All veterans qualify for the VBOC. The mission of the VBOC is to inform veterans of small business services in their area. However, those veterans with a service connected disability can qualify for free or reduced fees on such items as workshops offered by VBOC resource partners.

This is the website of VBOC Region IV, which serves the following states:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

If you are in another state, please consult the list of VBOC locations to determine which regional office to contact.

The VBOC is a grant funded program started to assist veterans by informing them of business assistance in their area. The VBOC is not part of the Veterans Administration (VA) nor the SBA.

The VBOC, through its partnerships, provides counseling and training to veterans that wish to start a new business or require assistance with an existing business.

The VBOC coordinates with SBA district offices and resource partners such as Small Business Development Centers and SCORE chapters across SBA's Region IV. Veterans will be referred to one of these partners.

The Electronic Request for Counseling Form, (ERFC), is an electronic form consisting of general information about a veteran and specific information pertaining to the types of assistance a veteran seeks.

The ERFC is private, secure, and will only be used for the purpose of obtaining assistance for the veteran.

First, the VBOC is legally required to get your written consent to receive counseling, training, and advice. This means that we cannot provide you with any assistance until you have submitted the ERFC. This means if you contact us and have not submitted the form, we can only give you general information, nothing specific to your situation.

Second, by having a veteran fill out a request form before receiving assistance, this allows the VBOC to better target assistance for the veteran.

Currently, the VBOC is unaware of specific grants for veterans, or anyone for that matter, to open a business.

Typically, grants go to larger research institutions. However, the VBOC advises that those veterans interested in grants search the Internet and other financial publications for information.

If the VBOC becomes aware of grants available, this information will certainly be posted.

No.

The VBOC is a clearinghouse for small business information pertaining to veterans.

The VBOC is not a lending institution and therefore, does not lend money to small businesses. A veteran will have to obtain financing through a bank or SBA.

The United States Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides technical, financial, and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and expand their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees, and disaster loans, the SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses.

You can find out more by going to SBA.gov. The VBOC is not part of the SBA.