Government & Official Certification Programs

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Veteran Small Business Certification
Provides official federal certification for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) through the SBA VetCert program.
Certified firms can compete for set-aside and sole-source federal contracts and access federal procurement resources and business development tools.

Veteran-Focused Supplier Certification Organizations

National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
A leading third-party certifier for Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOB) and Service-Disabled VOBs (SDVOB), widely recognized by corporate supplier diversity programs. Certification opens doors to corporate contracts, supplier diversity matchmaking, and supplier development events.
National Veteran‑Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
Offers Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (VBE) and Certified SDVBE® designations to connect veteran-owned businesses with corporate supply chains and corporate allies. Focused on private-sector opportunities, networking, and supplier development.

Corporate & Ecosystem Partners

These organizations may provide certification or recognition valued by corporate procurement teams and can help veteran businesses participate in supplier programs:
Disability:IN
Certifies disability-owned business enterprises (DOBE) including veteran disability businesses and connects them with corporate supply chains. Certification can open additional procurement and networking opportunities.
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
While focused on minority-owned enterprises, many corporate supplier diversity programs recognize multiple certifications (including NVBDC and NaVOBA) together.
Note: Other recognized certifiers (which may support veteran business inclusion indirectly) include:
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
These are more applicable if your business meets additional owner criteria alongside veteran status.

Industry & Other Supplier Networks

While not strictly certification bodies, the following facilitate supplier engagement, networking, and sourcing opportunities that can benefit certified veteran-owned businesses:
National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)
Advocates for veteran-owned small businesses in the federal marketplace and offers resources, advocacy, and networking.
National Veteran Supplier Diversity Coalition (NVSDC)
Connects veteran suppliers with procurement professionals and promotes sourcing opportunities through events and collaborative initiatives.
Department of the Navy Gold Coast (Gold Coast)
Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within The Department of the Navy and throughout the DoD.
Veterans in Business Network (VIBN)
When our sponsors are succeeding with their diversity programs, our network of veteran business owners see this success through contract opportunities.

Tips for Accessing Opportunities

✔ Stack certifications where possible:
Federal (SBA VOSB/SDVOSB) for government contracts.
NVBDC or NaVOBA for corporate supplier diversity.
Additional state/local certifications (e.g., state VBE or DVBE) may open more bidding opportunities.
✔ Engage networks and attend supplier events hosted by these organizations to meet procurement officers and buyers.
✔ Register with procurement portals (corporate and government), directories, and match-making systems once certified.