Military spouse businesses

SBA supports military spouse entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and other resources.

Content


Supporting a military career can be a job all on its own. Military spouses looking to start or grow a small business need help. For this reason, SBA offers the same flexible resources for spouses as we do for veteran business owners. Check out the Pathway to Success: Connecting the Dots with SBA webinar to learn about SBA resources for every part of the military spouse entrepreneurship journey.

Free training

SBA has programs available at over 180 locations and online. Read through to find what best suits your current needs:

  • Military Spouse Pathway to Business 
    • Business ownership class specific to military spouses
    • For all military spouses
    • Offered virtually and in-person
  • Boots to Business
    • Small business ownership basics, business plans, and resources
    • For spouses of active military members
    • Conducted on military bases
  • Boots to Business Reboot
    • Same content as Boots to Business
    • Available to spouses of veterans, National Guard or Reserves members
    • Offered online or in local communities

SBA also funds training programs through grantees such as:

Funding and capital

Military spouse entrepreneurs can apply for any SBA-guaranteed loan. Explore our loan programs to find the best loan for your business. To receive a list of authorized lenders in your area, use our Lender Match tool.

SBA also has low-interest loans to help you recover from a disaster. 

Federal contracting programs

These programs help certain small businesses access federal contracts. Read on to see if you qualify.

Expert advice

SBA provides one-on-one counseling nationwide. Find an SBA resource in your local community.

If you’re on LinkedIn Groups, join Military Spouses and Entrepreneurship. Connect with owners, experienced mentors, and DoD-certified counselors.

Need help?

If you have questions, contact us at:

Office of Veterans Business Development
409 3rd St. SW, Suite 5700
Washington, DC 20416

Phone: 202-205-6773

Last updated June 4, 2024