North Carolina Veteran Business Support Grant

North Carolina Veteran Business Support Grant is sponsored by North Carolina (via SME Fund Finder). The North Carolina Veteran Business Support Grant is designed to support small business owners operating within North Carolina who are veterans. Funding is intended to encourage business growth and development.

# ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2024 μ2025 DNVMCAVISIT US @ MILVETS. NC. GOV 62 .

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Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) 63 . . .

. Resources for Veteran Owned Start-Ups 66 . .

. . Resources for Veteran Owned Established Businesses 68 .

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Funding Sources 68 . . .

. Certifications For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do. # “As a veteran, you possess the skills and talent that communities need to succeed and thrive.

In transitioning out of the military, you face two choices: 1) seeking employment with an existing firm; or 2) starting your own business as an entrepreneur. Either path you take will provide you the opportunity to use your skills as a veteran to improve the world around you; the choice is yours.

Whether you are retired, just separated from service, military spouse or family member—the resources that follow will equip you with all the information you need to start and grow your business or career. Most of these services are available to you for no cost. We are proud that you’ve chosen to call North Carolina home, and these organizations and resources are here to help you thrive.

# ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES ## 60 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB Opportunities! Do you own a small business and are interested in doing business with state or local governments? Certified HUBs: • Are notified about bid opportunities • Can access training • Are included in HUB database • Can tap into resources to expand business Become a certified historically underutilized business.

doa. nc. gov/HUB North Carolina values and supports Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs).

In fact, state agencies have a 10% goal to use HUBs on construction contracts and in purchasing goods and services. Local government agencies, public universities, school systems, and community colleges also use HUBs. If you are a veteran-owned business, we encourage you to learn more about HUB certification through NCDOA’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses.

## 61 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP OFFICE FOR HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES ncadmin. nc. gov/businesses/hub/hub-certification Honor and show support for veterans during the week of Veterans Day in November!

Please display a green light in your home and businesses. ## 62 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP n US Small Business Administration (SBA) – The US SBA is a federal agency focused on small business programs and opportunities to do business with the US government. The SBA provides on-line, on-demand resources for start-ups and existing businesses.

These resources include checklists; on-line, on-demand videos; resource lists; information on government contracting, set-aside programs, and funding options. WEBSITE: WWW. SBA.

GOV/STARTING-BUSINESS/HOW-START-BUSINESS/BUSINESS-TYPES/VETERAN-OWNED-BUSINESSES n Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) – BLNC works in partnership with the NC Department of Commerce and provides free services to help veterans and anyone with starting a small business. They offer consultation on a wide range of topics to include what rules/ regulations are required by the state to be compliant. PHONE: 800-228-8443 / WEBSITE: WWW.

BLNC. GOV n Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) – The VBOC, a program of the US SBA, provides entrepreneurial development services like training, counseling and mentoring for eligible veterans who own or want to start a small business. The VBOC is located at Fayetteville State University and provides services to veterans statewide in North Carolina.

PHONE: (910) 672-2683 / WEBSITE: WWW. FSUVBOC. COM n Small Business Center Network (SBC) – Every community college in North Carolina has a SBC.

Veterans are able to access any of the SBC workshops or work with a counselor in their area. n Rural RISE NC – Resources for Innovators, Startups and Entrepreneurs (RISE) is a searchable database, across all counties, of service providers - funders, mentors, business counselors and more. Many of these resources are free.

WEBSITE: WWW. SOSNC. GOV/RISE n Wake Tech Community Colleg e – Veterans Entrepreneurial Advantage Program.

Wake Tech has programs for military members and veterans. They have a Center for Entrepreneurship with special training for veterans that want to start or grow their business. WEBSITE: WWW.

WAKETECH. EDU/STUDENT-SERVICES/ VETERANS-AFFAIRS n VetToCEO – A nonprofit organization offering a free online educational program on entrepreneurship. The program is tailored for active military members and for veterans.

WEBSITE: WWW. VETTOCEO. ORG n Bunker Labs RDU – A nonprofit organization offering educational programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and providing assistance to existing veteran-owned tech startups.

WEBSITE: WWW. BUNKERLABSRDU. ORG n Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBVD-IVMF) – A program designed for veterans to leverage the skills, resources, and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management.

Program is focused on post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities and a passion for entrepreneurship. WEBSITE: EBV. VETS.

SYR. EDU n US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Small Farm Business and Funding Startups – The USDA has a program to encourage the startup of sustainable small farms and ranches. The program includes information on farming as a business, how to start a farm, grants and loan programs, business plans, and management.

WEBSITE: WWW. NAL. USDA.

GOV/AFSIC/SMALL-FARM-FUNDING-AND-BUSINESS Transitioning out of military service means you preparing to start a whole new chapter in your life. You can decide what you want to do and which path you will take to achieve your goals. Generally, there are two options: 1) seek employment from an existing company or 2) become an entrepreneur and start a business.

Many of the skills and leadership qualities veterans acquire through service are the same ingredients that help make a person a successful entrepreneur. The resources listed below are provided to equip you with a wide range of information about starting and growing a business. The majority of these services are available to you at NO COST.

Understand the journey of entrepreneurship and seek assistance from qualified organizations. Numerous resources and financial assistance programs have been implemented by the federal and state/local government. Ensure you check the Small Business Administration and other reliable resources for the most up to date information regarding relief options including loans, grants and other types of economic assistance.

## FOR VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS START-UPS GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT RESOURCES As a veteran you have the opportunity to explore the next chapter of your career. ## 63 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP KNOW YOURSELF Is this journey for you? Participate in programs designed to highlight the basics of business ownership – help yourself discover whether or not entrepreneurship is right for you.

Examples include: - SBA Boots To Business - The VET To CEO Program - NC Small Business Center Programs Also consider programs that identify opportunities in Farming, Agribusiness or owning a Franchise. NOTE: If entrepreneurship is NOT for you, you can seek assistance from NC4Vets, NC4ME or NCServes. # 1 2 KNOW YOUR BUSINESS How will you operate?

Take the necessary steps to properly establish your business. Choose a business name. Determine which business structure is right for you.

Register your business with the appropriate agency. Obtain your EIN (if necessary), apply for any required business licenses, register to pay the appropriate taxes.

Some resources to start-up or grow your business include: - The Small Business Administration - System Award Management (SAM) - Business Link NC (EDPNC) - NC Secretary of State - Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) You may also consider employing an attorney, bookkeeper, or CPA. Explore traditional and nontraditional funding options. # ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS # 3 KNOW YOUR OPPORTUNITIES Who are your potential customers?

Understand who your customers are and the opportunities available. What supply chain are you entering? Are you looking to sell to government agencies, corporations, B2B, or B2C?

How do you find and market to them? Once you know, select your path to connect: - Federal Bus. Opportunities (FEDBIZOPS) - NC Military Business Center (NCMBC) - NC Procurement Technical Assistance Center (NCPTAC) - NC Dept.

of Purchase & Contract - Local government websites ## 64 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP TIPS CONTRACTS GUIDANCE ADVICE NETWORKING # 4 KNOW YOUR CERTIFICATIONS What can help you win business? Pursue certifications relevant to where you are seeking to do business. Obtaining a certification demonstrates that you own, operate and control your business.

Certifying organizations may or may not charge a fee, however, there should be NO FEE to obtain assistance in completing your certification application. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Small Business Administration - WOSB, SDB, HUBZONE, 8(a) Dept. of Veterans Affairs, CVE Department of Transportation STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA Dept.

of Admin. HUB Office CORPORATE NVBDC: VOB, SDVOB HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

The mission of NC Vet Biz is to SUPPORT, EDUCATE , and CONNECT all veterans in commerce with resources to become successful in business. We work closely with Resource Partners at all levels (National, Federal, State/Local, Non Profit and Corporate America) to connect you with the free resources available to assist your business. Feel free to contact us for more information at info@ncvetbiz.

org KNOW YOUR NETWORK Who are the people that can help you? Look for teaming, partnering, and mentoring relationships. Consider joining Business Associations, Networking Groups, and Chambers of Commerce.

Signup for free business newsletters and business training sessions. Look to serve on a program committee or on a board to develop relationships. Remember, people do business with people they know!

## 65 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP n NC State University (NCSU) – The Agriculture Institute and The NC Farm School. These programs operate at NCSU, in partnership with NC A&T University, to encourage and equip the startup and growth of sustainable small farms and ranches. Program includes information on farming as a business, how to start a farm, grants and loan programs, business plans, and management.

WEBSITE: HARVEST. CALS. NCSU.

EDU/AGRICULTURAL-INSTITUTE For more in-depth information devoted to launching a North Carolina business, go to: https://www. sosnc. gov/Guides/launching_a_business To view a current business checklist, go to: https://www.

sosnc. gov/Guides/launching_a_business/new_ business_checklist In North Carolina, there are two ways to register a business: n NC Secretary of State – Visit this website for the forms to start a LLC, Corporation or a Nonprofit. PHONE: 919-814-5400 / Direct: (919) 814-5400, Option 3 https://www.

sosnc. gov/Guides/launching_a_business n County Register of Deeds – If you are a sole proprietor or a general partnership and/or wish to register an assumed business name, then contact your county’s Register of Deeds office. To find your Register of Deeds, visit the NC Association of Registers of Deeds web site.

Enter your county name for forms, address and phone number. https://www. ncard.

us/find-your-register-of-deeds/ ## FOR ESTABLISHED VETERAN OWNED BUSINESSES In addition to the resources listed above, established businesses can utilize the following resources to grow and seek procurement opportunities.

GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT RESOURCES n The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is a statewide business development and technology transition entity of the State of North Carolina, embedded in community colleges and headquartered at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The mission of the NCMBC is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand the economy, grow jobs and improve quality of life in North Carolina. The NCMBC connects NC businesses with all federal opportunities, including local opportunities at bases in the state.

NC businesses register on the portal, receive automatic matches to federal prime opportunities and to subcontracting opportunities posted by other registered businesses, and post job opportunities for FREE that match job skills posted by registered individuals. n Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) – North Carolina operates 10 regional service centers and 15 total offices across the state.

The SBTDC focus is on businesses that have been established for a few years and who need strategic assistance to continue growing. The North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is a service provided by the SBTDC.

The PTAC provides specialized and professional technical assistance to businesses seeking to pursue and successfully perform under contracting and subcontracting opportunities with the DoD, other federal agencies, and/or state and local governments.

The SBTDC also provides assistance in: International Business Development/Exporting (IBD); Market Research; Access to Private Equity: Private Equity Initiatives; Strategy & Growth Services for Mid-Sized Businesses; Technology Development & Commercialization.

n Rural RISE NC – Resources for Innovators, Startups and Entrepreneurs (RISE) is a searchable database, across all counties, of service providers - funders, mentors, business counselors and more. Many of these resources are free. WEBSITE: WWW.

SOSNC. GOV/RISE Between Fiscal Years 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, 1,289 students received scholarships from the DMVA’s scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans. ## 66 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP A CER TIFIED COMMUNITY DE VELOPMENT FUND IN STIUTION # Standing for the Success # of Those Who Have Served # Contact us to learn more or apply today.

Our Veteran Entrepreneurship Program helps military service members and their spouses develop winning strategies to start or expand small business ventures, through business coaching and access to the Veterans Direct Loan. ## 919-803-1437 • carolinasmallbusiness.

org/ veterans ## • Loans and lines of cr edit up t o $350,000 • As low as 7% fi xed rate for eligible borrowers • Personalized assistance for your success ## 67 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP n North Carolina Rural Center – The Rural Center provides programs for entrepreneurship in rural counties in North Carolina. They also provide lending options for new or expanding businesses in the state. WEBSITE: WWW.

NCRURALCENER. ORG/LENDING n NC Veteran Business Association (NC VetBiz) – A state-wide nonprofit with the mission to Support , Educate , and Connect all veterans in commerce in North Carolina with resources to become successful in business.

NC VetBiz works to develop a strong network of veteran professionals and veteran owned businesses in order to leverage our collective and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for the veteran owned business community and North Carolina. WEBSITE: WWW. NCVETBIZ.

ORG n Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) – Anonprofit that provides information, connections and networking opportunities to members to build relationships and promote defense related business within the state of North Carolina. WEBSITE: WWW. DEFENSEALLIANCENC.

ORG Funding to start or grow a small business is very challenging. In the current economy, traditional lending institutions can be considered, however they are usually not a viable option to fund a business start-up. The following resources identify several methods to research – both traditional and nontraditional (grants, foundations etc.).

FEDERAL/STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT n US SBA Loan Programs – There are a variety of government-backed loan programs for Small Businesses. WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW. SBA.

GOV/LOANS-GRANTS/SEE-WHAT-SBA-OFFERS/SBA-LOAN-PROGRAMS n Small Business Innovation Startups – The US government sets aside a portion of its annual budget to fund innovative research conducted by small businesses. These research grants and contracts are awarded through a proposal process conducted by various branches of the government.

n Made in NC – A one stop resource of all local, North Carolina entities who provide grants, foundations, and venture capital funds. WEBSITE: WWW. MADEINNORTHCAROLINA.

COM/MINNC-BUS_ GRANTS-FOUNDATIONS. HTML n NC Community Resource Information System (CRIS) – A state-administered grant programs site that lists funds available and disbursed to non-state entities. WEBSITE: WWW.

OSBM. NC. GOV/BUDGET/STATE-AGENCY-RESOURCES/BUDGET-MEMOS/COMMUNITY-RESOURCE-INFORMATION-SYSTEM-CRIS-REPORTING-REQUIREMENTS-FOR-GRANTS-TO-NON-STATE-ENTITIES n Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) – A statewide nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution.

They provide small-business loans and financial training to new and existing small businesses. They have 3 office locations in NC. PHONE: MAIN-RALEIGH, (919) 803-1437 WEBSITE: WWW.

CAROLINASMALLBUSINESS. ORG n Business Expansion Funding Corp (BEFCOR) – A Charlotte-based 504 lender that helps businesses throughout the area to secure and manage their 504 loans. BEFCOR also has staff located in the triangle region of the state.

BEFCOR has well-established relationships with area lenders and continually works to improve existing and build new ties to reputable financial sources. PHONE: (919) 803-1437 / WEBSITE: WWW. BEFCOR.

COM n Self-Help Credit Union – The Self-Help Credit Union is a financial institution focused more about the character of a person than status. Offices all over the state. WEBSITE: WWW.

SELF-HELP. ORG n INVESTInNC - Veterans are encouraged to participate in INVESTInNC’s “Veterans Six-Pack” campaign. This state agency is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of NC PACES.

Businesses considering taking advantage of the crowdfunding provisions of NC PACES should contact the NC Department of the Secretary of State, Securities Division at (919) 814-5400, Option 7-1, or toll-free at (800) 688-4507, or visit our website at https://www. sosnc. gov/divisions/securities/crowdfunding .

WEBSITE: WWW. INVESTINNC. COM Certifications are a tool for business owners to effectively demonstrate that they own, operate and control their own business.

There are several types of certifications available (federal/state & local/corporate) and business owners ## 68 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP Veterans in need of financial assistance may contact their respective aid organizations for help with loans, grants or a combination of both? 1550 Crystal Dr #809 Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 972-2650 afas. org/ 1005 N.

Glebe Road, Suite 220 Arlington, VA 22201 (800) 881-2462 www. cgmahq. org/ 2530 Crystal Drive Ste 13161, 13th Floor Arlington, VA 22202 (866) 878-6378 www.

armyemergencyrelief. org/covid19/ NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY 875 N. Randolph St.

Suite 225 Arlington, VA 22203 (800) 654-8364 www. nmcrs. org/ We are proud to be the voice for North Carolina veteran and military spouse owned businesses and professionals.

We are excited to have you on board our member-operated association of veteran business owners, military spouses, and professionals. Together we help strengthen North Carolina in Commerce. > W W W .

N C V E T B I Z . O R G Membership is an excellent opportunity to support veteran and military spouse businesses and professionals as they build their civilian careers. To SUPPORT, EDUCATE and CONNECT all veterans in commerce in North Carolina with resources to become successful in business.

READY TO START YOUR NEXT MISSION? > The North Carolina Veterans Business Association, doing business as NCVETBIZ, is a 501 (c)(3) association. # B e c o m e a m e m b e r t o d a y !

## 69 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP should purse the type of certification that will support their business goals. GOVERNMENT (FEDERAL/STATE & LOCAL) n US Government Contracting for Small Businesses (SBA). Small businesses may qualify to be certified under various categories and gain a competitive advantage in being considered for government contracting opportunities.

These “set aside” programs include several categories including woman-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled-veteran-owned, minority-owned, economically disadvantaged 8(a), and historically underutilized business zones (HUB zones). WEBSITE: WWW. SBA.

GOV/CONTRACTING/GOVERNMENT-CONTRACTING-PROGRAMS n Department of Veterans Affairs – Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) – Veterans can apply to get their businesses verified through the Vets First Verification Program. Verification is required to participate in the Veterans First Contracting Program for VA set-asides and sole-source contracts for SDVOSBs and VOSBs. WEBSITE: WWW.

VA. GOV/OSDBU/VERIFICATION/INDEX. ASP WEBSITE: WWW.

DOA. NC. GOV/HUB/DEFAULT.

ASPX n NC Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) – Businesses can apply to obtain certification as a 1) Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) which enables access to procurement opportunities with the NCDOT. WEBSITE: WWW.

CONNECT. NCDOT. GOV/BUSINESS/PAGES/ DEFAULT.

ASPX The following diversity certifications are recognized and accepted by most corporations. n National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) – Anational nonprofit providing third-party certification and access to corporate procurement opportunities for veterans-owned and service-disabled owned businesses (small and large businesses). Fee based services.

n National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – A national nonprofit providing third-party certification and access to corporate procurement opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs). The regional council is the Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC). Fee based services.

NC REGIONAL PARTNER: WWW. CVMSDC. ORG NATIONAL: WWW.

NMSDC. ORG n Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) – Anational nonprofit providing third-party certification and access to corporate procurement opportunities for women business enterprises (WBEs). The regional partner organization in North Carolina is the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC).

Fee based services. NC REGIONAL PARTNER: WWW. GWBC.

ORG NATIONAL: WWW. WBENC. ORG NOTE: North Carolina has four centers focused on assisting women owned businesses.

They can assist with paperwork, process, and filing for certification as a woman-owned business, as well as other business services.

ASHEVILLE – Western Women Business Center (WWBC) CHARLOTTE – Women’s Business Center (WBC) RALEIGH/DURHAM – Women’s Business Center of NC (WBCNC) FAYETTEVILLE – Center for Economic Empowerment & Development (CEED) # SUPPORT μ RESPOND μ PROMOTE # MILITARY AND VETERAN FRIENDLY ## 70 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP NCWorks in North Carolina.

Whether it’s connecting you to targeted employers, the right job openings, or interviews, we’re here to help you with what’s next. NCWorks Veterans Services are supported by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant from the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award to North Carolina totaling $6,000,964, with 0% financed from non-governmental sources.

## 71 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP 72 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP Tammy Everett, Executive Director 910-690-4450 | teverett@defensealliancenc. org The Defense Alliance of NC (DANC) is a state-focused nonprofit whose mission is to focus on growing North Carolina’s defense economy. Please JOIN US in that effort!

From influencers and advocates, to collaborators and networkers, our diverse members are living our unique approach and mission, and gaining actionable intelligence and value from our industry studies, forums, events, and more. “DANC, its membership, Executive Board and Management Council are comprised of terrific talent and committed professionals. I am both proud and encouraged to be serving amongst them in this great organization.

” Lieutenant General Mark A. Brilakis, USMC Retired DANC Executive Board Chair # SUPPORTING NORTH CAROLINA’S MILITARY, BUSINESS, & ACADEMIC COMMUNITY key organizations and senior leaders high-impact strategic growth initiatives actionable information and networking opportunities North Carolina’s defense economy defensealliancenc.

org/membership/ ## 73 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP Veterans Business Outreach Center Program If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner seeking to start, purchase, or grow your business, the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is your one-stop shop and can assist you by providing:  Transition assistance programs • Boots to Business — the entrepreneurship track of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program offered on military • Boots to Business | Reboot — an extension of Boots to Business, delivering the same information and benefits to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses in more accessible off-base locations  Business training and workshops on topics such as: • Human resources and hiring  Business tools and resource referrals • Connection to mentors • Referrals to other partners and programs • Preparation to engage SBA lending institutions • Access to market research databases • Application assistance for federal contracting certification program  Tailored business counseling and mentoring in-person and online Top reasons to contact a VBOC:  You are thinking about small business ownership as a post-service career  You could benefit from additional management expertise, mentorship, and access to capital and market opportunities  You are preparing to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) backed loan or a federal contracting certification  You need help creating your business plan Transitioning or active duty service member Veteran of any era National Guard or North Carolina VBOC Office (910) 672-2683 | 1073 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28301 www.

fsuvboc. com ## 74 2024 μ2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP