FEDERAL PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans, contracting support, counseling, and programs like Boots to Business for veterans and military spouses.
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) provide entrepreneurial development, training, mentorship, and resource navigation.
- Boots to Business (B2B) is an introductory entrepreneurship program offered by the SBA on military installations and online.
STATE OF ILLINOIS RESOURCES
- Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) supports veteran entrepreneurs through benefits navigation, grants, and small business resources.
- Veterans Business Program (VBP) Certifies veteran-owned businesses to access state contracting opportunities.
- Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP) reserves a portion of state contracts for veteran-owned small businesses.
- Illinois WorkNet – Veteran Resources Connects veterans with entrepreneurship training, job services, and grants.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS VBAS The EDCI VBAS offers various levels of training and assistance for start-up, emerging, and established veteran business owners in Illinois to support and accelerate their business development and growth.
COOK COUNTY / CITY OF CHICAGO RESOURCES
- City of Chicago Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) provides certifications and bid incentives for veteran-owned businesses in city contracts.
- COOK COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS SOURCE Find up-to-date information on grant and loan opportunities available to your small business.
LOCAL EDUCATIONAL & INCUBATOR PROGRAMS
- Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship (University of Chicago) offers startup support, accelerator programs, and consulting projects with Booth MBA students.
- UIC Entrepreneurial Support Program provides consulting and technical support to entrepreneurs through UIC’s College of Business.
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University) supports veteran and spouse entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding competitions, and networking. - Quinlan School of Business (Loyola University) offers executive education and entrepreneurship curriculum that supports military-affiliated students.
- Stuart School of Business (Illinois Tech) focuses on tech-forward business programs, including venture incubation.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE SBDCs
- Elgin Community College SBDC
- Waubonsee Community College SBDC
- College of DuPage SBDC
- McHenry County College SBDC
- Oakton College SBDC
- South Suburban College Veteran Center
All offer 1:1 business advising, market research, funding assistance, and veteran support.
NONPROFITS SUPPORTING VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS
- Veteran Business Project Mentors veterans and military spouses through business acquisitions and startups.
- The Rosie Network provides entrepreneurship training and certification for veteran and spouse-owned businesses.
- Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) is a digital community that offers courses, mentoring, and discounts for military spouses.
- Warrior Rising offers a structured business development program, mentorship, and startup grants for veterans and spouses.
- Blue Star Families – Spouseforce offers upskilling, career counseling, and employer connections for military spouses.
- National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) Advocates and supports business opportunities for Black veterans.
- Robert R. McCormick Foundation – Veterans Program Funds nonprofits and programs that assist with veteran entrepreneurship and transition.
MENTORSHIP & CAREER NETWORKS
- American Corporate Partners (ACP) offers year-long, customized business mentorships to veterans and spouses.
- Post-Veterati (successor to Veterati) connects veterans and spouses to volunteer mentors across industries.
- Hiring Our Heroes – Fellowship & Grant Programs provides internships, training, and $10,000 business grants to veterans and spouses.
- ChiBizHub provides small businesses with free, easy access to the help you need, when you need it.
- Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC): The WBDC’s mission is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all business owners, to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.
- VETtoCEO transitions veterans into entrepreneurship through no-cost training and mentoring.
- National Association for the Self-Employed provides day-to-day support, including direct access to experts, benefits, and consolidated buying power.
HEALTHCARE: VA HOSPITALS & CLINICS
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (Chicago)
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
- Lovell Federal Health Care Center (North Chicago)
OUTPATIENT CLINICS
- Lakeside VA Clinic
- Auburn Gresham VA Clinic
- Chicago Heights Vet Center
- Evanston Vet Center
- Aurora Vet Center
- Orland Park Vet Center
- Hoffman Estates VA Clinic
- McHenry VA Clinic
- Oak Lawn VA Clinic
- Joliet VA Clinic
COMMUNITY-BASED VETERAN NONPROFITS
- Chicago Veterans hosts peer support events, job fairs, and ruck marches to connect and empower veterans.
- The Mission Continues – Chicago Platoon deploys veteran volunteers to support underserved neighborhoods through community service.
- Road Home Program – Rush University provides specialized PTSD and trauma-focused mental health treatment for veterans and families.
- A Safe Haven Veteran Village provides transitional housing and job training for homeless veterans in Chicago.
If you cannot find the resources you’re looking for, please Contact Us.
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