Florida Veteran Business Assistance Programs
Florida supports veteran-owned businesses through OSDBU certification, SBA Veterans Advantage loans, and procurement preferences on state contracts.
Florida Veteran-Owned Business Certification
Florida state agencies consider veteran-owned business status in procurement decisions.
What it provides: State certification for veteran-owned businesses seeking government contracts
Assistance: Eligibility for veteran-owned business preferences on state procurement contracts.
Eligibility: Veteran must have honorable discharge; business must be active and operational.
Who may qualify:
- Businesses at least 51% owned by honorably discharged veterans
- Florida-based veteran-owned businesses
- Businesses registered in Florida
Requirements:
- DD-214 and business ownership documentation
- Florida business registration
- Application through Florida Department of Management Services
How to apply: Apply for certification through MyFloridaMarketPlace vendor registration system.
Official source: Florida DVS Business
SBA Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loan Program
Florida's large veteran population makes this among the most utilized SBA veteran programs nationally.
What it provides: Reduced-fee SBA loans for veteran-owned Florida businesses
Assistance: Reduced or waived SBA guarantee fees saving thousands on loan costs.
Eligibility: Fee waivers on SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million for SDVOSBs.
Who may qualify:
- Veteran-owned small businesses in Florida
- Businesses 51%+ owned by veterans
- Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses
Requirements:
- DD-214
- Business financial statements
- SBA lender application
How to apply: Apply through SBA Preferred Lender; disclose veteran ownership for fee benefits.
Official source: SBA Veterans Advantage
Boots to Business (Florida)
Florida's many military installations make it a top state for Boots to Business participation.
What it provides: Entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members and veterans
Assistance: Two-day entrepreneurship course plus eight-week online follow-on program.
Eligibility: Offered at Florida bases including MacDill, Eglin, and NAS Jacksonville.
Who may qualify:
- Transitioning active duty service members
- Veterans and military spouses
- Participants at Florida military installations
Requirements:
- Registration for two-day course
- Completion of Reboot optional follow-on
- Access to SBA resources
How to apply: Register through SBA Boots to Business at participating Florida military installations.
Official source: SBA Boots to Business