Veteran Entrepreneur Program

Helping Veteran Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Their Business

Connect with a Business Consultant


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.

 

Veteran Entrepreneur Program

We are working to expedite every request!

To assist us; please click the Connect with a Business Consultant (Red Button) at the top of the page, complete the three-part questionnaire, and a Business Consultant will contact you directly. (If you are requesting a Veteran Verification Letter, choose that option)

While our current processing time is 7 business days, please look for an initial email response requesting your discharge documents
within 72 hours of submitting your request through our Connect with a Business Consultant button.

*If you did not receive an email back from us, please make sure to check your junk/other mail folder for an email from @tvc.texas.gov

 

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)

What is a Veteran Verification Letter?

Effective January 1, 2022, you may again form a “new veteran-owned business” as defined by Senate Bill 938 (87th Reg., 2021). A new veteran-owned business is not subject to certain filing fees and the Texas franchise tax for a certain period of time.

 

The benefit of the VVL: 

All qualified veterans will receive a Veteran Verification Letter from the TVC Veteran Entrepreneur Program waiving the $300 registration fee with the Secretary of State and the first five years of state franchise tax with step-by-step instructions on processing their documents with the Secretary of State.  

 

Please note that even though a qualifying new veteran-owned business is NOT subject to state franchise tax for its initial five-year period, the business MUST still file certain reports with the Comptroller of Public Accounts. For more information, visit the Comptroller’s website. 

Eligibility:

  • Honorable/General Under Honorable US Military Discharge
  • 100% Veteran-Owned (can be more than one veteran owner)
  • NEW Entity formation between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2025

To request a VVL please click the Connect with a Business Consultant Button below. Complete the three-part questionnaire – A Business Consultant will contact you directly. Please be prepared to provide the following supporting documentation –

  • 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)
  • Verification of any changes to one’s name – i.e., Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, etc.

Connect with a Business Consultant

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

 

Veteran Owned Business (VOB) Logo

 

Eligibility:

  • Honorable/General Under Honorable US Military Discharge AND
  • The business maintains a minimum of 51% ownership AND
  • The business maintains 51% management control AND
  • The business actively operates in Texas

 

To request a VOB Logo, please click the Connect with a Business Consultant Button below. Complete the three-part questionnaire – A Business Consultant will contact you directly. Please be prepared to provide the following supporting documentation –

  • Texas Secretary of State (SOS) registration letter with filing AND
  • Operating Agreement or Form 05-904 AND
  • 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)
  • Verification of any changes to one’s name – i.e., Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, etc.

Connect with a Business Consultant

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

 

Texas Veterans Business Resources

 

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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.