VA Veteran Readiness (Chapter 31) — Self-Employment Track
VR&E covers startup costs, training, equipment, and licensing fees for service-connected disabled veterans who want to start their own business.
Who qualifies: Veterans with a service-connected disability.
The VA Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program includes a dedicated self-employment track for disabled veterans who want to become entrepreneurs:
What's Covered:
• Business startup costs
• Equipment and tools
• Licensing and permits
• Training and certifications
• Inventory (initial stock)
• Office supplies and software
• Professional development
• Monthly subsistence allowance while in training
How It Works:
• Work with a VR&E counselor to develop a business plan
• VA evaluates feasibility of the business concept
• If approved, VA funds the startup components
• Ongoing counseling and support during startup phase
Eligibility:
• Service-connected disability with employment handicap (10%+ rating usually required)
• Entrepreneurship/self-employment must be the most suitable career path
• Business must be viable and sustainable
Additionally, IVMF (Syracuse University) offers free Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) – a prestigious free 12-month program.