Veteran Founders

You may be eligible to use your military service members’ benefits or veterans’ education benefits to help pay for your education. If you have specific questions about your eligibility or are trying to decide between benefits, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss your specific situation. If you have questions about how your benefits will work at the University of Maryland, please contact our military and veterans admissions advisors.

The following veterans education benefits may be available to you while you are active duty.

• Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefits are paid directly to you in monthly benefits based on your training time. If you are using Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® benefits, you are responsible for paying your tuition and fees directly to the university and are required to complete a monthly verification of enrollment.
• Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits are paid based on your percent of eligibility and the rate at which you pursue your degree. Tuition and fee payments are disbursed directly to the university.
• Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) benefits are paid directly to you as monthly benefits based on your training time. You are responsible for paying your tuition and fees directly to the university and are required to complete a monthly verification of enrollment.

If you'd like to use veterans education benefits before you separate, you'll need to complete the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Application, which allows you to determine your level of education benefits.

Promoting Veterans as Strategic Assets for a United Economy

Military transition is tough, especially for new veterans aiming to lead in the 75% of U.S. industries that under-hire them. Every year, hundreds of service-connected professionals and organizations in Maryland and beyond engage Maryland Smith to bridge this civil-military professional divide. Some seek knowledge and experience through traditional degree programs. A growing number seek networks and credentials tailored to distribute veteran leadership beyond the defense sector.

1. Enhance Vet Present Value - Enhance vet present value with sustainable solutions to vet underemployment
2. Enable Vet Lifelong Learning - Enable vet lifelong learning by connecting cross-generational leaders for U.S. enterprise
3. Elevate Vet Entrepreneurship - Elevate vet entrepreneurship by evidencing its ties to community and economic development

Each mission is advanced through activities such as expert panels, leadership speakers and mentorship events; data-driven collaboration with corporate and non-profit organizations; and joint initiatives with other U.S. universities investing in veterans. Together they comprise the Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership.

Recent Events

• February 6, 2023 - BIG-10 PANEL: Building Community Through Veteran Entrepreneurship
• October 6, 2022 - Veteran Transition Panel: Pitching Your Future
• April 19, 2022 - Veteran Transition Panel: Onboard & Upward
• March 4, 2022 - Discussion on Military to Federal Employment
• February 23, 2022 - Lifelong Leaders Forum with Jim Bell
• February 4, 2022 - Veteran Transition Panel: Prepare to eFair

TerpVets

Terps Vets is a student-run organization established to provide its members the opportunity to recognize and support the community of veterans on and off campus through a variety of volunteer and social events, while building a network that enhances personal and career growth.

TerpVets holds monthly meetings, social events, and community volunteering opportunities. E-mail terpvets@gmail.com to receive more information. You can also join their TerpLink group for a list of upcoming events.

Veterans Center 

Thanks to a generous donation from Board of Trustee member and former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, a Veterans Center is available exclusively for UMD student veterans. It is located in the Cole Field House Activities Building (Room 1112), which is located next to the STAMP Student Union Building. The Veterans Center includes:

• Computers and Free Printing
• Free Coffee
• Kitchenette
• Study Lounge
• Televisions/Gaming 
• Tutoring/Study Assistance
• Graduate Peer Support

To gain access to the Veterans Center, please go to stamp.umd.edu/VetCenter.

Fill out and submit the form along with your supporting documentation.

Brig. Gen. Charles McGee Scholarship

This award provides a two-year tuition award of $18,000 per year to all Air Force ROTC cadets who demonstrate the ability and intent to accept a commission in the Air Force or Space Force. The scholarship can be converted into a housing benefit of up to $10,000 per year.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. announced that the scholarship will be named for Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, a highly decorated fighter pilot and member of the Tuskegee Airmen who died last year at the age of 102. The pioneering group of African American fliers staked a bold claim for equality in the U.S. military, and Air Force officials said the award will help close a funding gap and make college more affordable to a more diverse student population. Read the full story behind this scholarship.

Other Veterans Scholarships

Last year, the University of Maryland, College Park awarded over 50 scholarships totaling over $225,000 in value.

If you applied for the Tillman Scholarship this year you will automatically be considered for all University of Maryland Veteran Scholarships; this does not include non-veteran specific scholarships or veterans scholarships administered by the State of Maryland or other entities.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

Who is eligible to apply for the University of Maryland scholarships?

Veterans, Active Duty service members, National Guard, reservists or family members who:

• Wish to start, finish, or further their education at the University of Maryland, College Park.
• Have served in active duty or reserve capacity for any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or National Guard, or are dependents of someone who has served.
• Are registered full- or part-time at UMD and are pursuing undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degrees.

What criteria will be considered for awarding a Veterans Scholarship?

• Educational and career ambitions
• Record of personal achievement
• Record of military service (or service as a spouse/family member); motivation for serving
• Compelling, thoughtful and thorough essay question responses
• Unmet financial need

Applicants will be considered for all scholarships for which they are qualified.

The University of Maryland, College Park is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for student veterans and active duty service members and their family members. The UMD Veterans scholarships will provide support for student veterans to pursue their educational goals. The scholarships are intended to cover direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarships are for one year with the opportunity for current recipients to reapply in subsequent years.

For questions or additional information, you may contact Kat Robinson at kat123@umd.edu

Veteran Student Life

The University of Maryland recognizes the extraordinary contributions of members of our armed services and we understand the unique challenges of transitioning into a university environment. We are committed to providing an environment that helps veterans pursue their academic and personal goals, explore different learning experiences, and get involved in campus life. Through Veteran Student Life, we offer a hub for resources that serves veterans and military-connected students, staff, and faculty on campus.

Brief overview of what is offered through Veteran Student Life:

• Veteran-centered Campus Events and Programs
• Veterans Week Events 
• Veterans reception and Football Game
• Veterans Day Service at Memorial Chapel
• Support for TerpVets Student Organization
• Advocacy for Veteran Issues on Campus
• Exclusive Veteran Resources and Opportunities
• Veterans-specific New Student Orientation in Fall and Spring
• Veteran-focused Career and Networking Events
• Veterans-specific Adventure Programming
• Counseling Services
• Peer Mentorship Program
• Veteran-specific Scholarships
• Pat Tillman Partnered Institution
• Credit Bearing University Transition Courses
• Active recruitment of Veterans to Maryland

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced Maryland’s first Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) established through a grant awarded to the University of Maryland, College Park, which will operate the new center. The VBOC at the University of Maryland will provide services, training and other support across Maryland, as well as in the District of Columbia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

Maryland is home to nearly 400,000 veterans and 15 military bases, including the U.S. Naval Academy, the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Detrick. Senator Cardin has fought for more small business resources for veterans in Maryland and an expansion of SBA VBOC program. Most recently, he chaired a hearing to improve resources for service-disabled veteran federal contractors, as well as women and socially and economically disadvantaged contractors.

“Empowering more of our veterans with the tools they need to become successful small business owners will provide a boost to the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem across Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “I thank SBA for this critical, timely investment that will increase Maryland’s capacity to service the region’s veterans and transitioning service members. Support for our service men and women must stay strong when they are uniform and when they transition to civilian life.”

“The military small business community – which includes entrepreneurs from active duty military, reserves, National Guard, veterans and military spouses – are a driving force in our nation’s economy. The SBA’s 22 Veterans Business Outreach Centers work hard to support these entrepreneurs, and give them the tools and support they need to live their American dream, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s important for our continued economic recovery and growth,” said Administrator Guzman. “The can-do spirit of our service men and women is the entrepreneurial spirit – the grit, determination and resilience it takes to start, grow and sustain a small business. At the SBA, we want our military entrepreneurs to know that we’re here to help them harness that spirit and use the skills and expertise they gained in the military to start, grow and sustain successful small businesses. We’re doing that work with this award to the University of Maryland. Our message to our nation’s military entrepreneurs is this:  You invested in our country. Now, it’s our turn to invest in you.”

“We are very proud to be part of this initiative and to leverage the University of Maryland’s entrepreneurship resources and networks to help our region’s veterans and their spouses pursue their dreams and grow their businesses,” shared Julie Lenzer, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Maryland.

The SBA VBOC program is a national network of twenty-two locations around the country serving as a one-stop shop for transitioning or active duty service members, veterans, National Guard or reserves, and military spouses. VBOCs provide the Boots to Business transition assistance program as well as business training and workshops, mentoring, government contracts guidance, and resource referrals

The U.S. Small Business Administration Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as 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. SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). If you do not live in the Mid-Atlantic, enter your zip code to find a VBOC in your area or look up your state by region below.

The Mid-Atlantic VBOC aims to serve as the connective tissue that links programs, services, and resources throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, striving to create a comprehensive network of support opportunities for service members, veterans, military retirees, military/veteran spouses & dependents, National Guard members, reservists, and otherwise military-connected entrepreneurs.

Resources

• Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The VBOC encourages TAP-eligible and active duty personnel, military spouses, veterans and civilians with base access to attend this free 2-day introduction to entrepreneurship training class covering topics you need to consider before and as you start your business.
• Counseling Support includes:
  • Connecting one-on-one with an expert advisor.
  • Confidentiality.
  • Navigate resources such as business plan assistance, business financing, referrals to help find your BAIL (banking, accounting, insurance, legal) team.
• Training - Mid-Atlantic VBOC has a wide network of partners that can help provide trainings on many topics from marketing and customer discovery to human resource and customer care. Submit any questions you have regarding training here.

The Vets First Verification Program affords verified firms owned and controlled by Veterans and Service-disabled Veterans the opportunity to compete for VA set asides.

The Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461) provides the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with unique authority for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) set-aside and sole source contracts.

This procurement authority, and its subsequent implementation, is a logical extension of VA’s mission to care for our Nation’s Veterans. VA refers to this program as the Veterans First Contracting Program.

The Vets First Verification Program affords verified firms owned and controlled by Veterans and Service-disabled Veterans the opportunity to compete for VA set asides. During Verification, the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) verifies SDVOSBs/VOSBs according to the tenets found in Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 74 and 13 CFR Part 125 that address Veteran eligibility, ownership, and control. In order to qualify for participation in the Veterans First Contracting Program, eligible SDVOSBs/VOSBs must first be verified.

As part of the Verification Process, applicants move through four stages: Intake, Assessment, Federal Review, and Decision. Start Verification

Learn more about VA Small and Veteran Business Programs. Access information and resources on government procurements, subcontracting, and more.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has contracting and procurement activities within its nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, regional offices, Veterans benefits, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, data processing centers, and national cemeteries that require a broad spectrum of products and services.

VA purchases a variety of its supply products and services from national, regional, and local sources.

Doing Business With VA Reference Guide (abridged) and Doing Business With VA Reference Guide (expanded) are tools to help small businesses navigate the VA contracting and procurement process.

Procurement Readiness Reference Guide provides information to help small businesses effectively prepare to do business with VA.

VA Small Business Program Goals and Accomplishments highlight socioeconomic accomplishments for each type of reporting mechanism.

The Veterans Health Administration's Medical Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) program seeks to provide a reliable, uninterrupted source of medical supplies to support delivery of healthcare to Veterans.

Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics (OPAL) provides outlined information and additional resources for businesses working with VA.

• Boots to Business
• Boots to Business Reboot
• Boots to Business Revenue Readiness
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
• Resources for Military Spouses
• CVE Transfer Updates

• IVMF - Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
• Lift Fund - Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Program
• Boots to Business Reboot
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
• ONABEN - Beyond the Boots: A Veteran and Service Member Initiative

• Warrior Rising
• Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University - Riata Center for Entrepreneurship
• St. Joseph’s University - Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
• VETRN
• Boots to Business Reboot
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

• Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (MREIDL)
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program
• Boots to Business Reboot
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

Veterans Business Development Officers help veteran entrepreneurs find programs and training. They work in each of SBA's 68 District Offices, and are familiar with federal, state, and local programs that assist veteran entrepreneurs. They can also provide schedules and points of contact for any upcoming Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot courses in your area.

Maryland

Caroline Henson
Baltimore District Office
100 S. Charles St., Suite 1201
Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: 410-244-3377
Email: patrica.henson@sba.gov

Delaware

Jim Provo
Delaware District Office
1105 N Market St., Lobby Level
Wilmington, DE  19801

Phone: 302-233-6847
Email: james.provo@sba.gov

District of Columbia

David Hincapie
Washington Metropolitan Area District Office
409 Third St., SW, Second Floor
Washington, DC 20416

Phone: 202-205-7258
Email: david.hincapie@sba.gov

Virginia

Joey Pocan 
Richmond District Office
400 North Eighth St., Suite 1150
Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-767-0235 
Email: william.pocan@sba.gov

Pennsylvania

Jonathan Bennett
Pittsburgh District Office
411 7th Ave., Suite 1450
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-395-6560 ext. 107
Email: jonathan.bennett@sba.gov

West Virginia

Kimberly Donahue
West Virginia District Office
405 Capitol St., Suite 412
Charleston, WV 25301

Phone: 304-347-5220
Email: kimberly.donahue@sba.gov

There are many Maryland-based programs available to assist Veteran-owned businesses and businesses that hire Veterans.

• Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program - Small businesses that employ or are owned by military reservists, veterans, National Guard personnel are provided with no interest loans.
• Maryland State Procurement and Veteran-Owned Small Business - Each state agency in Maryland must structure procurement procedures with the goal of achieving an overall minimum of 1% of the agency’s total dollar value of procurement contracts to be indirectly or directly made up of veteran-owned small businesses.
• Project Opportunity - This is a free entrepreneurship training program designed solely for veterans who want to start their own business. Graduates are in various stages of their business ventures, ranging from finalizing their business plan to actual launch and earning income.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program

Maryland’s VSBE Program provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. Sixty-five agencies/departments are directed to spend at least 1% of the total dollar value of their procurement contracts either directly (prime contractors) or indirectly (subcontractors) with certified VSBE firms. Only the work of a certified VSBE firm can be counted toward meeting an established VSBE contract goal.

Businesses seeking to participate in the VSBE Program must (1) meet the size standards adopted by the United States Small Business Administration in 13 C.F.R. 121.201 and any subsequent revision of that regulation, and; (2) must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are veterans. A veteran is defined as an individual who is verified as having served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

​Certification as a VSBE vendor requires 2 elements:

1. Veteran Verification
2. Vendor Registration

Veteran Verification – The veteran verification process includes, but may not be limited to, completion and submission of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Veteran status must be verified by one of the following entities:

1. VSBE Program Verification of Veteran Status - Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
2. Center for Validation and Evaluation (VetBiz) -United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Complete information regarding the verification process can be found by utilizing the website links provided above.

Vendor Registration – VSBE firms must complete the vendor registration in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), Maryland’s eProcurement platform. Vendors registered in eMMA receive email notices of procurement opportunities available across all state agencies/departments valued over $15,000. County and local governments use the platform to advertise their procurements as well. There is no cost to register in eMMA.

During the registration process, vendors who meet the VSBE Program ‘s elegibility standards should select VSBE under the Procurement Programs category and enter your vertification number in the box provided. If you do not have a verification number at the time you register as a vendor, you can update your vendor profile once you receive the number.

Change of Status Notification – Notify the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women’s Business Affairs within thirty (30) days of any change affecting the firm’s ability to meet the VSBE Program eligibility requirements.

Your business may also qualify for procurement opportunities through the Small Business Reserve (SBR) and/or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)​ Programs.
​​
Program Qualification Warning
Providing False Information

A person providing false information to the State in connection with retaining, obtaining or attempting to obtain a contract or subcontract under VSBE Program may be subject to one or more of the following:

• A determination by a Procurement Officer that a bidder or offeror is not responsible;
• A determination by a Procurement Officer that the company is ineligible to participate in a VSBE goal designation;
• A determination that a contract entered into is void or voidable under §11-204 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;
• Suspension and debarment under Title 16 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;
• Criminal prosecution of procurement fraud under §11-205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, perjury, or other crimes;
• Civil penalties under the Maryland False Claims Act under Title 8 of the General Provisions Article; and
• Other actions permitted by law.

• SBA Programs & Services for Veterans 6-7-22.pdf
• VSBE State Progra​m Overview 6-7-22.pdf
• SBA Programs & Services for Women Veterans & Military Spouses 6-14-22.pdf
• VSBE WVE Military Spouse Program 6-14-22.pdf​

• AllBusiness.com - In this article, The Complete 35-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business, provides an overview of 35 key steps for entrepreneurs who are starting a business, with links to additional articles addressing some of the topics in more depth.
• Business.com Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses includes information on how to start a business, find funding, and much more.
• National Disability Institute Entrepreneur Growth Accelerator (NDI EGA) - NDI EGA is designed for aspiring business owners who identify as having a disability and who are Service-disabled veterans or Active or Retired Military. NDI EGA is an eight-week program with online sessions held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm EST. Each class will have up to 15 participants. The group is kept small to allow for maximum participation. Participants must be able to attend and participate in all 8 sessions via Zoom, attend one-on-one sessions with mentors (operations, marketing, human resources, law, accounting) via Zoom and prepare a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation about their business and deliver their presentation via Zoom. Cohort Start Dates in 2023: June 6th, and September 12th.
• Patriot Boot Camp provides active duty service members, veterans, and their spouses with access to mentors, educational programming, and a robust community of experts and peers to help them innovate and build impactful businesses.
• PenFed Foundation VEIP Master's Program Start-up Fundraising Accelerator - The Master’s Program is a 1-year intensive program to prepare growth-stage, veteran-owned startups to raise investor funds and scale their companies. The Program is held twice per year with 10 companies on each Team.
• USAA Finances Course for Military Founders and Families - Learn the basics of money and achieving business financial goals—and how to juggle it all with the transitions of military life.
• VA ACCELERATOR™ is the only program of its kind. It was designed for Disabled Veterans who are in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) program. Here you will find all the tools you need to successfully plan, launch or expand your business. Also, as a qualified Veteran and participating in the Chapter 31 program, you may qualify to earn a subsistence allowance and gain access to all the tools and equipment that you need to start your own business.
• Vetpreneur Training Institute (V.T.I.) leads socioeconomic change by providing economic opportunity through entrepreneurship education, financial literacy and leadership programs to low-income, minority and women entrepreneurs who want to establish economic freedom and financial stability through small business creation.
• Warrior Rising (WR) - Focuses on the individual vetrepreneur. WR starts by helping veterans identify their needs at a given stage in their business development. Next, WR assesses the obstacles they are facing and give recommendations on a sound course of action to pursue to overcome them. Learn more about the VETtoCEO Business Accelerator Program.

Bunker Labs - Provides community, programs, and courses to help military veterans and military spouses start and grow successful businesses and startups.

• Business Basics - Business Basics gives you the tools to implement sustainable business operations so you can start working with your first customers.
• Find your Bunker Labs Community in one of these 37 U.S. cities or join the Bunker Labs Virtual community.
• Design for Delight Course - The Intuit Design for Delight course unlocks the secrets of creating rabidly loyal customers that proselytize your products and services though exploring a simple philosophy: Understanding your customer’s problems and pain points leads to better products and services.
• Launch Lab Online - Launch Lab Online is an entrepreneurship education platform for active duty military, Veterans, and military spouses who want to start their own businesses and jumpstart the next chapter in their life.
• Raul Deju Institute Program - Dr. Raul Deju has refined this online at-your-own-pace course to help entrepreneurs frame their business, create world-class products and services, raise funds, and generate revenue.

VA Pathfinder - Demystifies the selling to and innovating with the Department of Veteran Affairs by giving you the tools you need to understand and navigate the process. Utilize Pathfinder if you have a problem you want to solve or a budding idea for an innovation. Pathfinder can also help you take an already developed a solution to market.

• If you can say 'Yes!' to any of the following, then Innovate with VA:

  • I want to solve a problem for Veterans​
  • My solution needs to be developed or refined for the Veteran market (prototyped, tested, piloted)
  • I am interested in working together to pioneer new insights or initiatives
  • I'm looking for proven solutions I can adopt and commercialize
  • I want to learn more about innovation at VA and engaging with the Innovation Community

• If you can say 'Yes!' to any of the following, then Sell to VA:

  • My product or service is ready for the Veteran market and requires no further development
  • My product or service has existing customers
  • I want to learn more about VA acquisitions (purchasing of products and services) and becoming a vendor

• National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) - A nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides Training, Networking, and Advocacy for Veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market to ensure they are Procurement Ready and have enhanced access to opportunities to start, operate, sustain, and grow competitive and strong businesses serving Federal agencies and other government contractors.
• Second Service Foundation, formerly the StreetShares Foundation - A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to inspire, educate and support the military entrepreneurial community. The Second Service Foundation’s programs provide access to capital opportunities, educational content, mentors, coaching and networking events built to serve military community entrepreneurs nationwide.
• Startup Veteran - A storytelling platform founded by Vetrepreneurs that shares inspiring vetrepreneur startup stories packed with valuable tips and lessons from veteran founders.
• Veteran Business Owners Association (VBOA) recognizes the abilities of veterans and believes that the qualities that make a good soldier also make a good entrepreneur. Through the Veteran Business Owners Initiative (VBOI), which was initially established to assist veterans facing physical and emotional challenges run successful ventures, it has since expanded into helping any veteran and/or their family member learn to become a successful entrepreneur. This organization offers an organized environment to support the program’s members at all levels of business development, from business plan creation to running daily operations.
• Veterans Growing America - A social platform just for Veteran-owned businesses and their supporters, which provides a forum for Veteran and Military Spouses to showcase and grow their businesses. It also partners with local, state and federal veteran organizations to increase their brand awareness, and it conducts local events and marketing programs to increase engagement with the veteran business community.
• Veterati - Serves as America's Mentoring Network for the Military. Through Veterati, one can join thousands of service members, Veterans, and military spouses in setting up free 1-hr mentorship phone calls with successful professionals. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to thousands of volunteer mentors: CEOs, recruiters, entrepreneurs, managers, Veterans & civilians alike
• Vetpreneur Vision - A community of veteran-owned businesses who can help you achieve your goal of starting and operating a successful small business.

Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University Entrepreneurship Programs includes:

• Boots to Business curriculum leads participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and provides the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. 
• Coalition for Veteran Owned Business (CVOB) - This coalition of private sector companies, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to connect veteran and military family-owned business to supply chains of medium-sized and large corporations. CVOB simplifies and facilitates the process of supplying goods and services to larger employees.
• Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) is a first-of-its-kind initiative that turns veterans into entrepreneurs! The EBV program leverages the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans.
• Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans Accelerate (EBV Accelerate) is a 3-phase program that gives veterans with a successful business the tools and coaching to propel their business to the next phase: sustainable growth.
• IGNITE is a one-day entrepreneurship training event offered in cities across the United States.
• R.I.S.E. – Resilience. Innovate. Sustain. Evaluate. – is a virtual, bootcamp-style program focused on the development of strategies to help adapt and sustain your business through a moment of difficulty, or a turning point.
• SPARK is a virtual training program for veterans, military spouses & transitioning service members to test their business idea and develop a basic set of skills and competencies focused on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, innovation, & fundamentals of business.
• Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program is part of a landmark initiative that transforms veterans and military family members into entrepreneurs.
• Veteran EDGE (Engage. Develop. Grow. Evaluate.) is a four-day conference dedicated solely to veteran and military spouse business owners and the ecosystem that supports them.
• Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management. V-WISE helps women veterans and female military spouses/partners find their passion and learn the business savvy skills necessary to turn an idea or start-up into a growing venture. 
• VETNET - Online resource offering innovative networking tools, career training, job opportunities and entrepreneurship classes. VetNet is a free service for the entire veteran and military family community.
• VetSource - This three-phase program, which includes a training component, is designed to connect procurement professionals from Fortune 500 companies to veteran and military spouse owned/established businesses and culminates in a one-day event organized to increase business opportunities through unique introductory sessions.

The National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) is a veteran entrepreneurship program that specifically addresses federal procurement. VIP is not just an entrepreneurial training program; VIP continues to accelerate your company’s success far beyond your graduation date. Through continuing educational supports including mentorships, graduate education programs, exclusive opportunities, and matchmaking with primes and government, VIP is the gift that keeps on giving.

VIP offers a platform with various training programs to assist Veterans. Please visit the program pages to check eligibility requirements for each program. Review the attendance and cancellation policies and make sure you can meet these requirements.

• VIP START
• VIP GROW
• VIP ADVANCE is designed to take your business to the next level of sustained growth in the Federal marketplace
• VIP INTERNATIONAL helps you expand your Federal and commercial contracting opportunities overseas.
• VIP AEROSPACE improves the ability of leaders to win and manage federal contracts in this very competitive market.

Once a company graduates from any of these VIP training programs, they are invited to join the VIP Marketplace.

The VIP Marketplace is a robust, keyword searchable database for easy  identification of matching capabilities to procurement needs. Prime representatives can also post immediate procurement needs to the Marketplace and invite specific suppliers from various geographic regions to participate in outreach events. There are new companies being added to the platform every quarter.

Project Opportunity is a free entrepreneurship training program designed solely for veterans (Active Duty, Guard/Reserve Personnel, and Veterans) who want to start their own business or expand their current small business. Program graduates are in various stages of their business ventures, ranging from finalizing their business plan to actual launch and earning income.

Project Opportunity is a series of workshops planned to provide veterans with assistance in starting their own businesses. The first phase of Project Opportunity is to conduct outreach and educational sessions. These two and a half (2 1/2) hour workshops “Exploring Entrepreneurship” will include a discussion of why the individuals wants to start their own small businesses, characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, an overview of the 11 week training program, and an entrepreneurship self assessment.

The second phase will consist of a one hour assessment conducted either telephonically or in person to determine eligibility for the 3rd phase, Project Opportunity Business Boot Camp, the entrepreneurship training program for veterans who were selected based on the assessment results.

The Business Boot Camp training will take ten weeks. These classes will total thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction, 3 hours per week. A formal graduation ceremony will be held after completion of the ten week training program.

Upcoming Class Registration Information:

• Montgomery County Spring 2023 Class - Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 PM starting on Monday March 13, 2023 and ending on Monday May 15, 2023 at Montgomery College Student Services Building (ST302) located at 7625 Fenton Street, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
• Prince George’s Spring 2023 Class - Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 PM starting on March 22, 2023 and ending on May 24, 2023 at Prince George’s Community College (Lanham Hall) located at 301 Largo Road in Largo
• Howard County Fall 2023 Class – Monday Evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM starting on September 11, 2023 and ending on November 13, 2023 at the Maryland Innovation Center (Gold Room Third Floor) located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

The Rosie Network empowers Entrepreneurs with Training, Mentors, Marketing, Branding Commercials, & more. Founded by Military Spouse and Veteran entrepreneurs to EMPOWER, IMPACT, and ADVOCATE on behalf of our nation’s service members and spouses seeking the American Dream of small business ownership.

• Military Kidpreneur Camp - Empowers the next generation of military entrepreneurs through an interactive curriculum and daily small group mentoring by inspiring critical thinking, problem-solving, creative brain-storming techniques, and having FUN.
• ROSIE CONNECTS keeps our military entrepreneurs connected to the latest business trends through interactive webinars on real-world issues in the business owner space. ROSIETalks speaker series is designed for Veteran, Military Spouse, and Active Duty small business owners and budding entrepreneurs. This series features experts in their fields who will provide valuable opportunities for you to learn, grow and build your business.
• SERVICE2CEO - An entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs, which has a proven track record of empowering those who serve to successfully launch, grow and scale their business. 

The Veterans Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide all military veterans the support, resources and education that will further develop their business and personal lives.

In February 2019, the Veterans Chamber of Commerce was established after a group of veterans, who were also business owners, decided to make an impact in the veteran community. They saw that veterans, veteran business owners and their families needed a place to find tools, ideas, resources and community for their personal and business needs.

• Join the Veterans Chamber of Commerce Network. When you join Veterans Chamber of Commerce, several things happen: you support our efforts to grow veteran-owned businesses through leads and contracts. When we grow a vet-business, it creates jobs specifically for veterans, which helps us keep our brothers and sisters from the struggle of reintegrating into civilian life. 
• Find and attend Upcoming Events.

Make sure to check out your local Chambers of Commerce for Veterans:

• The goal of the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce is to support and encourage businesses of military veterans throughout the State of Maryland. Operating under the umbrella of the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce, we are organized for veterans, by veterans, to promote entrepreneurial efforts and provide education for these businesses to increase economic value.
• The Northern Virginia Chamber's Veteran and Military Business Council (VMBC) aims to bridge the Veteran workforce, Veteran-owned businesses, and Veteran-friendly businesses within the Northern Virginia community for the betterment of the region. The VMBC serves as a resource for Veteran business owners by providing peer forums and panels on topics specifically affecting Veteran entrepreneurs. We also strive to promote best practices for Veteran employees to excel in their careers and contribute to economic growth. The council aims to provide unique, tailored opportunities to its members, connecting Veterans to businesses, promoting continuous networking opportunities, and for business and career growth within the Chamber’s rich network.
• The National Veterans Chamber brings together programs, projects, organizations, people, and resources to the Military/Veteran community. The National Veterans Chamber main goal is to promote collaboration and support innovative ideas that will address Military/Veteran challenges faced during pre- and post-transition. The National Veterans Chamber focuses on issues that show transformative potential, including Education, Employment, Family, Wellness and Entrepreneurship. The National Veterans Chamber is a Collaboration-Driven Organization open to new ideas and new strategies that will benefit the Communities we serve.

The Veterans In Business (VIB) Network is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that advocates for all Veteran Businesses including SDVOSBs and DVBEs. VIB Network helps Veteran businesses build connections between Corporations, Government Agencies, and Prime Contractors looking to create partnerships for contracting opportunities. Thanks to VIB's corporate and government partners, it is able to provide a free Veteran business directory, business resources, educational seminars, outreach opportunities, a Veteran 2 Veteran Business Cohort Program, Boots to Contracts Program, offer Business Development Scholarships and more. The VIB Network National Conference is widely considered one of the best Veteran business networking events in the country.

• Check out the Business Development & Resources list.

• Join the VIB Network Directory for free.

VetsinTech (VIT) supports current and returning veterans with re-integration services by connecting them to the national technology ecosystem. VIT is committed to bringing together a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for our veterans interested in Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment – the 3E’s!

• ViT Academy - Find out what courses they have available and sign up for them. Subjects include Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI/ML, Cloud, and Entrepreneurship.
• ViT Mentorship Program furthers VetsinTech’s mission to veterans, active duty and military spouses are they transition out of service and into meaningful careers in the tech industry.  The program provides veterans, active duty and military spouses with access to top technology mentors in areas of education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• ViT StartUp Network (S.U.N.) - Supports veteran entrepreneurs, equipping them with extensive mentorship and entrepreneurship resources to build high growth technology companies. Interested startups can apply here or email: kwebster@vetsintech.co

The Veterans Leadership Council (VLC) is the premier network for military veteran leaders in business and government, and facilitates opportunities for veterans to connect, network, and advance professionally.

The VLC was founded in Chicago in 2014 by Bunker Labs CEO Todd Connor to be the foremost professional network for the current generation of veteran leaders and with the goals of:

• Establish, grow and maintain the premier network for veteran leaders in business and government.
• Organize robust opportunities for veterans to connect, network, and advance professionally.
• Provide a leadership voice for the current generation of veterans.
• Advance the veteran community, with a focus on current issues.
• Generate support from, and actively guide, the veteran discussion of corporate America, the government and other organizations eager to engage with veterans.

VLC Chapters include: Chicago, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.

Consider subscribing to the VLC Monthly Gouge.

The Veterans Leadership Council believes all leaders should read extensive and diverse collections of books, so each member of our Board of Directors, National Leadership Team, and City Leadership Teams have recommended a book that improved them personally and professionally as leaders to create the VLC Reading List. VLC offers a Reading List.

• Bunker Labs USAA Pitch Competition - In celebration of USAA’s 100th anniversary in June 2022, they have joined with Bunker Labs to host a six-city pitch competition to help identify, support and celebrate up-and-coming veteran and military-related small businesses.
• Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business Veterans Business Battle serves as a forum to connect veterans with investors, advisers and resources. The goal  is to lead as many veteran-owned businesses to success as possible.
• Task Force Capital (TFX) - Veteran entrepreneurs congregate in Charlotte, North Carolina each year to pitch to a panel of venture capital experts and other members of the industry. This competition is primarily focused on startups within the southeastern region of the United States.
• The Perdue School of Business Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery Business Competition - The Shore Hatchery is open to any Mid-Atlantic business startups. It is a ten-year $2 million initiative, which began in 2013. The program assists entrepreneurs in creating new businesses and jobs in the region. Startups apply for a share of $200,000 annually. The goal of the Shore Hatchery is to reward individuals for their entrepreneurial efforts in the creation and growth of businesses with the potential of positively impacting regional employment within three years. Businesses are required to report back to the Shore Hatchery board annually on their progress.
• Veteran Shark Tank - Created in 2012 to promote and assist Veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. Starting out as a small regional event, it is now the premier national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs. The five (5) finalists pitch their business idea to a panel of “sharks” in front of a live sold out audience (over 200 people). The winner receives a $50,000 cash prize! Each of the finalists gains valuable experience to professionally grow while creating a business network to help grow and expand their businesses (potential customers, referral partners, investors, mentors, etc)

• Hello Alice - This platform provides many resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It also offers various grants and business loans.
• Idea Cafe - Veteran entrepreneurs and existing small business owners can apply for $1,000 small business grants.
• Maryland Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVOLP) provides no interest loans of up to $50,000, from one to eight years, for businesses owned by military reservists, veterans, National Guard personnel and for small businesses that employ or are owned by such persons.
• PenFed Military Heroes Grant Program strengthens partnerships with veterans organizations who are nested within our military communities who are actively working with us to submit projects to benefit veterans and the military community.

           The Military Heroes Grant Program will accept grant applications for two purposes:

1. For projects which have a significant positive impact on a specific military community or more broadly across the entire military family. Projects must be time limited and have a specific start and end date. The majority of grants given will be for projects. The project narrative should include how many veterans or military service members will benefit from the project, what the long-term quantifiable impacts of the project are, how the project will communicate the Penfed Foundation’s support to program participants and the public, and how the Penfed Foundation can work with your organization to document the project. Project Grants should be for $50,000 or less. Applications for project grants to benefit the military community may only be submitted by non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.
2. For grants for a veteran, service member, or their family or caregiver. Grants will provide high-impact financial assistance to prevent or address a significant crisis for a veteran, military member, or their family or caregiver who may be experiencing an unforeseen emergency with life changing consequences. For example, a beneficiary dealing with a service-related injury, a medical challenge faced by spouse or child, impact of a natural disaster, or other emergency. Grants for individuals should be fore $10,000 or less. Only a few nomination grants will be available each round.

• USM Launch Fund connects early stage entrepreneurs — builders, creators, and innovators — to existing resources, mentorship, and capital. This capital is flexible and early, in the form of grants (non-dilutive) and investments (dilutive) ranging from less than $2,000 microgrants to grants and investments of generally up to $50,000. This small, early capital is currently a key gap experienced by many individuals getting started and on their way with a venture. This critical foundational capital (including pre-venture funding, first money in, and pre-seed funding) bridges to next-step capital (including revenue/sustainability, bank financing, and seed funding).
• Veterans Business Fund (VBF) is a not-for profit organization. VBF was established to assist veterans by providing them with the supplemental capital required to satisfy the equity requirements for a small business loan. The VBF provides capital to veterans in the form of a non interest bearing loan with very favorable repayment terms.
• Veteran Loan Fund - An online platform that connects military veterans and their spouses with mission-focused business lenders and education partners. Its mission is to solve the issues veterans and their spouses face as they pursue entrepreneurship and small business ownership.

• 1836 - A non-profit organization that's mission is to support military veterans by matching them with the execution resources that they need in order to build and operate businesses.1836 works closely with entrepreneurs to connect them to its networks, provides hands on assistance, execution resources, guidance and technical skills as needed. Individual members of 1836 may make direct investments into veteran run business.
• Academy Investor Network Syndicate - Invests in venture backable startups at the seed stage. AIN works for the entrepreneur as it is hyper-focused on funding and supporting startups.
• Hivers and Strivers - An angel investment group focused on early-stage investments in startup companies founded and run by graduates of the U.S. Military Academies.
• Moonshots Capital - A seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in extraordinary leadership. Great leaders are hard to come by. We believe the best ones are military-trained or trial-by-fire entrepreneurs who have the ability to motivate others to action, inspire trust, and plan heuristically. We invest with conviction when those attributes are present. Beyond capital, we deploy our military and entrepreneurial experience and network to help world-changing companies grow.
• PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP) - VEIP can contribute to your company in multiple ways. Whether your company is at the idea stage or ready for financing rounds of investment capital, there’s a program here to suit your company’s access to capital.
• Scout Ventures - An early stage venture capital firm that invests in frontier technologies built by founders from the military, intelligence community, and national labs. We lead Seed rounds with $1-2M initial checks and reserve capital for follow on investments up to Series B.
• Task Force Capital (TFX) - A Veteran-led venture capital firm uniquely focused on investing in high performing, accomplished, and commercially-tested former military and national security leaders building early stage technology (B2B) and technology enabled businesses.
• The Venture Fund - An early stage venture capital firm, based in Silicon Valley, invests in high growth startups, with an emphasis on dual-use technologies, led by exceptional founders from the military community. The Veteran Fund fills the crucial “pre-seed gap” in the startup ecosystem with a focus on national security and defense.
• Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC) is a veteran-owned growth-equity investment fund focused on military entrepreneurs. VVC interacts exclusively with companies that have military veteran leadership, recognizing the value of military experience, training, and character in business operations. VVC fuses resources, mentoring, and years of fiscal and operational experience to an investment fund that strategically supports businesses with Veterans in leadership.
• Veteran Venture Capital Coalition - A group of Venture Capitalists that support Veteran Entrepreneurs.

American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit organization focused on helping returning veterans and active duty spouses find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice. 

More than 1 million veterans are expected to transition from the armed forces to civilian life over the next five years. ACP engages the American people in a unique volunteer opportunity to provide career guidance to returning military as they transition back into civilian life.

ACP aims to ease the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. ACP is the only nonprofit organization engaged in national corporate career counseling for our returning veterans and active duty military spouses.

• ACP’s free Mentoring Program connects post-9/11 veterans, active duty spouses and eligible military spouses (Protégés) with corporate professionals (Mentors) for customized mentorships. ACP assists veterans and eligible spouses on their path towards fulfilling, long-term careers, whether the veteran is job searching or newly employed. An ACP mentorship is a yearlong commitment. ACP encourages Mentors and Protégés to connect for monthly discussions to advance the Protégés goals. Each mentorship is supported by an ACP staff member who offers customized resources, training and suggestions and to help the pair build a successful mentorship.

          Typical mentorship goals include:

• Résumé review and interview preparation
• Career exploration and understanding job opportunities
• Career advancement once a position is obtained
• Work-life balance
• Networking
• Small business development
• Leadership and professional communication

Other programs and resources include:

• ACP’s Women’s Veteran Mentoring Program launched in 2016 and connects female veterans with female entrepreneurs and business leaders for yearlong mentorships. Women veterans have access to exclusive networking events and career development workshops.
• ACP AdvisorNet is an online career Q&A community designed to assist an increasing number of veterans and current service members with networking and career advice.
• ACP's Active Duty Spouse Program launched in November 2018 and connects spouses on installations nationwide with business leaders for customized mentorships. 

• COMMIT Foundation seeks to provide high touch transition support that becomes the standard nationwide so veterans in all communities can access services helping them identify their passions, build strong networks, and leverage their skills in civilian careers.
• Corporate Gray was founded in 1994 with one mission… to connect those who have served in the military with employers nationwide. We do this in three ways; via our military-focused job fairs, through our website, Corporate Gray Online, and through our career transition book, now titled, "The Military to Civilian Transition Guide." Over 4 million transitioning service members have received a copy of the Transition Guide. Thousands of transitioning service members and veterans have participated in our Military-Friendly Job Fairs. And many more veterans have found their next employer through Corporate Gray Online. Our career transition services are free to all job seekers.
• Employing U.S. Vets Conference - This one-day, semi-annual event features dynamic speakers and panel discussions with nationally recognized employers distinguished for strong track records in veterans’ employment. It also gives other companies and organizations the opportunity to learn from their successes. Networking is key at this conference. The next conference is on April 13, 2023.
• Hire Heroes USA provides free job search assistance to U.S. military members, veterans and their spouses, and they help companies connect with opportunities to hire them. Among the resources it offers for job seekers includes personalized career coaching, resume writing support, expert mentoring and job sourcing, then watch veterans and military spouses find great jobs.
• Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is a targeted recruitment and employment solution, which creates employment connections that provide companies with direct access to military spouses seeking career opportunities and spouses with direct access to employers who are actively recruiting.
• Military Talent Partners is committed to empowering veterans and military spouses throughout their career. Alongside their partner organizations, Military Talent Partners provide mentorship, coaching, and career discovery to help military talent realize their potential and define their professional goals.
• Military-Transition.org helps service members, veterans, spouses and employers better understand and prepare for the military-to-civilian transition process and civilian employment.
• Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) - Provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical technical and career skills required for today’s growing technology industry.
• National Veterans Foundation - This platform helps veterans make the transition from military to civilian life easier. View Job Board Listings.
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Educational and Career Counseling (VA Chapter 36) - Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36, offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit. Find out how to apply for this program if you’re leaving active service soon or have been discharged within the past year.
• Veteran’s Employment is a veteran-owned small business that provides nationwide placement services for America’s veterans.
• Veteran Success Resource Group (VSRG) partners with BOURBIZ to host expos in cities across the United States. Free of charge to veterans and their families, each expo connects hundreds of veterans with dozens of businesses, universities, government agencies and veteran service organizations (VSOs) in a casual environment.

• Dog Tag Fellowship Program equips veterans, military spouses, and caregivers with the tools and education to build resilience, find renewed purpose, and forge community beyond the military. Dog Tag provides a bridge from military service to the civilian world and acts as a catalyst for finding direction and moving forward.
• Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Fellows Programs are best-in-class workforce development programs that place highly skilled and educated transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers with employers committed to hiring them.
• Operation Warfighter (OWF) is a Department of Defense internship program that matches qualified wounded, ill and injured Service members with non-funded federal internships in order for them to gain valuable work experience during their recovery and rehabilitation. This process assists with the Service members’ reintegration to duty, or transition into the civilian work environment where they are able to employ their newly acquired skills in a non-military work setting. 

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Government-wide Veterans Employment website is a critical component of the Federal Government’s strategy for the recruitment and employment of veterans.

In 2009, Executive Order 13518, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, established the Veterans Employment Initiative and OPM created its Veterans Services Office to provide strategic leadership and direction for the Initiative. Using a strategic, straightforward approach to helping the men and women who have served our country in the military find employment in the Federal Government and helping to align the talents of these individuals with key positions, Veterans Services has better positioned the Government to meet mission objectives and citizens are better served. Veterans Services works across the Federal Government to increase the number of veterans, transitioning military service members, and their families employed and retained in the civil service. Currently, veterans represent approximately 31 percent of the Federal workforce, compared to 25.8 percent before the Executive Order was established.

Information for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members

Thank you for your service! Exciting Federal job opportunities are available across our country and around the world! Planning early is a smart decision. This information will help you understand Veterans' Preference, how Federal jobs are filled, and unique veteran appointing authorities designed to help you find a Federal job.

Education & Training Opportunities

• Do you know enough about Federal employment to be competitive? Check out the Virtual Classroom to learn about Continuing Your Service Through Federal Employment.
• Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill Website (external link)

Resources

• View this list of Things Every Veteran Should Know,
• Veterans Employment Center on eBenefits (You must be registered to use this website.)
• Department of Defense Veterans
• Military to Federal Jobs Crosswalk
• Veterans.gov

Veterans Employment Programs OPM Programs

• Vets-to-Feds (V2F) Program - This program is designed to recruit and support the development of our nation’s veterans for careers with the Federal Government. The Vets2Feds Career Development Program will provide you with an opportunity to train and develop new professionals in the Federal government. Targeted Mission Critical Occupations can vary. For more information contact fedshirevets@opm.gov
• Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy - Offers Federal employees the opportunity for hands-on training in cybersecurity, one of the fastest growing fields in the country.

Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

• Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) - Provides eligible veterans with the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience by working in a Federal, State, or Local government agency. (38 CFR 21.123)
  • Placement can be at any government facility that will provide the veteran with a work experience consistent with his or her vocational rehabilitation goals.
  • There is no cost to the employer; the veteran receives a subsistence allowance from the VA.
• On-the Job & Apprenticeship Training Programs - Provides eligible veterans an opportunity to obtain training and practical hands-on experience. Veterans are hired by participating employers at the onset of an OJT program, employment is expected to continue following successful completion of the OJT program. Benefits to the Federal Agency:
  • Hire qualified veterans trained to the Federal Agency’s specifications.
  • Hire a trainee at an apprenticeship wage.
  • VA provides the necessary tools, equipment, uniforms and other supplies.
  • Appropriate accommodations are made based on individual needs.
• VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) Warriors to Workforce Program (W2W) - A program that offers Veterans an opportunity to transition into a career in the federal government by applying their military skills and experiences to the federal workforce. The program focuses on transitional support, mentoring, professional development, and foundational career training activities. Interns complete the program as a cohort, fortified by a built-in support system that mirrors the team environment and camaraderie that they experienced in the military.
  • The W2W program serves as a foundation to the Acquisition Intern Program (AIP). Interns who successfully complete the W2W Program are converted to GS-7 Contract Specialists and matriculate to the AIP where they learn the essential technical and professional competencies for contracting professionals in an experiential learning environment with real-world work scenarios. Upon successful completion of the AIP, interns are strategically infused into the Acquisition workforce to meet the needs of federal contracting organizations throughout the country.
• Veterans Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Program - A five-year, $75 million pilot program that helps Veterans improve their IT skills through courses offered by industry-leading training providers, both in-person and virtual. Since the pilot’s inception, the program has been highly popular with students successfully completing high-technology focused programs such as Information Sciences, Computer Software, Computer Programming, Media Applications, and Data Processing.
  • In support of VA’s VET TEC program participants, VA created the VET TEC Employer Consortium, and is partnering with employers committed to hiring high-tech skilled Veteran talent. The VET TEC Employer Consortium helps Veterans bridge the gap between VET TEC program completion and meaningful employment, while also fostering a network of employers and training providers for graduates to leverage at the beginning of, and throughout, their career.
  • The VET TEC Employer Consortium will provide a diverse range of opportunities for VET TEC students to connect with employer partners and VA, including Job Previews, Lunch & Learn sessions, Day in The Life, and Panel Discussions.
  • Are you interested in learning more? There are a variety of ways to get involved with the VET TEC program and Employer Consortium.
    • If you are a Veteran and interested in a career in the technology industry, please visit the VET TEC website to learn more about the VET TEC program, eligibility requirements, and to apply.
    • If you are a training provider and would like to be included as a VA-approved provider, please visit the VET TEC Training Provider website, as well as complete the application packet.
    • If you are an employer in the technology industry and would like to join our VET TEC Employer Consortium , please send an email to VETTECpartners@va.gov.
• Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship - VA launched the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Scholarship program to support students training in high demand STEM fields. The Rogers STEM Scholarship provides up to nine months of additional Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (to a maximum of $30,000) to qualifying Veterans and Fry Scholars seeking an undergraduate STEM degree or who have earned a STEM degree and are seeking a teaching certification.

FourBlock is a nation-wide community of veterans and employers dedicated to transforming the veteran transition process. FourBlock looks beyond transition to equip veterans to achieve their potential and to pursue careers that fit their calling.

• Career Readiness Program - FourBlock is shaping the future of veteran transition and veteran career readiness by building a nationwide community of veterans and employers dedicated to supporting returning service members as they pursue meaningful careers after the military. FourBlock brings together a veteran with an employer so that they may have a conversation about career opportunities, learn from one another, and begin to build a professional relationship. FourBlock’s Career Readiness Program is designed to equip transitioning service members and veterans with the tools they need to develop professional knowledge and build the relationships necessary to successfully transition to meaningful civilian careers. Program Locations include:
  • Central Region
  • Global - Virtual
  • Northeast Region
  • Pacific Northwest Region
  • Southeast Region
  • Washington, D.C.
• FourBlock Connect is a closed community that will help our students and alumni find connections and advance their careers, while providing our employer partners with opportunities to introduce themselves, hire, coach, and offer mentorship.
• Military Spouse Career Readiness Program - FourBlock has joined forces with national learning company Prepare To Launch U (PTLU) to create a comprehensive, instructional career transition program for military spouses looking to return to work or pivot into new careers.
• Mission Hire Me is a one-of-a-kind public service striving to help veterans and their spouses in securing employment. Mission Hire Me helps veterans and spouses share their stories through the power of video, interview training, and mentorship.

The Google Veterans Network (VetNet) is proud to present the 3rd annual Google VetNet Career Week, a virtual three-day event offering veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses/partners the tools, support, and advice needed to establish and advance your career. We are also offering access to this event to US newcomers displaced by the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

The three day program will include panels providing an overview of specific job functions and industries found in corporate society today, exclusive fireside chats, free skill building sessions, and the opportunity for a 1:1 personal resume review with a Googler.

Register before 11:59 PM PT on June 8th to receive a 1:1 personal resume review or informal career chat with a Googler.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been in the corporate workforce for years, Google’s VetNet Career Week aims to provide useful networking, learning lessons, and tactical career advice for all.

Career Tools and Networking Opportunities

• Veterans - Get the tools to build your professional brand, manage your professional network, and gain the skills you’ll need to be successful in every stage of your career.
• Military spouses - Discover ways to identify career opportunities that’ll support your family throughout military service, and join a community of like-minded military spouse professionals.
• Employers - Use LinkedIn products, resources, and thought-leadership content to help find the most qualified veteran candidates for your open roles.

Free Premium Subscription

• Linkedin is offering eligible members of the  U.S. military community one year of access to LinkedIn Premium — a more robust version of a basic LinkedIn account — to help you get noticed by recruiters, build your network, find and apply to jobs, and get support. You’ll also get a year of unlimited access to more than 10,000 courses through our LinkedIn Learning platform.
  • Service Members and Veterans - In collaboration with SheerID, LinkedIn offers eligible members of the U.S. military community one year of access to LinkedIn Premium. You’ll also get unlimited access to more than 10,000 courses through our LinkedIn Learning platform as a part of the program.
  • Military Spouses - Eligible spouses get access to our library of more than 16,000 business, technical, and creative courses. LinkedIn supports the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, including its Military Spouse Employment Partnership group and the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network.
  • Employers - Search Linkedin's Veteran Database, learn how to recruit veterans, and use LinkedIn’s data and insights to learn more about hiring veterans.

The Maryland Center For Veterans Education and Training, Inc. (MCVET) mission is to provide homeless veterans and veterans in need with comprehensive services that will enable them to rejoin their communities as productive citizens.

MCVET provides transitional housing, mental health services, workforce development, education, training, substance abuse support, financial stability, case management, benefits counseling, support groups, after care programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Outpatient Programs (OP).

MCVET Goals:

• To provide housing options that systemically prepares the program veterans for independent living situations.
• To provide a continuum of services that identify and effectively address the socioeconomic and health related needs of the program veterans and other veterans.
• To provide education and employment services that identify, develop and enhance the professional and personal skills of the program veterans, thereby equipping them for quality job opportunities.
• To cultivate partnerships with veteran-specific agencies, donors and funders, service providers and community based organizations that will help fulfill the overall mission of MCVET.

MCVET Supportive Services include:  

• Case Management - Counseling: Prospective residents undergo assessment by a trained case manager performing intake duties to (a) determine whether or not they meet the criteria of homelessness and (b) verify their veteran status in accordance with the mission of the program. If accepted, the resident is referred to the Veterans Affairs for physical and mental health treatment, as needed. During the first 60 days of residency at MCVET, each resident is assigned to a case manager and attends addiction recovery classes daily. They receive individual counseling and on-site assistance including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and assistance with family problems. They are also assigned to a benefits counselor who assists with VA entitlements.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling: During the first 60 days of residency at MCVET, each resident is assigned to a case manager and attends addiction recovery classes daily. They receive individual counseling and on-site assistance including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and assistance with family problems. They are also assigned to a benefits counselor who assists with VA entitlements. After 60 days, the resident may move to the Transtional Housing Program where they are required to attend life skills and substance abuse classes, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and work in conjunction with a case manager in the development of an Individual Service Strategy (ISS). The ISS is a long-range plan used as a tool to outline education, employment and housing goals and to document strategies for helping the resident stay drug free.
• Health Care: Residents often encounter mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, family problems, etc. Referrals for mental health issues are made to Veterans Affairs Medical Centers located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. The information and referral process of MCVET ensures that its residents receive quality care for these problems. All residents have access to health care services. A Vision Care clinic is located on-site to provide services for MCVET's residents. Physical health problems of a more serious nature are referred to and treated at the local Veterans Affairs Medical Centers or through private physicians obtained by the residents.
• Education and Employment Services: The Education, Training, and Employment (ETE) program's goal is to involve the residents of MCVET in higher education or skilled training programs that will enable them to secure first-rate employment and higher paying salaries. The first phase of the ETE program is assessment. Assessments are done in two parts. The first part is conducted with a group of peers while the resident is still in the Emergency Shelter Program. The second part is completed after the individual's case manager makes the referral to ETE. After a resident is enrolled into a training program, the ETE program coordinator tracks his performance until the completion of his program. The individual will then be referred to employment services. The employment service component of ETE is structured in partnership with Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulations (DLLR). This comprehensive program includes intensive job development, job search, labor market information, assisted placement, job workshops, resume preparation, and interview skills training.

Volunteer:

Volunteer with MCVET by filling out this online form.

Here are ways you can you help veterans, their families, and the community by volunteering with MCVET:

• Driver – Help us with delivery or pick-up of goods & materials or help take our veterans in a company vehicle to appointments.
• Events & Programs for our veterans – Sponsor events for the residents of our housing programs, including but not limited to seasonal/holiday parties, cookouts, monthly group birthdays.
• Facility & Maintenance Projects  – Are you a certified technician (plumber, electrician, general contractor, etc.). We appreciate any help with repairs and maintenance of our grounds and facilities.
• Food Services – Would you like to donate time helping to serve food, provide kitchen support and other related needs to ensure our veterans and families are receiving nutritious meals? Contact us.
• Fundraising Events – Assist with the annual MCVET Car Wash, 5K/10K Walk-Run, Golf Tournament, and any number of other events. Volunteers help with event planning, management, and promotion.
• Greeter  – Be the first one to greet donors and volunteers and participants at MCVET events. Help log in donations and pass along to others -- ways in which the community can help MCVET.
• Office Support – From time to time, MCVET may need help to process seasonal donations, prepare bulk mailings, and manage other special projects.
• Run a Donation Drive – Collect items on our Wish List. Food, clothing, toiletry, and gift card drives in particular are very helpful.
  •  PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to run a donation drive, please contact donations@mcvet.org
• Tutor/Teach – Have experience teaching a subject or activity? Tutoring individuals or teaching a class is an opportunity to change the outlook of another person. Conduct a class in health, wellness, nutrition, fitness, and more. 
  • PLEASE NOTE: Background and experience in the subject matter are required.

• Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) seeks to improve the quality of life for veterans, including those from the National Guard and Reserves, active duty, and their families. CVN works to strengthen mental health outcomes and complement existing support. CVN's vision is to ensure that every veteran, active duty service member, and family member is able to obtain access to high-quality care that enables them to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
• MakeTheConnection.net is an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
  • Stories of Connection - Watch, read, and listen to Veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery, find useful information and local mental health resources, and explore ways to show your support.
  • Treatment and Support - No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
• Platoon_22 is an organization with the mission to end Veteran suicide through the successful reintegration of service members and their families by assembling critical resources, providing peer support, and developing transitional programs. Platoon_22's goal is to show people that it’s not just about having PTSD or PTS, it’s about having PTSG, which is post traumatic growth. Not only can you survive post suicide, or post-depression, if you learn how to navigate it, you can actually thrive.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center serves as a national resource to support states, territories, and local communities in strengthening their capacity to address the behavioral health needs of military and veteran families.
• Veteran Crisis Line - If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans.
• Veteran’s PATH (Peace, Acceptance, Transformation, and Honor) is a 501(c)3 that builds a community of support for veterans, offering mindfulness, wellness and meditation tools. Each veteran’s inner strength is supported, reflected and magnified in the strength of the community.  We invite everyone who cares about the well-being of those who served to invest in our ability to offer programs at no cost to veterans. Veteran’s PATH enables returning veterans to rediscover meaning, purpose, and joy in their lives through mindfulness, meditation, and a safe community.
  • Learn to Meditate
  • Learn about Accelerated Mind Performance (AMP)
  • Watch Veteran's PATH Videos
  • Attend Veteran’s PATH Events - They are free of charge and funded through public and private sector grants and through the generosity of individual donors.

• eMentor is a cutting-edge online mentoring program for military personnel, veterans and military spouses. eMentor connects individuals for dynamic mentoring experiences that powerfully move them forward in their personal and professional lives. Designed to bridge the gap between organizations and job seekers, the eMentor Program offers support, trusted networking and success. Having a mentor who can provide insights into civilian careers and corporate hiring practices removes some of the anxiety of navigating a major life change, such as transitioning from active duty, reentering the civilian workforce or starting your own business. eMentor puts veterans and military spouses in virtual touch with corporate and career mentors for guidance and support to assist in the specific challenges our Veterans and Military Spouses face today.
• MBA Veterans Network® is a professional networking and advocacy organization dedicated to connecting military veteran students and alumni of the world’s top-ranked universities with employers who value their elite academic credentials, military leadership abilities, and limitless career potential.
• Veterati is an innovative mentorship platform that makes being a mentor and finding mentors effortless. Connecting job-seekers to mentors at scale is phase 1 of Veterati’s greater mission: to transform job search from a painful experience into an inspiring journey.
• Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), in partnership with colleges and universities, hosts intensive and immersive one and two-week college-preparatory academic boot camps for enlisted veterans and transitioning service members. Boot camps are offered in three disciplines: Humanities, STEM, and Business & Entrepreneurship.

Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Learn about some of the ways we serve you.

Military families have proven their strength in weathering unique issues, such as frequent moves, deployments and separations from loved ones. Because everyone struggles now and then, the Department of Defense provides confidential non-medical counseling, specialty consultations and other forms of free confidential help to service members, immediate family members and, in some cases, Department of Defense civilians. Confidential help is available in person, via secure video, over the phone and online.

Military OneSource provides a wide range of support and confidential services, including:

• Online learning services and webinars
• Call center consultation and services
• Language translation services for documents and for telephonic interpretation
• Non-medical counseling available in person, by telephone, via secure chat or by secure video session
• Tax consultation and filing services
• Health and Wellness coaching
• Financial and Legal counseling
• Child and youth behavioral military and family life counseling

Eligibility for All Military OneSource Services

Military OneSource is an easily accessible virtual extension of installation services that is available to Department of Defense service members, immediate family members and, in some cases, Department of Defense civilians. Eligibility may vary in certain circumstances, and may be further determined with the following information.

• Active duty: All active-duty service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force
• Immediate family of active-duty service members: Immediate family includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a service member’s children during separation, for the benefit of the children
• National Guard and reserve: Members of the Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve of the United States, and Army and Air National Guard members, regardless of activation status, including Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve and Standby Reserve
• Immediate family of National Guard and reserve service members: Immediate family includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a service member’s children during deployment or separation, for the benefit of the children
• Coast Guard: Coast Guard members who are activated as part of the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority, as well as their family members. All Coast Guard veterans and their immediate family are eligible from their separation date until 365 days past end of tour of service
• Survivors of deceased service members: Eligible survivors include non-remarried surviving spouses and children of active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members regardless of activation status and cause of death of the service member
• Medically discharged service members: Eligible if the service member is being served under one of the services’ wounded warrior or seriously ill or injured programs
• Immediate family, caregivers and parents of wounded warrior or seriously ill or injured service members: Immediate family includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a service member’s children during separation, for the benefit of the children
• Retired service members and immediate family: Eligible until 365 days past end of tour of service, retirement date or discharge date, including service members on the Temporary Disability Retirement List, as well as their immediate family including spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a service member’s children, for the benefit of the children
• Discharged service members and immediate family: Service members discharged honorably, including a general discharge under honorable conditions, and their immediate family members from their separation date until 365 days past end of tour of service, retirement date or discharge date; immediate family includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a member’s children, for the benefit of the children
• Designated Department of Defense expeditionary civilians: Eligible as defined by Directive-type Memorandum (DTM)-17-004, “Department of Defense Expeditionary Civilian Workforce” during the 90 days prior to deployment and 180 days post-deployment
• Immediate family of designated Department of Defense expeditionary civilians: Immediate family includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for workforce member’s children, for the benefit of the children
• Military academy cadets: Students enrolled in one of the service academies for the Army, Navy or Air Force

Eligibility for limited Military OneSource Services

The following are eligible for Military OneSource online services and webinars, call center consultation and services, and language translation services for documents and for telephone translation:

• Non-military/non-spouse (for example, partner or former spouse) who is the parent of an eligible child: Eligible if the service member is being served under one of the services’ wounded warrior or seriously ill or injured programs, as well as his or her immediate family including spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a service member’s children during separation, for the benefit of the children
• Department of Defense civilians, National Guard and reserve employees, government contractors, state civilians, contractors and organizations: Employees and individuals in this category are eligible for Military OneSource services if they are eligible under another category (for example, a Department of Defense civilian who is married to an active-duty service member)

Eligibility for Military OneSource online services and webinars, and call center consultation and services

The following are eligible for Military OneSource online services and webinars, and call center consultation and services:

• Parents and extended family members of active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members: Eligible when needing assistance with issues that are directly related to the service member or on behalf of the service member; includes adult children, parents or legal guardians, siblings, grandparents and persons authorized to conduct business on behalf of the service member
• Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: Students enrolled in an accredited ROTC program
• Delayed-entry recruits and future recruits: Individuals who have entered into a non-binding, but promissory contract with the Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Air Force or National Guard and reserve; however, individuals who are not 18 years or older are required to have parental consent for selected services
• Parents and immediate family members of delayed-entry recruits and future recruits: Eligible when needing assistance with issues that are directly related to or on behalf of their future recruit; includes spouses, children and anyone who has legal responsibility for a future recruit’s children

When you need quick access to timely, reliable information about the programs supporting service members under your command or service, look to Military OneSource first.

Speak with a Military OneSource consultant directly at 800-342-9647 for more information regarding eligibility requirements. OCONUS/International? View calling options.

Military OneSource Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)

• This program provides Education and Career Guidance to military spouses worldwide and offers comprehensive resources and tools related to career exploration, education, training and licensing, employment readiness and career connections.
• The Military Spouse Transition Program (MySTeP) will help you plan, prepare and be ready for the life your family wants after transitioning out of the military, whenever that time comes. The information, tools and programs highlighted in MySTeP will connect you with the right resources at the right time to help you successfully navigate military life at every stage of your service member's career.
• Utilize the free comprehensive coaching services to all eligible military spouses. Career coaches offer specialty consultations six days a week. Take advantage of specialized coaching packages developed to help you succeed in your chosen career path. Call 800-342-9647 to choose from the following packages:
  • Career Readiness Coaching Package
  • Entrepreneurial Spouse Coaching Package
  • Re-Entering the Workforce Coaching Package
  • Health Care Coaching Package
  • Intelligence and Cybersecurity Coaching Package
  • New Spouse Coaching Package
  • K-12 Education Coaching Package
  • Federal Employment Coaching Package
  • Permanent Change of Station Coaching Package
  • Information Technology Coaching Package
  • Career Pathways Coaching Package
  • SECO Freelancing in a Gig Economy Coaching Package
• Other Spouse Edcuation and Career Services offered include:
  • Learn about Career Paths
  • Pursue Your Education
  • Research Occupations
  • Scholarships/Financial Assistance
  • Search for Jobs

Articles

• TAO Self-Help Articles section - Updated bi-weekly, this section is an informative resource designed to keep transitioning military, up-to-date on the most current methods to find the right career.

Blogs

• Blue Star Families
• Bunker Labs
• Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV)
• The Rosie Network
• U.S. Department of Labor

Books

• DODReads - Every month DODReads publishes the best of “What are you Reading?” They take our top articles, interviews, book reviews, articles, and podcasts and send them out in our monthly newsletter. They also take all the free books that their authors have given us and turn those books around and give them back to you in their newsletter.  Each month they give away around 8-10 books with some months giving away up to 15.  As always their active duty and reservists are given first priority on the free book giveaway.
• Military-Transition.org Ebooks

Communities

• Blue Star Neighborhood - An online community for military and Veteran families to get connected and feel empowered to thrive. It is where members, located around the world, can gather in a virtual setting to enjoy all that Blue Star Families has to offer. Members will get connected to resources and events–both virtually and in local communities, career opportunities, resources, perks from top brands, Blue Star Families research, and so much more.

Data

• Institute for Veterans & Military Families Insights & Tools
• U.S. Census Bureau Data on Veterans
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics

Magazines

• U.S. Veterans Magazine
• National Veterans Magazine

News

• Stars and Stripes
• U.S. Veterans News
• Veteran Affairs News
• Veterans News Report

Videos

• Make the Connection videos help Veterans and their loved ones connect with fellow Veterans and sources of support. Representing every military branch and service eras from World War II to the present, more than 600 Veterans and their loved ones have shared their stories to inspire other Veterans to reach out for help when they need it.

Webinars

• eMentor Learning Lab
• National VIP

Websites

• Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
• Military Times
• National Veterans Foundation
• USA.gov Military and Veterans
• Veterans on Wall Street

• Black Veteran Entrepreneur - African-American Naval Academy Graduate, Marine Corps Veteran, and Entrepreneur "IRON" Mike Steadman, shares his perspectives on race, culture, and business.
• Combat and Classics is a series of podcasts and free online seminars for active duty, reserve, and veteran U.S. military members, sponsored by St. John’s College. The podcasts and seminars encourage deep thought and reflection by leaders in the company of their peers
• Defense Department Office of Military Community and Family Policy, Office of Special Needs produced the Office of Special Needs EFMP podcast to help military families learn about the Exceptional Family Member Program and other resources. Listen as experts discuss topics of interest to military families who have a member with special needs. Learn how to build a community of support, connect with assistance on the installation and in the community, and use resources including MilitaryOneSource.mil and EFMP & Me. This podcast series is also a great resource for service providers and leaders to share with the service members and families they support.
• DODReads Podcast: What are you reading? is a podcast dedicated to inspiring a culture of scholarship and lifelong learning in the Armed Forces. This podcast is in partnership with DODReads.com
• FourBlock Podcast seeks to examine veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
• Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast is powered by the voices of Veterans sharing their stories. Whether you are a Veteran or you love someone who has served, this podcast shines a light on the mental health challenges that some Veterans face — and the various paths they can take toward a healthier life.
• Military OneSource Podcast Series - Military OneSource podcasts are a simple way to connect to your best MilLife. They can help you live your best military life, overcome challenges and thrive. Turn to the Military OneSource podcast for information, tools and resources on topics unique to the military, like spouse employment, special needs family members, deployment, relocation, finances, parenting and more.
• Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass with Brett Henderson founder of Strategic Wealth Endeavor. The podcast provides expert advice and resources so you can overcome any obstacle in your way. Brett, alongside veteran guest experts, offers advice on finding and keeping talent, maximizing enterprise value, and reducing risk. With a battle-ready business mindset, you can achieve anything.
• Veteran Affairs Podcasts Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on
• Veteran Founder Podcast - Hosted by Josh Carter and Carmen Nazario.
• Veteran’s PATH Podcast helps veterans find Peace, Acceptance, Transformation and Honor through practical tools like meditation and mindfulness, physical and outdoor experiences, and a community of camaraderie
• VET S.O.S. Podcast - Providing a lifeline to veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses through the sharing of information and resources about veteran support organizations and key personnel in the veteran support community who are helping our community succeed.

• American Veterans (AMVETS) is proud to offer scholarships/grants to our nation’s Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reserves; their Spouses as well as their Children and Grandchildren. AMVETS scholarships are designed to fulfill a financial gap after all Federal/State grants and/or scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been exhausted.
• Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship - Allows eligible Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or dependents using the Fry Scholarship to get added benefits. This scholarship provides up to 9 months (or $30,000) of benefits for training in high-demand fields. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.
• Fry Scholarship - The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship is a scholarship for children and spouses of certain Veterans. If your parent or spouse died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, while serving in one of the Armed Forces, or was a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability, you may qualify for this benefit.
• Scholarships.com - Whether you are a member of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy there are a number of college scholarships and grants available for service members, veterans and their families. Review this long list of scholarships.
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) ensures each student has the resources to attend the best college for which he or she qualifies.
• Student Veterans of America (SVA) offers $100,000 in scholarships thanks to its various partners. Check out and apply for these scholarships.
• Vets2Industry Scholarship Opportunities - Identify funding opportunities for higher education in the military community. If you are looking for a college or continuing education scholarship, VETS2INDUSTRY has it broken down in segments based on your personalized filters and needs.
• VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It’s just another way for us to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms.    
• Yellow Ribbon Program - This program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.

• Mission Continues is on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Mission Continues' programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more.
  • Mass Deployments mobilize veterans from across the country alongside local partners and volunteers in a single city for a week of learning, teamwork, and community impact.
  • Service Platoons are your opportunity to engage and connect with veterans and community members while generating community impact in a real and tangible way.
  • Veteran Leadership Accelerator offers various leadership programs that invest in veterans nationwide to create stronger communities.
    • Leading For All is a leadership initiative to prepare veterans to become confident as a leader within their diverse communities across the country. 
    • Service Leadership Corps is an opportunity for veterans to expand their network and maximize their skills to drive change efforts specific to their local communities. 
    • Veteran Online Leadership Training (VOLT) is where community-based leadership grows. VOLT's veteran-focused courses are designed to teach participants how to lead in their communities and engage in asset-based personal development practices.
    • Women Veterans Leadership Program is a one-of-a-kind program where cohort members will have made lifelong friends and lasting connections with other women veterans. Everyone will feel empowered to lead the charge for gender equality in their communities.
• Soldiers' Angels mission is to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community— no matter what that individual’s political or religious affiliations might be. Sign up to become a Soldiers' Angel Volunteer.
  • Food Distributions provide food assistance to thousands of low-income, at-risk, and homeless veterans across the country each month. These events rely on volunteers in each city to help distribute the food to veterans in need.
  • In-Person Opportunities is one of the few organizations approved to work within the VA Health System. Soldiers’ Angels volunteer on the Veteran Support Team work within VA Hospitals across the country to support veteran patients.
  • Special Campaigns are unique and fun opportunities to volunteer by making or collecting needed items. These campaigns occur throughout the year and require less of a time commitment than the Virtual or Veteran Support Opportunities.
  • Virtual Opportunities include sending care packages, baking homemade treats, crafting handmade items, and more from anywhere around the world. Soldiers’ Angels offers an array of virtual volunteer opportunities that all support the military and veteran community.
• Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) exists to guide Veterans through the transition to civilian life with real-life and virtual opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle because a strong focus on mental and physical health is critical to ensuring veterans’ best days are ahead. 
• Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. Team Rubicon mission is providing relief to those affected by disaster or crises, no matter when or where they strike. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible.
  • Clay Hunt Fellows Program is a six-month, paid cohort designed to equip veterans with tools to help redefine and refine their purpose and identity, as they transition into civilian life.
• Veterans Education Success helps service members and veterans share their experience and insights with policymakers and the public. help lawmakers get a better understanding of student veterans and what we need to succeed. You can help fix the problems you see. Veterans Education Success works with service members, veterans, and their families and survivors across the country to share your experiences with policymakers, in order to improve education for all veterans.  Get involved with the democracy we swore to protect and defend! 

SkillBridge is a great opportunity for transitioning service members to build their resumes, explore employment interests, and develop job skills that will help them prepare for their adjustment to the workplace. Separating service members must obtain approval from their current unit and be American citizens who are on active duty in the military. Service members must also fulfill the security clearance requirements set by the office where they intend to work. During SkillBridge participation, service members continue to receive military compensation and remain covered by military benefits. 

The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during their last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with DHS Components in real-world job experiences.

Find more information specific to:

• Military Members - SkillBridge is an excellent opportunity as you plan for your life after the military. SkillBridge matches civilian opportunities to your job training and work experience at the end of your military duty
• Military Spouses - Many of the SkillBridge Authorized partners may also offer pathways to training and employment for Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military Spouses. These programs are not supported financially by DOD but may be offered on terms that differ from those available to other groups.
• Industry Partners/Employers - Through the SkillBridge program industry partners benefit from gaining early access to the extensive experience, skills, and unmatched work ethos Service members bring to the workforce. Employers craft SkillBridge programs to meet their specific workforce needs, matching those needs to the skills and abilities of highly motivated Service members, all at no cost.
• Commands & Installation Offices - If you have a Service member in your command who is preparing for their release from Active Duty, and you want to support their next steps, then be sure to support the SkillBridge program.

• Adam Bixler, EMBA '20, Co-Founded Efflux Systems
• Bryson Bort, MS '05, CEO and Founder of SCYTHE
• Frank Goertner, MA & EMBA '17, Owner and Principal of Posterum Consulting
• Ryan Hogan '13, Co-Founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer
• Rick Rudman '84, Founded Vocus and CEO of Curbio

• Matt Laser, MBA '04, President of Clear Change Investments
• Bryan Swann, Angel Investor
• Ryan Swann, Angel Investor, Black Angel Group