What is a SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)?

Also known as: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

By the GovPrimer teamUpdated January 1, 2026

An SDVOSB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. SDVOSBs can compete on set-aside and sole-source contracts reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned firms across the federal government.

Certification

SDVOSB certification is handled through SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) process. Certified firms appear as eligible for SDVOSB set-asides government-wide, including at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The veteran owner's service-connected disability must be documented, and the veteran must control the firm's daily operations and long-term decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between SDVOSB and VOSB?

A VOSB is owned by a veteran; an SDVOSB is owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability. SDVOSB set-asides are available government-wide, while VOSB set-asides are primarily used at the VA.

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