California Veteran Business Assistance Programs
California veteran entrepreneurs access SBA Veterans Advantage programs, VA OSDBU contracting assistance, and CalVet business resources. The state has active SDVOSB procurement goals on state contracts.
SBA Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loan Program
California leads the nation in veteran-owned businesses; SBA Veterans Advantage reduces borrowing costs for startup and expansion capital.
What it provides: Reduced-fee SBA 7(a) loans for veteran-owned businesses
Assistance: Fee reductions up to $4.75 million loan amount; SDVOSBs pay no guarantee fees on loans up to $5 million.
Eligibility: Loans up to $5 million with reduced or waived SBA guarantee fees for veterans.
Who may qualify:
- Veteran-owned small businesses in California
- Businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans
- Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses receive additional fee waivers
Requirements:
- Proof of veteran status (DD-214)
- Business financial statements
- Application through SBA lender
How to apply: Apply through an SBA Preferred Lender; inform the lender of veteran ownership for fee reduction.
Official source: SBA Veterans Advantage
California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program
California state agencies actively seek DVBE participation on construction, IT, and professional services contracts.
What it provides: State contracting preferences and participation goals for disabled veteran-owned businesses
Assistance: 5% bid price preference on state contracts; access to sole-source contracts under thresholds.
Eligibility: Veteran must have service-connected disability rated by VA; state goal of 3% DVBE participation on contracts.
Who may qualify:
- Businesses certified as DVBE with California OSDBU
- At least 51% owned by service-disabled veterans
- Businesses registered in California
Requirements:
- DVBE certification through California OSDBU
- SAM.gov registration
- Bidding on state contracts through Cal eProcure
How to apply: Apply for DVBE certification at bsa.ca.gov/osdbu; register on Cal eProcure for bidding opportunities.
Official source: California OSDBU DVBE
V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)
V-WISE has trained thousands of women veterans nationally, with regular California cohort locations in San Diego and Los Angeles.
What it provides: Entrepreneurship training for women veterans and military spouses
Assistance: 15-week online training, 3-day intensive conference, and ongoing mentorship.
Eligibility: Offered through Syracuse University IVMF with sessions in California.
Who may qualify:
- Women veterans and active duty women service members
- Military spouses of active duty or veteran service members
- California residents able to attend training events
Requirements:
- Online application
- Commitment to complete online and in-person training phases
- Business concept or existing business
How to apply: Apply at ivmf.syracuse.edu when California training cohorts are announced.
Official source: IVMF V-WISE