Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certification recognizes businesses owned by veterans, even those without service-connected disabilities. NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association) certification connects veteran entrepreneurs with corporate suppliers looking to support veteran-owned businesses.
- Issuing body
- NaVOBA (National Veteran Business Owners Association)
- Cost
- $400 - $700
- Processing
- 30-60 days
- Recognition
- National
Who qualifies for VBE?
To qualify for NaVOBA VBE certification:
Veteran Status:
- Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Honorable discharge required
- No disability requirement (unlike SDVOSB)
Ownership Requirements:
- 51% owned by one or more veterans
- Veterans must be U.S. citizens
Control Requirements:
- Veteran owner(s) must control business operations
- Must make day-to-day management decisions
- Must have highest officer position
How to apply for VBE
Step 1: Create NaVOBA Account Register at navoba.org to begin the application.
Step 2: Complete Application Provide all business and veteran information.
Step 3: Upload Documentation Submit DD-214 and business documents.
Step 4: Pay Fee Application fees typically $400-$700.
Step 5: Review & Verification NaVOBA reviews and may request additional information.
Step 6: Certification Decision Decisions typically within 30-60 days.
What you'll need to apply
Veteran Documentation:
- DD-214 showing honorable discharge
Ownership Documents:
- Articles of incorporation/organization
- Operating agreement or bylaws
- Stock certificates or membership documents
Business Documents:
- Business licenses
- Tax returns
- Financial statements
- Lease agreements
What VBE unlocks
Corporate Connections:
- Access to NaVOBA corporate partners
- Matchmaking opportunities
- Inclusion in veteran supplier database
Recognition:
- Official VBE certification mark
- Credibility with corporate buyers
- Marketing differentiation
Where applicants get tripped up
- Keep DD-214 readily accessible
- Ensure ownership clearly shows 51% veteran ownership
- Demonstrate operational control
- Consider SDVOSB if you have any service-connected disability
Keeping your VBE certification active
Annual renewal required with updated documentation and fees.
Organizations that issue VBE
Companies that accept VBE
94 corporate programs accept VBE. First 12 below.
- Amazon f100
- Apple Inc. f100
- AT&T Inc. f100
- Boeing f500
- General Motors f100
- Google (Alphabet Inc.) f100
- Johnson & Johnson f100
- JPMorgan Chase f100
- Lockheed Martin f500
- McKesson f500
- Microsoft Corporation f100
- Target Corporation f100
Questions applicants ask about VBE
What's the difference between VBE and SDVOSB?
VBE doesn't require a disability. SDVOSB requires service-connected disability.
Can I use VBE for federal contracting?
VBE is primarily for private sector. For federal contracting, register in SAM.gov as veteran-owned.
Is VBE or SDVOSB better?
If you have any service-connected disability, SDVOSB provides federal contracting advantages. VBE is still valuable for corporate work.
Pursuing VBE?
The quiz checks your business against every federal, national, and state certification we track and orders the matches by which corporate or government buyers accept each one. Most owners qualify for two or three. If VBE is one of yours, the application link goes directly to NaVOBA (National Veteran Business Owners Association).