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Companion Toolkit

The Veteran Entrepreneur Playbook

The Veteran's Complete Business Startup Guide

Your Toolkit Includes

Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and turn what you have been through into what comes next.

The Veteran Entrepreneur Playbook

FWD Assist Publishing

Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.

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About This Topic

A business startup guide written specifically for veteran entrepreneurs, covering the VA's Boots to Business program, veteran-owned business certifications (SDVOSB, VOSB), SBA resources, federal contracting set-asides, how to use the GI Bill for entrepreneurship training, and how military leadership and discipline translate into business advantage.

What the Book Covers

Key topics and takeaways from The Veteran Entrepreneur Playbook:

How the Boots to Business program works
How to get SDVOSB and VOSB certifications
What SBA resources and federal contracting set-asides are available
How to use the GI Bill for entrepreneurship training

Who This Is For

  • Veterans who want to start a business
  • Veterans interested in federal contracting or SDVOSB certification
  • Veterans who want to use the GI Bill for entrepreneurship training
  • Anyone translating military skills into business ownership

Download the Entire Toolkit

All 18 files in one zip · 0.2 MB

Download All (.zip)

Companion Toolkit

18 files for The Veteran Entrepreneur PlaybookOrganized by where you are in the journey.

Reflection & Assessment

2 files

Benefits and VR&E Track 3 Guide

Navigate VR&E Track 3 self-employment benefits for veteran entrepreneurs

12 KB

Military Skills and Ecosystem Guide

Map military skills to civilian business opportunities and support ecosystems

12 KB

Planning & Strategy

10 files

Business Acquisition Due Diligence Guide

Due diligence checklist for acquiring an existing business as a veteran

13 KB

Business Model Comparison Matrix

Compare business models side by side to find the right fit for your goals

10 KB

Capital Stack and Funding Planner

Plan your startup capital stack with veteran-specific funding sources

10 KB

Certification and Benefits Matrix

Map VA certifications and their associated benefits by rating level

11 KB

Financial Projections and Valuation

Build financial projections and business valuation models

9 KB

Franchise Deep Dive Kit

Deep-dive analysis tools for evaluating franchise opportunities

12 KB

Franchise Evaluation Guide

Evaluate franchise opportunities against veteran-specific criteria

11 KB

Funding and Credit Kit

Navigate funding sources and credit-building for veteran entrepreneurs

12 KB

SBA Programs Reference Guide

Reference guide to SBA programs available to veteran business owners

12 KB

SDVOSB Certification Guide

Navigate SDVOSB certification and federal contracting opportunities

13 KB

Action & Implementation

5 files

Federal Contracting Starter Guide

Get started with federal contracting as a veteran-owned business

12 KB

Sales and Business Development Playbook

Sales and business development playbook for veteran entrepreneurs

12 KB

Sales Launch Complete Kit

Complete kit for launching your first sales campaign

12 KB

SAM NAICS Capability Guide

Navigate SAM registration, NAICS codes, and capability statements

11 KB

Veteran Advantage Statement Builder

Draft a veteran advantage statement for proposals and marketing

11 KB

Long-Term Maintenance

1 file

Sales Pipeline Tracker

Track sales pipeline from prospect through close

12 KB

How to Use This Toolkit

Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, journals, and planning tools — open them and make them your own. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and planners — they include real formulas to help you stay on track. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.

Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.