Starting a business is never easy, but for a military veteran, the transition from service to entrepreneurship can come with a unique set of challenges. The good news? Maryland offers a wide variety of programs, partnerships, and support systems to help veteran-owned businesses not just survive but thrive.
At the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce, we believe in veterans supporting veterans. We're proud to connect our members with trusted tools and organizations to help every veteran entrepreneur succeed. Here is a list of resources to help get you started.
1. Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
The MDVA offers business and employment guidance for veterans transitioning into the private sector. They provide:
Help navigating state certifications and procurement programs
Information about tax incentives for hiring veteran employees
Links to state-level supportive services for veteran families
You can visit their website here or attend local MDVA-hosted events to learn more.
2. Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
This national program based in Maryland gives veteran-owned businesses the training they need to win federal contracts. VIP provides:
Specialized training in government procurement
Coaching from industry experts
Peer networking and collaboration
This is a critical resource for veterans looking to grow in the federal space. Find them here.
3. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Office of Veterans Business Development
The SBA offers robust tools to support veteran entrepreneurs, including:
The Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
SBA-guaranteed loan programs tailored to veterans
Help crafting business plans and accessing capital
Working with the SBA connects you to a nationwide system of supportive services for veteran families and business owners. Click this link to learn more
4. Veterans Business Outreach Center at Community Business Partnership (Springfield, VA – Serves MD)
This nearby VBOC helps Maryland veterans with:
Business feasibility studies
Comprehensive business training and mentorship
Market research and outreach strategy
They focus on empowering military veterans with practical tools for real-world business success. You can find them here.
5. Local Chambers & Veteran Business Groups
Alongside our own Chamber of Commerce, we encourage veterans to engage with:
County-level economic development offices (list)
Local SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers)
Veteran business coalitions focused on regional growth
These groups are part of a larger community of veterans supporting veterans, which creates stronger, more connected business owners across the state.
Your Next Steps
Whether you're just exploring the idea of launching a business or looking to expand your veteran-owned business, there's a wealth of opportunity in Maryland. You don’t have to do it alone; the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce is here to help. We will provide guidance, connect you to trusted resources, and be your community every step of the way.
