VOSB, SDVOSB, Illinois VBP, Chicago VBE, MBE, WBE, and DBE
Veteran-owned business certification can help qualified companies pursue new contracting opportunities, strengthen credibility, and become more visible to buyers looking for diverse suppliers. But certifications are not all the same—and the right one depends on where you want to do business.
For veteran entrepreneurs in Chicagoland, the most useful starting point is to understand the difference between federal, state, and local certifications. This guide breaks down the major options, who manages them, and how they may support your next stage of growth.
Why Certification Matters
A certification is not a guarantee of contracts. You still need a clear service offering, competitive pricing, strong relationships, and the ability to deliver excellent work.
However, certification can make your business eligible for opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable. It can also help procurement teams, prime contractors, corporations, and public agencies identify qualified veteran-owned businesses.
Depending on the certification, benefits may include:
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Eligibility for certain set-aside or sole-source opportunities
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Inclusion in supplier and vendor directories
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Access to supplier-diversity programs
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Bid incentives or participation goals
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More visibility with public-sector buyers and prime contractors
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Stronger credibility when introducing your business to potential partners
The key is to treat certification as one part of your business-development strategy—not the entire strategy.
VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
A Veteran-Owned Small Business, or VOSB, is a federal certification for qualifying small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration manages the current federal veteran certification process through its Veteran Small Business Certification program, commonly called VetCert.
VOSB certification can be especially valuable for businesses interested in working with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It may make a qualified firm eligible to compete for certain VA set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities.
A business may be a good fit for VOSB certification if it:
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Meets the applicable small-business size standard
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Is at least 51% veteran-owned
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Is controlled by one or more qualifying veterans
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Has a veteran owner who manages day-to-day and long-term decisions
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Wants to pursue federal contracts, particularly with the VA
VOSB certification is often a smart first federal step for a veteran-owned business that wants to explore government contracting but does not qualify as service-disabled veteran-owned.
SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, or SDVOSB, is similar to a VOSB, but the qualifying owner must also have a service-connected disability.
SDVOSB certification is also managed through the SBA’s VetCert program. It can provide access to qualifying set-aside and sole-source opportunities across the federal government.
For many government buyers, SDVOSB firms are a priority supplier group because federal agencies have goals for awarding contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
A business may be a fit for SDVOSB certification if it:
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Meets the relevant SBA small-business size standard
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Is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
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Has qualifying documentation for the veteran owner’s service-connected disability
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Can demonstrate that the qualifying owner has real authority over management and major business decisions
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Wants to pursue federal procurement opportunities
A common point of confusion is that VOSB and SDVOSB are not interchangeable. A service-disabled veteran-owned business may qualify for SDVOSB certification, while a veteran-owned business without a qualifying service-connected disability may pursue VOSB certification.
Illinois Veterans Business Program
Veteran-owned businesses interested in state procurement should also look at the Illinois Veterans Business Program, or VBP.
The program is administered through the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion and is designed to help qualified veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses access contracting opportunities with Illinois state agencies and public universities.
Illinois encourages state agencies and universities to direct a portion of procurement spending toward certified veteran-owned businesses. That makes the program especially relevant for businesses that sell products or services used by government offices, schools, public institutions, and state-supported organizations.
A business may be a strong fit for Illinois veteran certification if it:
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Is based in Illinois
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Is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more qualified veterans or service-disabled veterans
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Meets program eligibility requirements
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Has annual gross sales within the program’s eligibility limits
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Wants to pursue Illinois state agency or university contracts
For a Chicagoland business, this certification can be useful even if federal contracting is not your immediate goal. Illinois procurement can include many service categories, from professional services and technology to construction, facilities, training, marketing, staffing, and product supply.
City of Chicago VBE Certification
The City of Chicago Veteran Business Enterprise, or VBE, certification is a local option for veteran-owned businesses seeking opportunities tied to City of Chicago procurement.
Chicago’s VBE certification can be particularly useful for firms that want to work directly with the City, compete for municipal contracts, or build relationships with larger prime contractors that need veteran-owned partners for public work.
This certification is separate from federal VOSB or SDVOSB certification and separate from the Illinois Veterans Business Program. A business may benefit from holding more than one certification because each one applies to a different buyer group and opportunity set.
City of Chicago VBE certification may be worth exploring if your business:
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Serves clients in Chicago or the broader Chicagoland region
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Can provide goods or services purchased by municipal departments
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Wants to pursue city-related bids, requests for proposals, or subcontracting opportunities
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Wants to connect with prime contractors working on public-sector projects
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Is building a local government-business-development strategy
For many business owners, Chicago VBE certification is not just about responding to bids. It can also make their company more discoverable to partners looking for qualified veteran-owned firms.
MBE, WBE, and DBE Certifications
Veteran-owned status does not automatically qualify a business for every supplier-diversity certification. Still, some veteran entrepreneurs may be eligible for additional programs based on ownership, control, industry, and other program-specific requirements.
MBE: Minority Business Enterprise
An MBE certification may apply to businesses that are majority-owned, operated, and controlled by qualifying minority owners. It can be relevant for public-sector procurement and corporate supplier-diversity programs.
WBE: Women Business Enterprise
A WBE certification may apply when a business is majority-owned, operated, and controlled by qualifying women owners. It may create additional opportunities with corporations, government entities, and large organizations with supplier-diversity goals.
DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
DBE certification is commonly associated with transportation-related contracting. It may be relevant for businesses that want to work on projects involving transportation agencies, airports, transit systems, highways, or infrastructure.
Each program has its own rules. If you may qualify, consider it a separate opportunity—not a replacement for VOSB, SDVOSB, Illinois veteran certification, or Chicago VBE certification.
What Certification Can—and Cannot—Do
Certification can help your company get in the room. It does not replace the work required to win and retain business.
A strong certification strategy should include:
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A clear description of what your company sells
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A polished capability statement
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An up-to-date website and LinkedIn presence
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A list of target agencies, companies, and prime contractors
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Relationship-building with procurement professionals
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Consistent follow-up after networking events and introductions
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Proof that your business can perform, including past performance, references, licenses, insurance, and financial readiness where applicable
Think of certification as a door opener. Your sales process, operations, reputation, and relationships are what move you through the door.
Documents to Gather Before Applying
Most certification applications require detailed proof that the qualifying owner truly owns and controls the business. Gathering documents before starting can reduce delays.
Your readiness folder may include:
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Articles of organization or incorporation
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Operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement
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Employer Identification Number documentation
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Business licenses and registrations
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Recent business tax returns, if applicable
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Bank signature cards or business banking records
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Resumes for owners and key leaders
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Proof of veteran status or service-connected disability, when required
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Ownership records, stock certificates, or membership-interest documents
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Current leases, major contracts, insurance records, and licenses
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Documentation showing who makes day-to-day and long-term business decisions
Keep records current and organized. Certification agencies often review ownership, management authority, operational control, and financial control—not simply veteran status.
Get Free Support Before You Apply
You do not have to sort through the process alone.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center network can help entrepreneurs think through business planning, government contracting readiness, financial questions, and growth strategy. SBDCs are especially helpful for business owners who are new to certifications or want to make sure their company is prepared before applying.
Veteran business owners can also benefit from connecting with peers who have already navigated certification, contracting, supplier diversity, and local business development. A conversation with another entrepreneur can help you avoid common mistakes and focus on the certifications that fit your goals.
Download the Certification Readiness Checklist
Not sure where to begin?
Download the Veteran Business Certification Readiness Checklist to identify the documents, questions, and next steps to consider before applying for VOSB, SDVOSB, Illinois VBP, Chicago VBE, or other certifications.
Enter your first name, last name, and business email address to receive the checklist.
Join the CVBO Directory
Certification is more valuable when it is paired with relationships, visibility, and a strong local business network.
Join the CVBO Directory to help customers, partners, and fellow veterans find your business. You will also stay connected to a growing Chicagoland community focused on helping veteran-owned, military spouse-owned, and military family-owned businesses build profitable, scalable, and resilient companies.
Join the CVBO Directory today and make it easier for your next customer, referral partner, or contracting opportunity to find you.