Texas has the second-largest veteran population in the country, and both the federal government and the state of Texas provide specific programs to help veterans start and grow businesses. This guide covers every major program available to veteran business owners in Texas in 2026, organized by program type, with clear information about what each program actually provides.
Federal Veteran Business Programs
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
The SDVOSB program provides access to sole-source and set-aside federal contracts. The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. Certification is obtained through the SBA’s VetCert platform.
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Certification
Veterans who are not service-disabled can still obtain VOSB certification through VetCert. While VOSB certification does not provide the same set-aside contract access as SDVOSB, it provides visibility to federal agencies and prime contractors seeking to meet veteran subcontracting goals. It is also a prerequisite for certain VA procurement opportunities.
SBA Veterans Advantage Loan Program
The SBA offers reduced fees on SBA 7(a) loans for veteran-owned businesses. This means lower upfront guarantee fees, which reduces the total cost of borrowing. The program applies to both veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by active-duty military members and their spouses.
SBA Boots to Business Program
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial training program offered through the SBA at military installations across the country, including several in Texas. The two-day course covers business fundamentals, and graduates can access an eight-week online follow-up course. The program is free and available to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)
V-WISE provides entrepreneurship training specifically for women veterans and female military spouses. The program includes online coursework, a three-day in-person conference, and ongoing mentoring. It is administered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University in partnership with the SBA.
Texas State Programs for Veterans
Texas HUB Certification for Veterans
Veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses qualify for Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification through the Texas Comptroller. HUB certification opens access to state procurement opportunities. Texas state agencies must make good-faith efforts to use HUB vendors, creating a significant market opportunity for certified veteran-owned businesses.
Texas Veterans Commission Business Resources
The Texas Veterans Commission provides resource navigation for veteran entrepreneurs, connecting them with federal and state programs, local organizations, and funding opportunities. While the commission does not administer grant programs directly, it serves as a central hub for veteran-specific business resources in the state.
Skills Development Fund
Veteran-owned businesses can access the Skills Development Fund like any Texas employer. This grant pays for customized employee training through community colleges. For veteran entrepreneurs building teams, this program can significantly reduce the cost of workforce development.
Tax Benefits for Veteran Business Owners
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Texas employers who hire veterans can claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The credit amount ranges from $2,400 for general veterans to $9,600 for long-term unemployed veterans and disabled veterans. Any Texas employer can claim this credit, but veteran-owned businesses that hire other veterans benefit twice: from the credit and from building a team with military-trained discipline and skills.
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 100% or who are considered totally disabled are exempt from property taxes on their homestead in Texas. While this is a personal rather than business benefit, it reduces the overall financial burden on disabled veteran entrepreneurs operating from home-based businesses.
Veteran-Focused Lending and Capital
- SBA Microloans: Up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Several Texas intermediaries prioritize veteran applicants.
- CDFIs: Community Development Financial Institutions like LiftFund and PeopleFund serve veteran entrepreneurs in Texas with lending and technical assistance.
- StreetShares Foundation: A veteran-focused organization that has provided grants and lending products specifically to veteran entrepreneurs.
Free Business Assistance for Veterans
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): SBA-funded centers that provide pre-business plan workshops, concept assessments, business plan preparation, and mentoring. Texas has VBOC coverage through regional centers.
- SCORE veteran mentors: Many SCORE chapters have veteran mentors who understand the unique challenges of transitioning from military to business ownership.
- SBDCs: Texas Small Business Development Centers provide free business advising to all entrepreneurs, including veterans. SBDC advisors can help identify veteran-specific programs.
Find All Programs You Qualify For
Veteran-specific programs are only part of the picture. Texas veteran business owners also qualify for the full range of general business grants, tax credits, and incentives. Our screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and identifies every program that may fit your situation, including veteran-priority programs. Start your free screening →