Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse veteran communities in the nation, with more than 77,000 veterans and service members living and working across the city. The Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs (MOVA) stands as the city’s central hub for ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the full spectrum of services, opportunities, and support available to them. This deep-dive article provides a complete guide to MOVA’s mission, core programs, business resources, veteran engagement initiatives, and how you can leverage MOVA and the Chicagoland Veteran Business Owners Group (CVBO) for your success.
What Is the Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs (MOVA)?
MOVA is the City of Chicago’s lead agency for veteran engagement, advocacy, and support. MOVA oversees programs, develops policy, and serves as a connector among local organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and city, state, and federal agencies. Its goals include:
- Enhancing quality of life for veterans and their families.
- Expanding economic, educational, and social opportunities.
- Advocating for inclusive, veteran-friendly city policies.
- Raising visibility and honoring Chicago’s veteran heritage.
MOVA is supported by the Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs (ACVA), a 21-member board of veterans and subject-matter experts that bridges the community and the Mayor’s Office on policy and outreach.
Key Services & Programs
Advocacy, Outreach, and Navigation
- Resource Navigation: Connecting veterans to services in education, employment, healthcare, housing, legal aid, mental health, and family support.
- Veteran Events: Organizes citywide veteran events, including parades, hiring fairs, family days, and networking sessions.
- Advisory Council: ACVA informs policy and ensures veteran voices are heard in city decisions.
- Public Honors: Annual recognitions such as Purple Heart street sign installations, Valor Games Midwest support, and military heritage celebrations.
Business Support & Veteran-Owned Enterprises
- Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Certification:
- Awarded to veteran-owned and operated small/local businesses.
- Enables businesses to access the 5% veteran bid incentive on City contracts.
- As of 2025, Chicago has expanded its VBE program, making it permanent and increasing veteran-owned business contract goals from 1% to 3%—with over 109 certified VBE businesses and streamlined acceptance of certifications from state and federal authorities.
- The city has partnered with organizations such as the Veteran Business Project for guidance and VBE application support.
- Resource Fairs & Workshops: MOVA sponsors and promotes resource fairs, business opportunity days, and training for veterans in entrepreneurship, contracting, and public sector partnerships.
Special Programs
- Congressionally Chartered Service Organizations: Chicago’s MOVA supports and coordinates with local chapters of all major VSOs (e.g., VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Black Veterans).
- Accessible Recreation & Disabled Veterans: In partnership with the Chicago Park District, MOVA hosts the Valor Games Midwest, a multi-sport event for disabled/wounded veterans and their families, in addition to organizing large resource fairs hosting 30+ service providers for topics ranging from health to housing.
- No-Fee City Vehicle Stickers: Eligible veterans can receive free city stickers for vehicles by presenting state ID with a veteran designation, among other qualifying criteria.
- Local Satellite Support: Regular veteran resource events, satellite office hours, and a downloadable resource guide are available through MOVA’s website.
How to Access Support
| Service/Resource | How to Access | Contact |
| General Support & Navigation | Visit MOVA’s downtown office, call, or email for tailored guidance. | 121 N La Salle St., Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-744-8510 |
| VBE Certification | Start online at the City of Chicago Veteran Business page or contact MOVA for personal guidance through the application. | Chicago VBE Program Site |
| Resource Fairs & Events | Check the MOVA website or community partner listings for dates and details. | MOVA main contact |
| Disabled & Paralympic Programs | Participate in annual Valor Games Midwest, resource fairs, or specialized sport programs via the Park District and city partners. | MOVA/Chicago Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes MOVA different from other veteran organizations?
A: MOVA is embedded within the city government, ensuring veterans’ needs and interests are integrated into broader city policy and programming. MOVA directly partners with major VSOs, nonprofits, and municipal agencies.
Q: How can I get my veteran-owned business certified?
A: MOVA and partners such as Veteran Business Project will walk you through the VBE process—apply online, submit ownership documents, and take advantage of ongoing city support for contract readiness.
Q: Does MOVA only serve veterans living in Chicago?
A: MOVA’s programs primarily target Chicago residents, but events and outreach often extend throughout the metro region. Neighboring veterans can also access resources, especially for business programs and public events.
Q: Are MOVA services free?
A: Yes, core outreach, navigation, recognition, and many public programs come at no cost. Specialized business certification processes may sometimes involve nominal document fees, depending on application structure.
Q: Is there support for families and caregivers?
A: Yes. Many MOVA events and resource guides include information for veteran families and caregivers, from mental health support to legal aid and education.
Tips for Getting the Most from MOVA
- Connect Early: Don’t wait for a crisis—email or call MOVA to introduce yourself and get plugged into the local veteran network.
- Check Events Regularly: Attend in-person or virtual events; these are invaluable for networking and accessing resources tailored just for veterans.
- Ask About VBE Certification: Even if your business is just an idea, MOVA can connect you to preparatory resources and early-stage support.
- Bundle Benefits: Utilize MOVA services alongside state programs (Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs), city incentives, and federal resources for maximum impact.
- Register for the Resource Guide: MOVA publishes a free, updated guide with contacts for all major veteran programs, including healthcare, education, and legal support.
Direct Contact Information
- Office: 121 N La Salle St., Chicago, IL 60602
- Phone: 312-744-8510
- Email: veteransaffairs@cityofchicago.org
- Web: City of Chicago MOVA
Final Thoughts: Amplify Your Benefits—Join CVBO
As you take advantage of all MOVA has to offer, supercharge your personal and business growth by connecting with the Chicagoland Veteran Business Owners Group (CVBO):
- Learn More: Access exclusive workshops, peer support, and veteran business programs.
- Join CVBO: Become part of a close-knit network of veteran leaders advancing economic opportunity.
- List Your Business: Gain visibility and connect with customers, clients, and fellow veterans through the CVBO Directory.
- Support the Mission: Become a donor and power the next generation of veteran-owned businesses in Chicago.
Contact CVBO today to join, list your business, or make a tax-deductible contribution.
Empowering veterans. Elevating business. Building community—together.
