What is VBE Certification?
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more veterans.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Where to Get VBE Certified in West Virginia
These organizations issue VBE certification and serve West Virginia:
National Veteran Business Development Council
Certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses for corporate supplier diversity programs.
Visit website →Required Documents for VBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers) | Required | Request from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at archives.gov/veterans or eVetRecs. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Recommended | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for VBE in West Virginia
Step 1: Locate your DD-214 before anything else Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the foundational document for VBE certification. It must clearly show your character of discharge. If you need a replacement, request it through the National Archives milrecs.militaryrecords.archives.gov (allow 3-4 weeks for standard requests). Start here if there's any doubt about your DD-214 status.
Step 2: Gather your full document package Before opening the NaVOBA application, collect: DD-214, articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreement or bylaws showing the veteran owner's percentage and management authority, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID, two to three years of business tax returns, current financial statements (P&L and balance sheet), business license, and a representative signed contract or purchase order. Complete preparation prevents mid-session delays.
Step 3: Create your NaVOBA account and complete the application at navoba.org Register at navoba.org/certification/ and work through the application. Sections cover veteran status documentation, ownership structure, management authority, and business profile. Be precise and consistent; any discrepancy between application answers and uploaded documents will trigger a follow-up request.
Step 4: Pay the application fee NaVOBA fees scale with company size, tiered from $350 to $2,000. Verify the current fee schedule at navoba.org before starting the application. Payment is generally required before review begins.
Step 5: NaVOBA review NaVOBA staff reviews the application and supporting documents. For some applicants this includes a follow-up request for clarification or additional documentation. Respond within any stated deadline to avoid delays.
Step 6: Certification decision NaVOBA says the review takes approximately 90 days from the date your file is deemed complete. Once certified, you are listed in NaVOBA's veteran supplier database and can begin using the VBE certification mark.
Corporate Programs Accepting VBE
These companies have supplier diversity programs that accept VBE certification:
Amazon
Amazon Supplier Diversity helps us build a more inclusive supply chain by partnering with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with …
View program details →AT&T Inc.
AT&T has been a pioneer in supplier diversity since 1968. We are committed to ensuring diverse businesses have access to opportunities.
View program details →Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space technology. Their Supplier Diversity program has been …
View program details →Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 25 years. We believe diverse suppliers drive innovation in healthcare.
View program details →JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with over $65 billion in annual revenue, primarily from U.S. government contracts. Their Supplier Diversity program actively …
View program details →McKesson
McKesson's supplier diversity page now redirects to Supplier Engagement. McKesson says it gives all qualified suppliers the chance to compete for contracts and, "in furtherance …
View program details →Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft believes diversity drives innovation. Our supplier diversity program ensures certified diverse businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
View program details →U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is the second-largest federal agency and has a special mission to support veteran-owned businesses. Under the Veterans First Contracting Program, VA gives priority …
View program details →Walmart Inc.
Walmart is the largest buyer from diverse suppliers in America. Our Supplier Inclusion program creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
View program details →3M
3M partners with diverse suppliers in manufacturing, technology, and services to drive innovation and create economic opportunities.
View program details →Abbott Laboratories
Abbott says it works to expand opportunities for small businesses, including socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, and recognizes SBA small business classifications. It accepts self-certification …
View program details →AbbVie
AbbVie partners with certified diverse suppliers in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research services, and corporate functions to build a more inclusive supply chain.
View program details →Adobe
Adobe's Supplier Diversity Program supports the company's commitment to inclusion by partnering with certified diverse businesses across all procurement categories.
View program details →AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with significant government contracts in transportation, facilities, environmental, and construction management. Their supplier diversity program is recognized as …
View program details →Need help getting VBE certified?
CertifyAll prepares your application with you: we check the basic requirements, build your document list and draft the answers, then walk you through filing from your own account. You sign and submit. SBA certifications are free to file, and APEX Accelerators help for free.
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