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Veteran Owned Businesses

Cherry Bekaert has over 25 years of experience helping veteran-owned businesses navigate SBA VetCert and VA Vets First programs with confidence.

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Guiding Veteran-owned Businesses Through SBA Certification

The federal government aims to award at least 5% of contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) annually. Certification through the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program enables both Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and SDVOSBs to validate their status for federal contracting opportunities. Certified SDVOSBs may pursue government-wide sole-source and set-aside opportunities, while certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs may also compete for opportunities through the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans First program.

Cherry Bekaert’s government contracting consulting group possesses an in-depth understanding of the SBA VOSB and SDVOSB programs, working closely with veteran and service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs to guide them through the SBA’s VetCert process. Our aim is to bring clarity, structure and practical experience to every stage. Our approach focuses on readiness, compliance and positioning. By helping veteran-owned businesses understand ownership and control requirements, prepare documentation, and align with SBA expectations, we aim to streamline the certification process and reduce common delays or resubmissions.

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Connect with us to explore how our dedicated consultants can help your veteran-owned small business succeed in the SBA VetCert and VA’s Vets First programs. 

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Why VOSB and SDVOB Certification Matters 

SBA certification can help your veteran-owned business strengthen its competitive position, increase visibility with federal agencies, and unlock opportunities designed to support veteran-owned firms.

  • SBA's VetCert program provides certification for both VOSBs and SDVOSBs, validating eligibility for veteran-owned business contracting programs across federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA.
  • Certified SDVOSBs may pursue government-wide federal sole-source and set-aside opportunities, while certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs may also compete for opportunities through the VA's Veterans First Program.
  • As the federal contracting landscape continues to evolve, including ongoing changes affecting the 8(a) program, SDVOSB certification remains a valuable pathway to federal set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities.
  • Recent legislative proposals have sought to expand government-wide contracting opportunities for certified veteran-owned businesses, reflecting continuing support for veteran entrepreneurship in the federal marketplace.
  • Veteran leadership delivers accountable, adaptable, and results-driven execution in support of mission success, grounded in experience and integrity.

Eligibility Requirements 

Businesses must meet the following requirements to apply for certification with SBA as a VOSB or SDVOSB:

  • Be identified by the VA as a veteran or service-disabled veteran.
  • Be a small business according to SBA’s size standards, corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile.
  • Have at least 51% veteran ownership.
  • To certify as an SDVOSB, at least 51% of the business must be owned and managed by VA-rated service-disabled veterans.
  • Businesses run by permanently disabled veterans may qualify if their spouse or permanent caregiver assists with daily operations.
  • SBA VOSB and SDVOSB require recertification every three years.

There is no limitation on the number of times a business may recertify.

Supporting Compliance From Certification Through Contract Award

We support VOSBs and SDVOSBs from the initial SBA certification to post-certification advisory and compliance support. Our government contracting advisors support you through each step of the process, helping you remain aligned with SBA requirements while pursuing growth in the public sector.

SBA Certification Support

  • SBA certification readiness assessments for VOSB and SDVOSB eligibility.
  • Advisory guidance through the SBA application process.
  • Documentation and ownership/control reviews aligned to SBA requirements.
  • Support designed to improve submission quality and certification outcomes.

Post-certification Advisory & Compliance Support

  • Recertification and renewal planning.
  • Ongoing compliance and eligibility maintenance.
  • Support with ownership, control and organizational changes.
  • Assistance navigating and pursuing federal contracting opportunities.

Why VOSB and SDVOB Certification Matters 

SBA certification can help your veteran-owned business strengthen its competitive position, increase visibility with federal agencies, and unlock opportunities designed to support veteran-owned firms.

  • SBA's VetCert program provides certification for both VOSBs and SDVOSBs, validating eligibility for veteran-owned business contracting programs across federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA.
  • Certified SDVOSBs may pursue government-wide federal sole-source and set-aside opportunities, while certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs may also compete for opportunities through the VA's Veterans First Program.
  • As the federal contracting landscape continues to evolve, including ongoing changes affecting the 8(a) program, SDVOSB certification remains a valuable pathway to federal set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities.
  • Recent legislative proposals have sought to expand government-wide contracting opportunities for certified veteran-owned businesses, reflecting continuing support for veteran entrepreneurship in the federal marketplace.
  • Veteran leadership delivers accountable, adaptable, and results-driven execution in support of mission success, grounded in experience and integrity.

Eligibility Requirements 

Businesses must meet the following requirements to apply for certification with SBA as a VOSB or SDVOSB:

  • Be identified by the VA as a veteran or service-disabled veteran.
  • Be a small business according to SBA’s size standards, corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile.
  • Have at least 51% veteran ownership.
  • To certify as an SDVOSB, at least 51% of the business must be owned and managed by VA-rated service-disabled veterans.
  • Businesses run by permanently disabled veterans may qualify if their spouse or permanent caregiver assists with daily operations.
  • SBA VOSB and SDVOSB require recertification every three years.

There is no limitation on the number of times a business may recertify.

Supporting Compliance From Certification Through Contract Award

We support VOSBs and SDVOSBs from the initial SBA certification to post-certification advisory and compliance support. Our government contracting advisors support you through each step of the process, helping you remain aligned with SBA requirements while pursuing growth in the public sector.

SBA Certification Support

  • SBA certification readiness assessments for VOSB and SDVOSB eligibility.
  • Advisory guidance through the SBA application process.
  • Documentation and ownership/control reviews aligned to SBA requirements.
  • Support designed to improve submission quality and certification outcomes.

Post-certification Advisory & Compliance Support

  • Recertification and renewal planning.
  • Ongoing compliance and eligibility maintenance.
  • Support with ownership, control and organizational changes.
  • Assistance navigating and pursuing federal contracting opportunities.

Complimentary Fixed Price Readiness Assessment

When working with the federal government on a fixed price basis, you are assuming additional performance and financial risk — and should be rewarded with extra profits. If you aren’t making at least 15% profits on your contract(s), please request our Complimentary Assessment.

Get Your Assessment
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Benefits of Using Cherry Bekaert for Your VOB Needs

Cherry Bekaert combines more than 25 years of experience with specialized knowledge of SBA VetCert and VA Vets First programs to help veteran-owned businesses confidently navigate certification and compliance requirements. From certification readiness and application support to post-certification advisory services, our government contracting advisors provide practical guidance designed to help you pursue federal opportunities while remaining aligned with program requirements.

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Our Professionals

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Ed Jameson

Government Contracting Leader

Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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Traci Shepps

Government Contractor Consulting Services

Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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Lynnette Leidwinger

Government Contractor Consulting Services

Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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Todd J. Angioli

Government Contractor Consulting Services

Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

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VOB Consulting FAQs

The SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program is the certification process that allows eligible Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) to pursue federal sole-source and set-aside contracting opportunities with federal agencies. 

A Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) is a small business that meets SBA veteran ownership requirements. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) must be owned and managed by service-disabled veterans in accordance with SBA requirements. 

To qualify, a business must meet SBA size standards, have at least 51% veteran ownership, and satisfy applicable ownership and control requirements. For SDVOSB certification, at least 51% of the business must be owned and managed by VA-rated service-disabled veterans.

Certification can help veteran-owned businesses pursue federal sole-source, set-aside and limited competition contracting opportunities. SBA-certified firms also help agencies meet veteran-owned small business contracting goals. 

SBA VOSB and SDVOSB certifications require recertification every three years. There is no limit on the number of times a business may recertify. 

The certification process requires businesses to demonstrate compliance with SBA ownership and control requirements and prepare supporting documentation. Cherry Bekaert helps businesses address these areas to reduce common delays or resubmissions. 

Cherry Bekaert provides certification readiness assessments, guidance through the SBA application process, documentation reviews, and ownership and control reviews aligned with SBA requirements. 

Yes. Cherry Bekaert provides post-certification advisory and compliance support to help VOSBs and SDVOSBs remain aligned with SBA requirements while pursuing growth. 

Contact Our Government Contracting Consulting Team