owned Business Logo
  • Business Plans
  • Financing Your Business
  • Marketing Research
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Government Contracting
  • Exit Strategies

Business Partner Referral Services

  • Connecting veteran entrepreneurs with numerous specialists in all aspects of business
  • Referrals to 3rd party lenders ensure non-traditional options for financing

Outreach and Educational Services

Connect veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners with VEP Business Resource Partners such as:
  • SBA – Small Business Administration
  • SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE, a 501(c)(3))
  • SBDC – Small Business Development Center
  • And other services dedicated to the business success of veterans and their families

We look forward to working with you! From one veteran to another, thank you for your service.

 

Veteran Verification Letter (VVL)


To request a VVL please send an email to:
vep@tvc.texas.gov

Please include the following in your email:
• Full Name
• Full Mailing Address w/ County
• Phone Number
• Date of Birth
• PLUS – one of the following:
• DD214, Member 4 or Service Copy 2 (must show discharge status) OR
• VA Letter of Service Disability (must show Branch of service, Dates of service, Discharge status OR
• NGB22 (Texas National Guard Only)

If your name differs from that on your verification document
please submit proof of a legal name change.

 

Veteran Owned Business (VOB) Logo


To request a VOB logo please send an email to:
vep@tvc.texas.gov

Eligibility:
Veteran(s) of the US Military,
National Guard or Reserves AND
Businesses that maintain a minimum of 51% ownership AND
Businesses that maintain a minimum of 51% management control AND Businesses that are actively operating in Texas.

Please include the following documents with your request:
• Texas Secretary of State (SOS) registration letter with filing
number County DBA document (if applicable)
• Operating agreement or Form 05-904
• DD214. NGB22. or VA Benefits Letter

If your name differs from that on your verification document
please submit proof of a legal name change.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the Veteran Entrepreneur Program?

The Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP) comprises four veterans with MBAs assisting fellow veterans and their families with their entrepreneurial journey. VEP has four regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast, with each Veteran Business Consultant covering a region. Due to the small nature of our team, to meet your needs in your local community, we work closely with our community partners such as the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Small Development Business Center (SDBC) and more to provide individualized services in your community.

Can a veteran start a business for free?

If you are a veteran with an honorable or general under honorable discharge from the US Military, starting a NEW 100% Veteran-Owned business between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, you may qualify for a Veteran Verification Letter, which waves the Secretary of State registration fees and certain taxes for the first five years of business.

What else do you do?

The Veteran Entrepreneur Program assists veterans and their family members through the entrepreneurial process. We assist with business plans, government contracting, financials, capital acquisition, and much more.

How long is the processing time?

While we work for a much quicker turnaround, we currently have a 75 business day processing time.

How do I get a veteran-owned business logo?

If you are a veteran with an honorable or general under honorable discharge from the US Military, with 51% ownership and management of your business, you may qualify for a Texas Veterans Commission Veteran-Owned Business Logo to use with marketing your business as Veteran-Owned.

How do I register for contracts?

VEP has created a government contracting guide outlining the County, State, and Federal contracting process. To learn more, reach out to us through the “Contact a Consultant” button on our main page and choose Contracting.

Can I get a grant to start my business?

The majority of available grants are for non-profit organizations. While some grants are geared towards for-profit entities, business owners must search for a grant that matches their needs.

Does TVC have Grants to help my start my business?

Our Funds for Veterans’ Assistance Program provides grants to non-profit organizations that provide services to veterans within Texas.

How do I qualify for the VEP to help me start my business?

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, the VEP can assist you in starting your own business.

Can my spouse be added to the business even if she is not a veteran?

To qualify as a Veteran-Owned Business through the Texas Secretary of State, all owners must be veterans as outlined in TAX CODE CHAPTER 171. FRA

Can you help me with my business plan?

Yes. The VEP can assist you with your business plan. We provide veterans and their families with our Veteran’s Guide to Launching a Business which includes free business plan templates and other information every business owner should know before opening their own business.

Do you offer Small Business Loans?

The VEP does not offer small business loans. We do work with community partners who work with start-ups to provide small business loans to veterans. To learn more, reach out to us through the “Contact a Consultant” button on our main page and choose Capital Acquisition.

 

Texas Veterans Business Resources

 

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