Bunker Labs
Bunker labs is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization built by military veteran entrepreneurs to empower other military veterans as leaders in innovation. Through local chapters across the U.S., Bunker Labs provides educational programming, access to resources, and a thriving local network to help military veterans and their spouses start and grow businesses.
Central Management Services (CMS)
CMS assists qualified veteran-owned businesses gain access to State of Illinois contracting opportunities and to participate in the competitive procurement process.
Cook County, IL
Cook County assists qualified veteran-owned businesses gain access to Cook County contracting opportunities and to participate in the competitive procurement process.
Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has Special Authority for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Set-aside and Sole Source Contracts.
The Elite SDVOB Network
The Elite SDVOB Network is a non-profit 501(c) 19 corporation aimed at assisting veterans through the maze of paperwork, individuals, and agencies necessary for them to reach their goal of being a self-sufficient and thriving business owners. It is comprised of SDVOBs, DVBEs, and those individuals and companies that support the Network’s mission: helping other vets help themselves.
U.S. Small Business Administration - Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
Devoted exclusively to promoting veteran entrepreneurship, the OVBD facilitates the use of all SBA programs by veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, active-duty service members, transitioning service members, and their dependents or survivors. SBA programs provide access to capital and preparation for small business opportunities. They can also connect veteran small business owners with federal procurement and commercial supply chains
Veteran Owned Business Directory
The Veteran Owned Business Project is a comprehensive, user friendly member network directory of small, medium and large businesses owned by veterans, service disabled veterans (SDVOSBs / DVBEs) active duty military, reservists and military spouses.
Women’s Business Development Center – Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and provides entrepreneurial development services – such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals – to transitioning Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The SBA has 20 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs
Other Veteran Resources:
Illinois Joining Forces
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) was launched in 2012, through an inter-governmental agreement between the Illinois Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Military Affairs. It is a statewide, public-private network of military and veteran-serving organizations working together to improve services for service-members, veterans, and their families.
Road Home Program
The Road Home Program at the Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush provides timely and confidential support, counseling, and veteran health services to help veterans understand, heal from, and cope with the invisible wounds of war. Services at the Road Home Program are provided regardless of discharge status or ability to pay.
The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to bringing together veterans and innovative community organizations to create transformational change for communities in need all across the country.
Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations through mentorship and community involvement opportunities.
Vetwork
Vetwork is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting our honorably discharged veterans in coming home, getting situated, receiving financial, social, and medical aid, and readjusting to domestic life in the U.S.
Victor
Victor is a bridge across the military-civilian gap that aims to make life after service less complicated and helps veterans become more socially empowered. Victor aims to connect veterans and their families with the people, places, and information they need to smooth their transition back to civilian life and ease stress.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves veterans and service members who have incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. The WWP provides free programs and services to address the needs of wounded warriors and fill in the gaps of government care.
