Owners In Honor® Receives SBA Grant to Support Veteran-Owned Business Education

Owners In Honor® Awarded SBA Grant to Enhance Training for Veterans

In a significant announcement, Owners In Honor® (OIH), a national nonprofit organization committed to fostering entrepreneurship among veterans and military families, has received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). This funding is part of the FY2026 Pilot Program Specialized Training, Track II, aimed at supporting veteran-focused entrepreneurial initiatives.

The grant will allow OIH to expand its flagship program, Buyers Basecamp, which prepares veterans and military families to acquire and manage small businesses effectively. This educational initiative will be facilitated through the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) network, significantly broadening its reach across the country.

Patrick M. Flood, the founder and CEO of Owners In Honor, expressed gratitude for the SBA’s support, stating, "Veterans already possess the essential leadership skills, discipline, and a mission-oriented mindset necessary for the survival and growth of small businesses. This investment enables us to establish a robust, standardized pathway for veterans to confidently take ownership of businesses, thus reinforcing the economic fabric of their communities."

The collaboration between OIH and the SBA is designed to deliver comprehensive training that aligns with the unique needs of veterans and military families. Kevin Barber, Assistant Administrator at the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development, remarked, "It’s a privilege to partner with Owners In Honor to provide top-tier entrepreneurial services and training. We are dedicated to enhancing our outreach and support to veterans and military spouses at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey."

Utilizing the grant, OIH plans to develop standardized readiness assessments, introduce four new training modules, and create infrastructure for candidate management and tracking certification. The project aims to recruit and train 200 new candidates, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as business owners.

OIH has a proven track record, having enrolled 500 participants in its Buyers Basecamp program and reaching 3,050 individuals through various educational efforts focused on business acquisition. This initiative has already facilitated the successful acquisition of 11 businesses by veteran entrepreneurs.

Veterans, service members, and the families of Armed Forces members interested in participating in Buyers Basecamp can learn more and apply for the program at ownersinhonor.org.

About Owners In Honor®

Founded and led by veterans, Owners In Honor® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustained economic opportunities for military members and their families. The organization provides structured support through its Buyers, Operators, and Sellers programs, guiding veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star families on their entrepreneurial journeys—from acquisition to exit strategies. For further details, you can visit ownersinhonor.org.