Overview
Texas invests significantly in veteran entrepreneur support through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Comptroller HUB program, and the University of Houston SBDC network.
Key Programs & Resources
Texas Veterans Commission — Fund for Veterans' Assistance
The TVC administers the Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA), which provides grants to Texas nonprofit organizations serving veterans.
Texas Veterans Commission — Veterans Employment Services
TVC Veterans Employment Services helps transitioning veterans find employment or self-employment resources.
Texas Workforce Commission — Self-Employment Assistance
TWC's Self-Employment Assistance Program allows qualifying unemployment insurance recipients to pursue self-employment while receiving unemployment benefits.
Texas HUB Certification — Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Texas HUB certification provides preferences on Texas state contracts. Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses qualify for HUB status.
Texas Governor's Small Business Resource Portal
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism office maintains a small business portal with veteran-specific resources.
University of Houston SBDC Network
The UH SBDC and its regional network provide free business consulting, market research, and procurement assistance to veteran businesses throughout Southeast Texas.
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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Contact Texas Veterans Commission at texasveterans.gov to learn about available counseling
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Apply for Texas HUB certification if you qualify (service-disabled veteran)
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Contact UH SBDC for free business consulting — no income requirements for veterans
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Register with Texas Comptroller as a vendor to compete for state contracts
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Explore TWC Self-Employment Assistance if currently receiving unemployment benefits
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Connect with Texas Military Forces business network through your nearest armory or base
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