Author: XMAN

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025 — and if the first six months are any indication, this is shaping up to be a strong year for disabled veteran entrepreneurs and the programs that support them.

Across the country — and especially here in Los Angeles — we’ve seen exciting momentum in the veteran business community. From increased funding opportunities to better access to contracts, the landscape is evolving, and it’s opening doors for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) at every stage.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s trending:

1. Growth in Veteran-Focused Contracting Opportunities
Federal and state agencies have continued to prioritize SDVOSBs in infrastructure, sustainability, and tech contracts. With large projects still funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, veteran-led businesses are finding more ways to get involved — whether directly or through subcontracting.

2. Simpler Certification and Verification Processes
The SBA’s updated certification portal has made it easier for disabled veteran business owners to register and get verified. The new system, launched earlier this year, has helped speed up approvals and reduce paperwork headaches.

3. More Localized Support Programs
In addition to federal initiatives, city- and county-level agencies are rolling out new funding, mentorship, and training specifically for veteran-owned businesses. Many are focusing on equity, aiming to uplift disabled, minority, and women veteran entrepreneurs through grants, bootcamps, and pitch competitions.

4. Mental Health and Business Resilience Go Hand-in-Hand
There’s also growing recognition that running a business as a disabled veteran isn’t just about access to capital — it’s about support. We’re seeing more programs combine wellness, peer mentorship, and business development, creating a more holistic support system for veterans in business.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we’ve been proud to help dozens of veteran business owners take advantage of these opportunities. As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, we’re not just watching from the sidelines — we’re actively helping veterans grow, network, and win.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, we’ll continue to support our members through:

• Proposal writing assistance
• Networking events and pitch preparation
• Referrals to capital, grants, and procurement partners
• Mentorship and peer coaching for disabled veterans

If you’re a disabled veteran and you’re ready to launch, grow, or retool your business in the second half of the year — let’s talk.

You’ve made it this far. Let’s finish strong — together.

Flag Day is more than just a tribute to the Stars and Stripes — it’s a moment to reflect on the values that flag represents: service, sacrifice, and the promise of opportunity for all who served.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we believe one of the most meaningful ways to honor veterans is by making sure they have access to safe, stable housing — especially those living with service-connected disabilities.

This Flag Day, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the individuals and organizations making that happen right here in Los Angeles.

1. Local Builders Partnering with the VA
Several construction firms — including veteran-owned businesses — have stepped up this year to partner with VA programs and nonprofit initiatives to build and retrofit housing units specifically for disabled veterans. These partnerships are creating real impact, from wheelchair-accessible apartments to shared transitional housing for vets recovering from trauma.

2. Community Landlords Offering Vouchers and Understanding
We also want to recognize landlords who choose to work with HUD-VASH and other veteran voucher programs. Housing vouchers are only as effective as the people willing to honor them. The property owners who open their doors to veterans — even when it means extra paperwork or longer processing times — are helping change lives.

3. Peer Navigators and Outreach Workers
The people on the front lines — many of them veterans themselves — are doing the day-to-day work of helping unhoused vets find shelter, apply for benefits, and get placed in permanent housing. Their dedication often goes unseen, but we see you — and we thank you.

As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, our chapter is proud to work alongside these housing champions. We help veterans apply for housing programs, connect with veteran-friendly landlords, and even prepare to become homeowners themselves through education, credit-building, and benefit navigation.

Flag Day reminds us that symbols matter — but action is what brings them to life.

So today, we raise the flag and say thank you to everyone who’s helping veterans not only come home, but feel at home.

As we move into the second quarter of 2025, it’s clear — disabled veteran entrepreneurs are making serious moves across industries, and their momentum is only growing.

From federal contracts to local partnerships, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) are proving that discipline, adaptability, and service-driven values translate into success in the business world.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most driven veteran entrepreneurs you’ll find anywhere. And this spring, we’ve seen major progress in everything from construction and logistics to mental health services and digital media.

Here are just a few examples of SDVOSB wins we’re proud to highlight:

1. A Veteran-Led Construction Firm Secures a $1.2M Accessibility Retrofit Contract
After completing our procurement coaching series, one of our members — a former Army combat engineer — landed a multi-year contract with a regional housing authority to retrofit public housing for accessibility compliance. The firm now employs six other veterans, two of whom are also disabled.

2. Mental Health Services Startup Launches with VA Backing
A Navy veteran with a background in peer counseling launched a virtual mental health platform focused on veterans and their families. With support from our network and help applying for a seed grant, they were able to secure initial funding and begin onboarding licensed clinicians.

3. Logistics Company Expands Fleet with State Partnership
A disabled veteran-owned delivery business grew from two trucks to six after connecting with a state program aimed at supporting minority and veteran-led firms. We helped with certification paperwork, business planning, and local introductions.

Beyond the numbers, these success stories share something deeper: resilience, purpose, and a willingness to reach out and use the support that’s available.

That’s what we’re here for.

As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, our mission is to make sure that disabled veterans don’t just start businesses — they grow them. Whether it’s help with certifications, connecting to capital, preparing for bids, or simply building a network that “gets it,” we provide the guidance, mentorship, and community needed to turn plans into progress.

If you’re ready to build your own success story, we’re ready to help write the next chapter with you.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the invisible wounds many veterans carry, and the resources available to help them heal.

For disabled veterans, mental health challenges like PTSD, depression, and anxiety often go hand in hand with housing instability. The stress of not having a safe, secure place to live only makes recovery harder. That’s why in 2025, more programs are focusing on the critical link between mental wellness and housing stability — and it’s making a difference.

Here’s what’s working right now in Los Angeles and beyond:

1. VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
This joint effort between the Department of Veterans Affairs and HUD continues to be one of the most impactful programs in the country. It provides housing vouchers alongside mental health and case management services. Veterans aren’t just getting housed — they’re staying housed, with access to the care they need.

2. Wellness-Based Transitional Housing Programs
More nonprofit and community partners are offering veteran-specific transitional housing that includes on-site support for mental health, addiction recovery, and life skills. These environments help veterans rebuild their confidence and find a new path forward in a structured but compassionate setting.

3. Peer-Led Support Networks
Across Southern California, we’re seeing an increase in peer-to-peer programs where veterans support each other through housing transitions, mental health struggles, and business goals. These informal systems of support often fill gaps that formal services miss.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we believe that business success starts with personal stability. That’s why, as a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, we don’t just focus on helping veterans launch companies — we also connect them to housing programs, wellness resources, and peer networks that support the whole person.

If you’re a disabled veteran struggling with housing, mental health, or simply feeling stuck, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options.

Let this month be a reminder that healing is possible, and support is available. Reach out. We’re here to help.

This spring, the 2025 L.A. Trade Expo brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, buyers, and agencies from across the region — but some of the biggest standouts weren’t from big corporations. They were veteran-owned.

And they weren’t just attending. They were leading.

From tech startups to construction crews, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) took center stage at this year’s expo, showcasing innovation, discipline, and grit — and walking away with new contracts, partnerships, and local recognition.

Here are a few highlights from the event:

1. Contracts Won by SDVOSB Exhibitors
Several veteran-owned businesses secured post-event meetings with city and county procurement teams, thanks in part to their ability to demonstrate past performance, reliability, and certification status. In one case, a veteran-owned security firm walked away with a letter of intent for a multi-site government facility project.

2. Networking That Matters
Veterans connected with key prime contractors actively seeking SDVOSB partners for upcoming infrastructure and clean energy bids. Many attendees found that sharing a service background created instant trust — turning handshakes into business leads.

3. Inspiration for Future Founders
For veterans still in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey, the expo provided a powerful look at what’s possible. Seeing fellow disabled veterans leading booths, giving product demos, and pitching to buyers sent a clear message: this path is possible.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we were proud to support several of our members at the event. As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, we don’t just talk about supporting veteran business owners — we actively help prepare them for opportunities like this with pitch coaching, expo booth guidance, and introductions to buyers.

If you’re a disabled veteran running a business — or thinking about starting one — expos like this are more than just networking events. They’re doors.

And we’re here to help you walk through them.

Let’s get you ready for the next one.

Earth Day isn’t just about protecting the environment — it’s about building a future that works for everyone. And in 2025, that includes disabled veterans who want more energy-efficient homes and veteran-owned businesses ready to lead the way in green construction.

This April, several new programs and funding opportunities are making it easier for disabled veteran homeowners to receive eco-friendly upgrades — and for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) to get involved in the green building movement.

Here’s what’s happening:

1. VA-Supported Energy-Efficient Upgrades
The Department of Veterans Affairs has partnered with regional energy providers to offer grants and rebates for veterans making eco-conscious improvements to their homes — think solar panels, upgraded HVAC systems, weatherproofing, and energy-efficient windows.

These updates not only reduce monthly utility bills, but also make homes more comfortable and sustainable long-term — especially important for veterans living on fixed incomes or dealing with mobility issues that require temperature stability and air quality improvements.

2. California’s Green Retrofit Accelerator
This state-run program is providing new funding in 2025 for low-to-moderate income homeowners — including disabled veterans — to receive free or subsidized energy assessments and retrofits. The goal: reduce emissions while improving housing quality in underserved communities.

3. Contracts for Veteran-Owned Green Builders
If you’re a veteran contractor or construction business owner, these programs are opening the door to bid on retrofitting contracts. SDVOSBs are now being prioritized in many local sustainability initiatives as part of a broader equity push in state and federal funding allocations.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we’re making sure our members — both homeowners and business owners — get connected to these programs. As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, our mission includes helping disabled veterans create healthier homes and helping veteran-led companies win more meaningful work.

Whether you want to go solar, reduce your utility bills, or grow your green construction business, there’s a path forward — and we’re here to help you find it.

Let this Earth Day be a reminder that sustainability and service can go hand in hand.

Spring isn’t just a time of renewal — it’s also when Congress kicks into high gear, and 2025 is already shaping up to be an important year for legislation that could directly affect disabled veteran business owners.

If you’re running a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or thinking about starting one, staying updated on policy changes can help you stay competitive and take advantage of new opportunities.

Here are a few key developments currently moving through Washington this spring:

1. Expansion of the SDVOSB Set-Aside Program
A new bill under review could increase the number of federal contracts set aside specifically for SDVOSBs, particularly in infrastructure, green energy, and technology sectors. If passed, this could open up billions in contract opportunities for veteran-led businesses nationwide.

2. Streamlining Certification Across Agencies
Currently, getting certified as an SDVOSB can be complex, with different requirements across the VA, SBA, and DOD. A bipartisan bill now in committee would create a unified certification process, saving time and reducing paperwork for disabled veteran entrepreneurs.

3. Access to Capital for Disabled Veterans Act
This proposed legislation would provide low-interest microloans and grant funding to SDVOSBs in their first five years of operation. It also includes provisions for financial literacy and business planning support — especially useful for veterans transitioning from military service into civilian entrepreneurship.

4. Local Government Incentives
At the state level, California is exploring ways to increase tax credits for businesses that hire and train disabled veterans, which could be a boost for veteran-owned companies focused on peer-to-peer hiring.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we track these developments closely and share updates with our members so you don’t miss a beat. As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, our role is to help you grow, advocate for your interests, and connect you to the resources and people that can move your business forward.

Now’s a great time to stay involved — whether by joining a public comment period, contacting your representatives, or simply being informed so you’re ready to act when these new opportunities become law.

Change is coming — and we’re here to help you turn it into momentum.

March is Women’s History Month — and while we celebrate the achievements of women across generations, it’s also a time to focus on the unique challenges that many women veterans face, especially when it comes to housing.

Today, more than two million women have served in the U.S. military. Many return home carrying not just the strength of their service, but the weight of trauma, injury, and the struggle to find safe, affordable housing. For women veterans with disabilities, the barriers can be even higher — but in 2025, new programs are stepping up to meet the need.

Here’s what’s happening right now:

• The HUD-VASH Program, which provides supportive housing vouchers for homeless veterans, is now rolling out dedicated units for women veterans, including those with children. This is especially important in cities like Los Angeles, where housing costs remain high and shelters are often full.
• VA Adaptive Housing Grants are being promoted more actively to women, with outreach focused on helping them retrofit or modify existing homes for accessibility and safety.
• Local nonprofits and women-led SDVOSBs are taking the lead in building transitional housing specifically for female veterans recovering from PTSD, MST (military sexual trauma), or physical disabilities.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we’re proud to support these efforts — not just by raising awareness, but by helping women veterans apply for housing support, find veteran-friendly landlords, and even become homeowners themselves.

As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, we believe every veteran deserves dignity and stability. That includes women who’ve served, sacrificed, and now want a safe place to call home.

If you or someone you know is a woman veteran navigating housing issues — or if you’re a contractor, case manager, or nonprofit serving this population — we’d love to connect and collaborate.

This Women’s History Month, let’s not just honor the past — let’s build a future where every woman veteran has a home and a community that supports her.

Tax season is here — and if you’re a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) owner, there are several tax benefits you don’t want to overlook in 2025.

Many disabled veteran entrepreneurs leave money on the table simply because they don’t know what they’re eligible for. Whether you run a sole proprietorship, LLC, or incorporated company, there are special deductions, credits, and tax strategies that can help reduce your liability and boost your bottom line.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we help veterans navigate the business side of things — including how to approach tax season with confidence. Here are a few tax tips to keep in mind this year:

1. Deduct Business Start-Up Costs
If you launched your business in the past year, you can deduct many of the costs related to getting it off the ground — including licenses, marketing, equipment, and legal fees.

2. Take the Disabled Access Credit
If your business made physical changes to improve access for disabled individuals (like ramps, accessible restrooms, or signage), you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,000.

3. Claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
If you’ve hired other veterans — especially disabled vets — you could qualify for a credit of up to $9,600 per eligible employee. This is a great incentive for building a veteran-first team.

4. Home Office and Vehicle Deductions
If you operate your business from home or use your vehicle for work-related tasks, you may be eligible for deductions based on square footage or mileage, even if you’re part-time.

5. Consider the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI)
Depending on how your business is structured, you may be able to deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income. This applies to many SDVOSBs, including sole proprietors and partnerships.

Of course, every situation is different. That’s why we always recommend connecting with a tax professional — ideally one who understands veteran-owned businesses and SDVOSB certifications.

As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, we don’t give tax advice — but we do connect our members with trusted CPAs, offer business education workshops, and make sure you know what programs are out there so you can take full advantage of them.

You’ve earned these benefits — don’t let them go unused.

If you need help finding veteran-friendly tax professionals or have questions about business resources, we’re here to assist.

This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to shine a light on a group of Americans who’ve worn the uniform, overcome adversity, and built something powerful in civilian life — African American disabled veteran entrepreneurs.

Their stories are more than inspiring. They’re proof that resilience, discipline, and purpose can carry you from the battlefield to the boardroom.

At the L.A. Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, we’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible Black veteran business owners right here in Los Angeles. Each one faced not only the challenges of transitioning from military life, but also the added weight of navigating disability and systemic barriers that still exist in the business world today.

One such story comes from Marcus J., a retired Army veteran and double amputee who launched a commercial cleaning company in South L.A. with just a small grant, a borrowed van, and a big vision. Today, his company employs eight other veterans — half of them Black, all of them disabled. He credits his success to the support of the veteran business community and the structure he learned while serving.

Another is Tanya R., a Marine Corps veteran who started her own government contracting firm specializing in IT services. With mentorship and certification help, she became a certified SDVOSB and recently secured a five-year federal contract. Her team now trains other minority veteran founders.

These stories aren’t exceptions — they’re examples of what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation and community support.

That’s why our chapter is committed to helping more African American disabled veterans become business leaders. As a SDVOSB 501(c)(19) nonprofit, our role is to remove barriers, provide guidance, and offer a network of mentors and peers who understand the unique path veterans walk.

Black history isn’t just about the past — it’s about what we’re building today.

If you’re a disabled veteran of color looking to launch or grow your business, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our community, and let’s build something lasting — together.