VBOCNewEngland

Veteran-owned businesses looking to build relationships with corporate buyers: Center for Women & Enterprise is hosting a Corporate Matchmaker Event in Springfield on November 5. Veteran-owned businesses of all genders are welcome.

The event is designed to connect small, diverse, WBENC-certified, and veteran-owned businesses with larger corporations and organizations.

Attendance is free for businesses with a documented veteran-owned business certification, including SBA VetCert (VOSB/SDVOSB), state veteran business certifications, and recognized private-sector certifications such as NaVOBA or NVBDC. Registration is $10 for all other businesses.

Thursday, November 5
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Springfield Innovation Center
276 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA

Register here:
https://pro.gofundme.com/event/corporate-matchmaker-event-with-cwe-november-5-2026/e838585

Veteran-owned businesses considering federal contracting: pay attention to this one, even if you are not selling to the government yet.

The SBA is considering proposed changes to the size standards used to determine which businesses qualify as “small” for federal contracting and other SBA purposes.

These are proposed changes, not final rules.

That matters not only to companies already competing for contracts. If federal contracting is something you are still evaluating as a future growth strategy, these rules help define the market you would be entering.

SBA is holding a free virtual public forum tomorrow, September 17, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET to hear testimony on the proposed changes.

Pre-registration is required to attend.

SBA specifically encourages active federal sellers and organizations that provide access to capital to participate, but the forum is not limited to those groups.

If you are:

✅ already selling to the federal government
✅ working toward entering federal contracting
✅ considering whether government contracting belongs in your business strategy

this is worth understanding now, while SBA is still accepting input.

Register through SBA: https://legacy.sba.gov/event/88418

Registration closes tomorrow at 8:00 AM ET.

New England veteran-owned businesses: VBOC of New England, regional APEX Accelerators, and additional SBA partnerships are launching a four-week virtual cohort focused on building a stronger Small Business Profile for government contracting.

This cohort is specifically for businesses that:

✅ are established veteran-owned businesses
✅ are located in CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, or ME
✅ are in the process of obtaining, or have already completed, VOSB or SDVOSB certification
✅ can participate in all four sessions

Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 AM ET
September 17, September 24, October 1, and October 8

Topics include:
• Developing your Capability Statement
• Using the SBA Small Business Search Tool
• Digital media and contracting collateral
• Matchmakers and perfecting your pitch

Participants will also have opportunities to receive feedback on their Capability Statements and practice their pitches with experienced government contracting professionals.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements above, please hold off on registering for this particular cohort.

Register: https://sba-vboc.ecenterdirect.com/events/39726

Build your Small Business Profile for Government Contracts (New England Clients Only) For New England based veteran-owned businesses only Join the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England, regional Apex Accelerators, and the SBA for this special 4-week bootcamp-style cohort to Build your Small Business Profile and prepare to compete for government contracts. As the largest p

Today, the VBOC of New England spent the day with the 104th Fighter Wing at their Resource Fair, joining a strong group of community organizations supporting the military community.

The event came as the 104th supports Airmen preparing for upcoming deployments and those returning home, with community partners on hand to share resources and support.

We were there to talk entrepreneurship and share how the VBOC can support service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business through no-cost training, counseling, and resource connections.

Thank you to the 104th Fighter Wing for having us and for bringing so many organizations together to support their Airmen.

Are you a veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small business exploring government contracting?

Join the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England and the U.S. Small Business Administration for:

Contract Ready: Understanding VetCert and the Path to VOSB & SDVOSB Certification

📅 Wednesday, August 5, 2026
🕐 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET
💻 Live online

This practical workshop will cover:

• The difference between state and federal veteran business certifications
• How VetCert works and who may qualify
• SAM.gov registration and eligibility
• How certification can support government contracting opportunities
• Resources and next steps for veteran business owners

The session will be led by Victor Regino, with support from Amanda Basse and Theresa Pinto of the SBA Rhode Island and New Hampshire District Offices.

Register here:
https://loom.ly/zCxqZRE

Fuel your business growth with free expert resources. 🚀

Through our partnership with the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, the VBOC is proud to offer Veterans 100% free access to critical business support:

- Step-by-Step Learning: Master cash flow, digital marketing, and business tech at your own pace.

- Professional Coaching: Get direct answers to your unique business questions from industry pros.

- Grant Funding: Unlock eligibility for exclusive small business grants.

- Invest in your business without spending a dime. Sign up today and start building.

👉 Get started now: https://loom.ly/kCOnUWM

Starting soon: AI training for veteran-owned businesses

NVBDC is hosting a short-notice webinar today on practical ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude to support marketing, proposal writing, capability statements, supplier readiness, customer engagement, daily operations, prompt writing, and responsible AI use.

If your schedule allows, this may be a useful session to jump into this morning.

Register at: https://nvbdc.org/events/

Veteran business owners, what’s your next objective? Whether you are launching a startup or expanding an existing business, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program has the tactical resources to get you there.

Through our partnership with the program, the VBOC is bringing you premium, 100% free business tools:

- Actionable Training: Quick, on-demand courses in finance, marketing, and operations.

- Mentorship: Personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with industry experts.

- Capital: Access to exclusive small business grant cycles.

No fees. No catch. Just the resources you earned to help your business win. 👉 Secure your access today: https://loom.ly/kCOnUWM

Disaster recovery starts with knowing where to turn.

As hurricane season continues, veteran entrepreneurs and military families should be aware of the disaster assistance resources available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBA disaster assistance can include support for:

• physical damage to business property, equipment, and inventory
• working capital needs caused by disaster-related revenue loss
• economic injury when an essential employee is called to active duty
• certain homeowner recovery needs

These programs are intended to help fill gaps that insurance and other disaster assistance may not fully cover.

Learn more about SBA disaster assistance and preparedness resources at SBA.gov.

⏰ Last call! Only 2 days left to register! ⏰

Wednesday morning, veteran entrepreneur Brian LaFauci is hosting our live, conversation-based session for veterans curious about business ownership. If you’ve been thinking about taking that next step, this is your sign to join us.

There’s no pressure and no formal lecture—just a supportive, peer-focused space to talk through your ideas, ask questions, and discover the local resources available to help you succeed.

Whether you have a fully formed business plan or just a spark of curiosity, grab your spot before registration closes!

📆 When: Wednesday, July 8th | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
📍 Where: Online via Zoom

👉 Registration is required to get the Zoom link. Secure your spot now: https://loom.ly/GHkKMzs