Ready to Compete in the Federal Space? Let’s Get You Certified & Federal Contracting-Ready
New to Entrepreneurship? Check out our ebook Starting Smart.
Build Your Business with Real-World Strategies
Starting Smart is a practical startup guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, veteran business owners, and anyone launching a small business. Written by three Army veterans—founders of the successful, veteran-owned ADVON Transport—this book shares real-world strategies for building a profitable, sustainable business from the ground up.
Designed with the federal marketplace in mind, the guide covers everything from business planning and legal formation to SBA certifications and government contracting readiness. Whether you're pursuing SDVOSB or 8(a) certification, or just need a roadmap to small business success, Starting Smart delivers the tools and insights to grow with confidence.
Learn how to:
- Validate small business ideas with market research
- Write a business plan for funding and federal contracting
- Choose the best legal structure for your business
- Navigate compliance, branding, and financial management
- Track growth using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Access tools and resources for veteran-owned businesses
Perfect for veterans transitioning to entrepreneurship and first-time business owners looking to break into federal contracting and small business development.
Other Resources for Small Business Owners
Business Mentorship
is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides free mentoring, tools, and resources to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Must meet stated qualifications.
Tax Assistance
The IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is an official resource provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help small business owners, sole proprietors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals understand and manage their federal tax responsibilities.
GovTech Training and Webinars
Digital.gov provides free webinars that highlight the innovations, case studies, tools, and resources people in government need most. Great for contractors in the govtech space.
Marketing Training
HubSpot Academy offers free online courses and certifications in marketing, sales, customer service, and CRM to help professionals grow their skills and businesses.
Technology Training
Grow with Google is the broader U.S.-based program that includes online and in-person training, resources for small business owner, and career certificates (via platforms like Coursera). It’s more comprehensive and serves a wider range of learners across the U.S.
Marketing Training
Coursera offers free digital marketing courses from top universities and companies, covering topics like SEO, social media, analytics, and strategy. Courses are free; may have to pay for certification.
Start Smart. Scale Fast.
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