On January 2, 2025, Montgomery County launched the Veteran Business Preference Program (VBPP), aimed at enhancing support for local veteran-owned businesses [76d97a8d]. This initiative provides additional evaluation points for veteran-owned businesses participating in the Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP). Verified veteran-owned businesses will receive an additional five percent in evaluation points when submitting proposals, which County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted as a significant step in supporting veterans and boosting the local economy [76d97a8d].
To qualify for the VBPP, businesses must be certified in the LSBRP and hold a valid Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certificate [76d97a8d]. The Office of Procurement plans to host an Online Open House on January 15, 2025, to provide more information about the program and its benefits [76d97a8d]. Michael Wilson, chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, praised the VBPP as a clear demonstration of the county's commitment to supporting veterans [76d97a8d].
In addition to this local initiative, the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary of supporting and certifying service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses (SD/VOBs) [1393bbb9]. Over the past decade, NVBDC has certified thousands of veteran-owned businesses, facilitating opportunities for growth and networking. In 2023 alone, NVBDC's certified businesses received over $4 billion in corporate contracts, showcasing the impact of their efforts on the veteran entrepreneurial landscape [1393bbb9].
Virginia has recently been recognized as the best state for veteran-owned businesses, based on metrics such as income, employment, and business ownership [ed120f1d]. The state offers strong earnings and employment opportunities for veterans, with a median income significantly higher than that of non-veterans. Other states noted for their supportive environments for veteran entrepreneurs include Wyoming, Oregon, and West Virginia [ed120f1d].
Court Pendleton, a veteran and service officer in Southern Utah, was honored with the 2023 Pillar Award for his dedication to assisting veterans in his community [279d8e62]. Pendleton's efforts include working with law enforcement to ensure they are prepared to handle crises involving veterans, demonstrating the importance of community support for veteran issues.
The Veterans Administration (VA) also plays a crucial role in supporting veteran-owned real estate businesses through various programs that provide training, counseling, and low-interest loans [96ecdc62]. The VA's commitment to veteran entrepreneurship is evident in its Veterans First Contracting Program, which prioritizes veteran-owned small businesses for government contracts. Overall, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of supporting veteran-owned businesses across the country, contributing significantly to the economy and the well-being of veterans [96ecdc62].