The SBA's Boots to Business program is a free entrepreneurship education program offered as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It is designed to help transitioning servicemembers and veterans explore entrepreneurship as a post-military career path. Understanding what Boots to Business offers — and what it does not — helps veterans decide whether it fits their goals.

What Is Boots to Business?

Per SBA.gov, Boots to Business is a two-step program:

Step 1 (On-Installation): A 2-day entrepreneurship overview course offered on military installations as part of the standard TAP curriculum. This course covers the basics of business ownership, including business models, market research, funding options, and legal structures. It is free and available to transitioning servicemembers, veterans of all eras, and their spouses.

Step 2 (Online): Veterans who complete the on-installation course can enroll in Boots to Business: Revenue Readiness — an 8-week online course that goes deeper into business planning, financial projections, marketing, and operational planning. This course is also free.

Who Can Attend

Boots to Business is available to:

  • Transitioning active duty servicemembers (as part of TAP)
  • Veterans of all eras
  • National Guard and Reserve members (activated or not)
  • Military spouses

You do not need to be near separation to access the veteran-open sessions. The SBA works with installation TAP offices and veteran-serving organizations to deliver the program at various locations nationwide and virtually.

What Boots to Business Does NOT Provide

Boots to Business is an education and awareness program — it is not a grant program and does not provide direct startup funding. Completion does not guarantee SBA loan eligibility or preferential access to SBA-backed loans. However, it does connect graduates with SBA resource partners — Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE mentors, and Women's Business Centers — who can provide free one-on-one advisory support for developing a business plan and accessing financing.

After Boots to Business: SBA Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Veteran-owned businesses may be eligible for:

  • SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans (for business acquisition, expansion, or equipment)
  • SBA Express loans (faster turnaround, lower guarantee percentage)
  • SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) — federal procurement preference for veteran-owned small businesses

The VetCert program is administered by SBA and provides certification for federal contracting set-asides for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs). This certification can significantly improve access to federal contracting opportunities, which represent a substantial market for veteran entrepreneurs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Boots to Business is a free 2-day on-installation course (+ optional 8-week online follow-up) for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses
  • It is an education program — not a grant or direct funding program
  • Completion connects graduates with free SBA resource partners (SBDCs, SCORE) for business planning support
  • The SBA's VetCert program certifies veteran-owned businesses for federal contracting set-asides
  • Register for Boots to Business through your installation TAP office or at sba.gov