Overview

Houston's 200,000+ veteran residents and 50,000+ veteran-owned businesses are served by a robust ecosystem of networking organizations, veteran chambers, and business associations.

Key Programs & Resources

Lone Star Veterans Association (LSVA)

Houston-based nonprofit connecting Texas veterans through community service, networking, and peer support.

American GI Forum of Texas

One of the nation's oldest Hispanic veteran organizations, headquartered in San Antonio with active Houston chapters.

NaVOBA — National Veteran-Owned Business Association

National organization providing the "Certified Veteran's Business Enterprise" (VBE) designation accepted by corporate supplier diversity programs.

SCORE Houston — Veteran Mentorship

SCORE Houston has volunteer mentors with military backgrounds who provide free, confidential business mentoring to veteran entrepreneurs.

Houston Community College Veteran Services

HCC Veteran Services connects veteran students with entrepreneurship programs, small business training, and networking events.

Texas Military Forces Business Network

Texas Military Forces maintains networks for Guard and Reserve member businesses.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to access the programs outlined above. The VBOC Houston at the University of Houston can assist with most of these steps at no cost — and HRVCC staff can connect you directly.

  1. Attend a VBOC Houston orientation at the University of Houston SBDC — free and open to all veterans
  2. Join Lone Star Veterans Association for local Houston veteran community connections
  3. Register for NaVOBA's VBE certification to access corporate supplier diversity programs
  4. Contact SCORE Houston to be matched with a veteran mentor in your industry
  5. Attend Chamber.Support veteran chamber events — published on member public calendars
  6. Follow Texas Veterans Commission social media for state-level networking events

How HRVCC Helps Members Access These Resources

HRVCC exists to help veteran business owners in Houston navigate exactly the programs and resources described on this page. Membership isn't just a directory listing — it's access to a community that has already worked through these processes and is ready to share what they know.

Additional Houston-Area Veteran Business Resources