VetCert Is Fully Operational in 2026 — What Veteran Business Owners Need to Know
For veteran entrepreneurs, the start of a new year often brings renewed focus on growth, stability, and opportunity. In 2026, one change stands out as especially important for veterans doing business with the federal government: VetCert is now fully operational — and mandatory — for certain federal contracting opportunities.
This isn’t a new program, but 2026 marks a turning point.
Veteran-owned businesses seeking to compete for VA set-aside contracts must now be certified through VetCert, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s official verification system for veteran-owned small businesses. For many veterans, that shift turns certification from a “nice to have” into a business necessity.
What Is VetCert — and Why It Matters …
VetCert is the Small Business Administration’s centralized certification program for:
- Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs)
As of 2026, businesses must be verified through the SBA’s VetCert platform to qualify for VA-issued veteran set-aside contracts.
The program is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and replaces earlier verification systems that were fragmented across agencies.
Veterans can review eligibility requirements and apply directly through the official VetBiz portal (formally known as the “VertCert” portal), which now serves as the single source of truth for certification status.
Why 2026 Is a Critical Year for Certification
While VetCert officially launched earlier, 2026 is the year it truly takes effect in practice.
Here’s why this moment matters:
- VetCert is mandatory for veteran-owned businesses pursuing VA set-aside contracts
- Certifications reset and renewals occur in Q1, making early-year action important
- Federal agencies rely on SBA verification to confirm eligibility
- Veteran entrepreneurs without certification may be excluded from contract opportunities
In short: if a business isn’t certified, it may not be seen — regardless of capability or experience.
What Types of Opportunities Are at Stake …
Veteran-owned businesses compete for billions of dollars in federal contracts each year, particularly through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through SBA-supported veteran contracting programs, certified businesses can access:
- Veteran and SDVOSB set-aside contracts
- Sole-source contract opportunities
- Subcontracting advantages
- Priority consideration in certain procurement categories
The SBA outlines these programs in its overview of veteran contracting assistance programs, which details how certification connects directly to eligibility.
For veteran entrepreneurs, VetCert isn’t just paperwork — it’s the gateway to competing on a level playing field.
What Veteran Business Owners Should Do Now …
For veterans who already own a business — or are planning to start one — early 2026 is the right time to take stock. Key steps include:
- Confirming ownership and control requirements are met
- Reviewing business documentation for accuracy
- Checking certification status and renewal timelines
- Applying or re-certifying through the VetCert system
- Understanding how certification impacts bidding opportunities
Even for businesses not actively pursuing federal contracts today, certification can open doors later — especially as companies grow or diversify.
Why This Shift Matters Beyond Contracting
At its core, VetCert represents more than a compliance change. It reflects a broader effort to:
- Improve verification accuracy
- Reduce fraud and misrepresentation
- Ensure veteran-owned businesses receive intended opportunities
- Create consistency across federal agencies
For legitimate veteran entrepreneurs, this consistency can mean greater confidence, clearer expectations, and better access to opportunity.
Final Thoughts …
Veteran entrepreneurship has always been about more than business ownership — it’s about independence, resilience, and building something lasting after service. As 2026 begins, VetCert plays a central role in shaping how veteran-owned businesses participate in the federal marketplace.
For those ready to compete, certification isn’t just a requirement — it’s a strategic step forward.
Understanding the system now helps ensure veteran businesses aren’t left on the sidelines later.
