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.
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Attend a VBOC Houston orientation at the University of Houston SBDC — free and open to all veterans
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Join Lone Star Veterans Association for local Houston veteran community connections
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Register for NaVOBA's VBE certification to access corporate supplier diversity programs
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Contact SCORE Houston to be matched with a veteran mentor in your industry
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Attend Chamber.Support veteran chamber events — published on member public calendars
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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.
- HRVCC members get access to our full resource library — guides like this one, plus templates, checklists, and walkthroughs for every major veteran business program
- HRVCC hosts certification workshops and procurement matchmaking events throughout the year, so you can learn alongside fellow veteran entrepreneurs
- Fellow members share their experiences navigating these programs — real, practical advice from people who've been through the same process
- HRVCC staff can connect you directly with VBOC Houston, Houston PTAC at HCC, and Texas Veterans Commission counselors — warm introductions, not cold calls
- Your member portal gives you on-demand access to all HRVCC guides, templates, event recordings, and resources — available any time you need them
Additional Houston-Area Veteran Business Resources
- Texas Veterans Commission — texasveterans.gov — state claims, benefits, and business counseling
- SBA VBOC Houston at the University of Houston SBDC — 713-752-8444
- SCORE Houston with veteran mentors — houston.score.org
- Lone Star Veterans Association — Houston veteran community and networking
- American GI Forum of Texas — advocacy and business support for Hispanic veterans
- NaVOBA — National Veteran-Owned Business Association — corporate supplier diversity certification
- Houston Veteran Business Council — local veteran business advocacy and networking
- Houston PTAC at HCC SBDC — free federal contracting assistance for veteran businesses