VA Seeks Industry Input to Strengthen Self-Employment Opportunities for Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative approaches to supporting Veterans interested in self-employment and entrepreneurship through the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.

This initiative provides an opportunity for organizations, small business service providers and industry stakeholders to share ideas and expertise that could help shape future resources and services for Veteran entrepreneurs.

Supporting Veterans on the Path to Business Ownership

Entrepreneurship offers Veterans an opportunity to leverage the leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills developed during military service into successful business ventures.

Through its VR&E program, the VA helps eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain suitable employment, including pursuing self-employment when appropriate.

The newly published RFI seeks input on innovative and effective ways to support Veterans pursuing entrepreneurship. By gathering feedback from organizations and industry experts, VBA aims to better understand potential solutions and assess interest in supporting future initiatives.

An Opportunity for Industry Collaboration

The RFI invites stakeholders with relevant experience and capabilities to contribute insights that could inform the VA’s approach to supporting Veteran entrepreneurs.

Organizations involved in business development, entrepreneurship education, technical assistance and other small business support services are encouraged to review the RFI and consider whether their expertise could contribute to this effort.

As an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for Veteran-Owned businesses, NaVOBA recognizes the importance of connecting Veterans with resources, relationships and opportunities that support long-term business success.

Industry engagement and collaboration can play an important role in identifying effective approaches to helping Veterans pursue business ownership.

What Veterans and Stakeholders Should Know

This RFI is for market research purposes only. It does not change, interrupt, or affect existing services, benefits, or programs currently available to Veterans pursuing self-employment through VR&E.

Additionally, the RFI is not a solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP), or Request for Quotation (RFQ), and it does not obligate the federal government to award a contract.

Participation is voluntary, and the government will not reimburse organizations for costs associated with preparing or submitting responses.

The information collected will help VBA evaluate industry capabilities, explore potential approaches and inform future decisions regarding support for Veteran entrepreneurs.

How to Respond

Organizations and stakeholders interested in participating should review the official RFI on SAM.gov for complete details and response instructions.

RFI: VR&E Self-Employment Services RFI on SAM.gov

Response Deadline: November 25, 2026

Questions: Contact VBA Acquisitions representatives Marty Bost at Marty.Bost@va.gov or Edward Bradford at Edward.Bradford@va.gov.

Help Spread the Word

NaVOBA encourages its network of Veteran’s Business Enterprises® (VBEs), corporate partners, small business service providers and industry stakeholders to share this opportunity with organizations that may be interested in providing input.

By helping connect the VA with knowledgeable organizations and industry experts, the Veteran business community can contribute to conversations about how to better support Veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the RFI and submit their responses by November 25, 2026.