What is veteran-owned business certification?

Breaking into government contracting or corporate supply chains is notoriously difficult for small businesses — even for veteran-owned companies with decades of service, deep expertise, and proven operational strength. Many owners find themselves stuck in the same cycle: competing against larger incumbents, struggling to stand out in crowded supplier portals, and missing opportunities simply because buyers don’t know they qualify.

That challenge is more common than most realize. Federal agencies have dedicated budgets specifically for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Corporations and state governments also have goals, supplier-diversity initiatives, and bid preferences designed to support veteran-owned companies. Yet without certification, it’s almost impossible to access any of those opportunities — meaning thousands of qualified veteran suppliers are leaving funded contracts, high-value partnerships, and long-term growth on the table.

This guide fixes that. Below, you’ll learn exactly what veteran-owned certification is, who qualifies, the types of certifications available, and the benefits they unlock. You’ll also see how SupplierOne by Supplier.io helps veteran-owned companies get discovered by corporate buyers so they can compete — and win — more often.

What is veteran-owned business certification?

Veteran-owned business certification is a formal verification that your company is owned, operated, and controlled by one or more U.S. military veterans. It proves eligibility for government contracting programs, supplier-diversity initiatives, and private-sector opportunities that specifically aim to support veteran entrepreneurs.

To qualify, a business generally must be at least 51% veteran-owned, with veterans holding day-to-day operational control. Service-disabled veteran certifications require proof of service-connected disability.

Certification matters because it opens the door to contracting set-asides, buyer directories, mentorship programs, and sourcing channels that are otherwise inaccessible — dramatically increasing your visibility and competitiveness.

Certifications available

Several certification programs exist at the federal, corporate, and state/local levels:

• SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): Required for VOSB and SDVOSB status in federal contracting. Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
• NVBDC (National Veteran Business Development Council): Recognized by major corporations for supplier diversity. Offers VOB/SDVOB certifications for private sector opportunities.
• NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association): Issues VBE and SDVBE certifications, widely used in corporate sourcing.
• State and local certifications: Many states (e.g., California, New York, Texas) offer Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) programs with bid preferences or set-asides.

The importance of certification

Veteran-owned certification unlocks critical contracting and supplier diversity pathways:

• Federal access: VOSB and SDVOSB certifications through SBA VetCert open doors to exclusive set-aside and sole-source contracts. These certifications are often required to subcontract with primes.
• Corporate inclusion: Recognized third-party certs (NVBDC, NaVOBA) allow access to corporate portals, supplier matchmaking, and RFPs.
• Trust and discoverability: Certified businesses are listed in verified directories, making them easier to find and more credible to buyers.

Certified businesses report more qualified RFP opportunities, higher win rates, and quicker award cycles. Many veterans stack certifications—federal, corporate, and state/local—to gain full access across sectors and geographies.

The benefits of certification

Veteran-owned certification gives companies a competitive edge in government and private-sector procurement. It helps businesses stand out, get invited to higher-value opportunities, and build credibility with buyers.

Top benefits include:

• Access to federal VOSB/SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts
• Easier subcontracting pathways with large primes
• Eligibility for corporate supplier-diversity programs through recognized certifications
• Stronger visibility in supplier directories and portals
• Enhanced trust and credibility with procurement teams
  

In practice, these benefits translate to more qualified RFP entries, better win rates, and faster award timelines. Many veteran-owned companies use a combination of certifications to reach federal buyers, private enterprises, and state/municipal agencies simultaneously.

Connect with corporate buyers with Supplier.io

Getting certified is the first step. Getting discovered is the next.

Supplier.io’s provides supplier data to almost 1000 corporate procurement teams including over half of the Fortune 100. Veteran-owned companies can register their business for free via the SupplierOne portal to make sure companies can find them. To increase visibility 3x more with active buyers, suppliers can update to SupplierOne PLUS to actively promote their business to over 2000 active buyer searching over 25,000 times each month.

Ready to grow your veteran-owned business?

If you’re a veteran-owned business looking to grow, certification is the gateway, but Supplier.io is the engine that helps buyers find you.

Create your free SupplierOne profile today and get discovered by more than 2,000 corporate procurement teams.