Welcome to the Veteran Assistance and Services Program
The Veterans Assistance and Services Program (VASP) is here to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services, National Guard and Reserves in their pursuit of the "American Dream" of entrepreneurship.
VASP services include:
- Self-Assessment
- On-line counseling
- Distance learning
- Web-based assessments
- Government contracting assistance
- Business planning and start-up assistance
- Assistance with preparation to obtain bank loans and financing
Who We Are
The Veteran Assistance and Services Program (VASP) is sponsored by the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network and funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide a wide range of resources and referrals. We provide a one-stop point of contact for veterans and military personnel who are nascent entrepreneurs or owners of small business concerns.
Who We Serve
The Veterans Assistance and Services Program provides free, confidential business counseling and training through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to:
- Veteran owned businesses
- Service disabled veteran owned small businesses
- Personnel transitioning from military to civilian life
- Members of the National Guard
- Reservists
- Dependents and spouses of veterans
Our Host
SBDC Contracting Resource Center
The Veteran's Assistance Program is just one facet of the many services offered through the SBDC Contracting Resource Center. To find out more about:
- Bidmatch
- Supplier/Vendor Network
- Technology Commercialization
- SBIR/STTR
- The Human Capital Program
SBA’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative Delivers $315 Million to 3,750 Vets, Military Community
WASHINGTON – In just two year’s time, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative has supported more than$315 million in loans to more than 3,750 veterans and their spouses who are using the SBA-guaranteed funds to establish and expand their small businesses. As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which raised loan guarantees to 90 percent, and eliminated fees temporarily, the number of Patriot Express loans increased to record levels in April and May of 2009.
Department of Defense Launches National Resource Directory For Wounded Warriors, Families And Caregivers
The Department of Defense today launched the National Resource Directory, a collaborative effort between the departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs.
The directory is a Web-based network of care coordinators, providers and support partners with resources for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them.
San Antonio to Pilot Army Advantage Fund
The San Antonio West Chamber wants to share this new program with you - The Army Advantage. San Antonio is included in the pilot. According to the attached letter, the fund provides new enlistees with the opportunity to earn up to $40,000 toward down payment for a home or seed money for a small business.
The SBA as well as our resource partners might very well receive inquiries later once active army members complete their duty or retire on how we can also help (fit in), if they decide to use the seed money to start a business.
