Overview
The SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) hosted at the University of Houston provides free business planning, loan assistance, and pre-application counseling to Houston-area veteran entrepreneurs. This guide covers every SBA loan program available to veteran business owners in the Houston metro.
Key Programs & Resources
SBA Veterans Advantage (7(a) Loans)
Veterans, service-disabled veterans, active duty eligible for Transition Assistance Program, Reservists, National Guard members, current spouses of veterans, and widowed spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability receive reduced upfront fees on SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million.
SBA Express Loan — Military Reservist Economic Injury
The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL) provides up to $2 million to small businesses that cannot meet operating expenses because an essential employee was called to active duty as a military reservist.
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000 for veteran-owned startups and growing small businesses. Particularly useful for veteran food, retail, and services businesses launching their first venture.
VBOC Houston — University of Houston
The Veterans Business Outreach Center hosted at the University of Houston's Small Business Development Center provides free one-on-one business consulting, SBA loan application assistance, business plan development, and referrals to SBA lenders.
Boots to Business — SBA Entrepreneurship Program
Free two-day entrepreneurship course offered at military installations including Ellington Field and Fort Cavazos as part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
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 free VBOC Houston consultation at the University of Houston SBDC
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Develop your business plan with VBOC counselor assistance (free)
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Gather required documents: DD-214, business plan, 3 years tax returns, financial statements
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Identify target loan amount and appropriate SBA loan program
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Apply through an SBA Preferred Lending Partner (PLP) bank in Houston
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Work with VBOC to respond to lender requests during underwriting
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Close your loan and begin the Boots to Business follow-on mentorship
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