SBA Announces Plans for New Veterans Business Outreach Center in Idaho

New center will expand access to entrepreneurial training, business counseling and resources for Veterans and military families.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced its intent to award funding to establish a new Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Idaho, marking an important step toward expanding entrepreneurial resources for Veterans, service members and military spouses across the state.

Announced on October 30, 2026, the initiative will provide Idaho’s military-connected entrepreneurs with a dedicated, in-state resource for business development, training and counseling. The center’s host organization and associated services are expected to be identified and fully funded by 2027.

Expanding Opportunities for Idaho’s Veteran Entrepreneurs

Idaho is home to more than 12,000 Veteran-Owned small businesses, according to U.S. Senator Jim Risch. Until now, the state has been served by the Business Impact NW Veterans Business Outreach Center based in Washington.

The establishment of a dedicated Idaho VBOC is expected to make entrepreneurial assistance more accessible to veterans and military families throughout the state.

The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) worked alongside state leaders, including Senator Risch, to advance funding for the new center.

The initiative reflects the importance of providing Veteran entrepreneurs with resources tailored to their experiences, challenges and business goals.

Supporting Veterans Through Entrepreneurship

The SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Center program helps military-connected individuals navigate the process of starting, managing and growing successful businesses.

VBOCs provide access to valuable resources, including:

Entrepreneurial Training: Educational programs designed to help Veterans and military spouses develop the knowledge and skills needed to launch a business.
Business Counseling: Guidance to help entrepreneurs evaluate business opportunities, develop strategies and overcome challenges.
Business Development Resources: Connections to programs and support networks that help Veteran-Owned businesses establish a foundation for long-term growth.
Transition Assistance: Entrepreneurship education for service members transitioning from military service to civilian careers.

The program serves Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and eligible family members.

Nationwide, the SBA supports more than 50 VBOC locations operated by 32 host organizations through cooperative agreements.

Building a Stronger Veteran Business Community

The expansion of the VBOC network represents another opportunity to strengthen the Veteran business community and encourage economic growth.

Programs such as Boots to Business, Boots to Business Reboot and Military Spouse Pathway to Business introduce military-connected individuals to entrepreneurship and provide foundational business education.

Since the launch of Boots to Business in 2013, these programs have collectively trained and graduated nearly 260,000 participants nationwide.

For Veteran entrepreneurs, access to these resources can be an important first step toward building sustainable businesses, creating jobs and contributing to their local economies.

Connecting Veteran-Owned Businesses to Corporate Opportunities

At the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), we recognize the importance of supporting Veteran entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey.

While programs like the SBA’s VBOCs help Veterans establish and develop their businesses, NaVOBA focuses on creating opportunities for Veteran’s Business Enterprises® (VBEs) to connect with corporate supply chains.

Through certification, education and relationship-building opportunities, NaVOBA works to increase the visibility of Veteran-Owned businesses and help them compete in the private sector.

The planned expansion of entrepreneurial resources in Idaho reinforces a shared objective: ensuring that Veterans and military families have access to the tools, connections and opportunities needed to succeed in business.

Looking Ahead

With the new Idaho VBOC expected to be fully funded by 2027, Veteran entrepreneurs across the state could soon benefit from additional local support as they pursue their business goals.

NaVOBA welcomes initiatives that strengthen the Veteran business ecosystem and expand pathways to entrepreneurship, business development and economic opportunity.