Business Directory
Get discovered by members actively looking to hire and buy veteran-owned.
America's veteran business movement
You are in business
for yourself,
but not by yourself.
Four hard truths every veteran entrepreneur needs to hear.
Hard Truth #1Being good at what you do is not enough if nobody knows what you do.
Hard Truth #2Networking without follow-up is just conversation.
Hard Truth #3Posting online is not the same as building a trusted local network.
Hard Truth #4Opportunities go to the people who create the room—not the people waiting to be invited.
But don't worry. I'm going to show you how to create your own truth—just like the veteran entrepreneurs who used VGA to get seen, build community, and create real opportunities.
● Founding member pricing available for a limited time.
DJ
Founder & CEOCSM DONNELL JOHNS
From the founder
Not another networking group. A movement.
Join Donnell at the summitI didn't start Veterans Growing America because the world needed another networking group. I started it because I watched too many veterans leave the service with everything it takes to build something great—discipline, leadership, resourcefulness—and nowhere to plug that energy in.
We came home ready to lead. What we needed was a network that actually opens doors: real business education, real connections, real opportunities, and a community that has our back the way our unit once did.
That's what VGA is. Virginia is where the business began. Every Area Commander who steps forward, every market we establish, and every business that grows because of this network—that's the mission working.
Why now
Veterans are building the next generation of American business.
VGA is established in Virginia. The next mission is finding trusted leaders who can turn planned markets into real local communities.
2,500+
Members nationwide
Pending final figure800+
Veteran-owned businesses
Pending final figure1
Original location
Virginia5
Expansion markets
Area Commanders wanted01 / FROM RESILIENCE TO REACH
Virginia proved what community can build.
VGA began in 2019 with a commitment to help veterans and their businesses keep moving forward. Through the disruption of COVID-19 and every challenge since, the Veterans Connect Networking Event kept people connected, visible, and supported.
In 2022, Virginia became home to VGA's first established location. For four years, it has grown into a trusted center of community, opportunity, and belonging across the DMV. That foundation now gives future Area Commanders a proven example of what is possible.
2019VGA established2022Virginia location opens2026Four years strong
Help carry the mission forward 
DMVTPASATVABCOSJAXHome locationPlanned market
Virginia / DMV · Established 2022 · Four years of community growth
Built for your next mission
Everything you need
to move forward.
From the first warm introduction to the next major contract, your membership is designed to create momentum.
→
Veteran Marketplace
List and sell your products or services to a built-in veteran customer base.
Command Center
Manage your membership, leads, and local activity from one place.
Business Education
Practical training on growth, finance, marketing, and operations.
The VGA Podcast
Stories and strategy from the members and leaders building the movement.
Veterans Connect
A dedicated space to find community, friendship, and support beyond business.
VGA Membership
Exclusive pricing and perks from national and local partner businesses.
Government Contracting Resources
Guidance and connections to compete for federal and local contracts.
Strategic Partnerships
Access to organizations actively investing in veteran-owned business.
Business Visibility
Get featured across VGA channels, spotlights, and national marketing.
AI & Business Tools
Practical tools and templates to run and grow your business efficiently.
Area Commander Path
A clear path for trusted local leaders ready to establish VGA in their market.
How VGA works
Three steps. One growing network.
Become a member
Choose the membership level that fits where your business is today.
Step forward to lead
If your market is ready, apply to become the Area Commander who brings people together.
Build with national support
Use VGA’s platform, playbook, and leadership support to establish your local presence.
Find your opportunity
Is VGA already
in your town?
Virginia is VGA's original home. Every other market shown below is a location we plan to build—and a call for the right Area Commander to lead the way.
Search a city, state, or the DMV to see where VGA is building next.
DMV Area
Virginia
Connect with VGATampa
Florida
Lead this areaSan Antonio
Texas
Lead this areaVirginia Beach
Virginia
Lead this areaColorado Springs
Colorado
Lead this areaJacksonville
Florida
Lead this areaYOUR AREA
Not listed? Put it on the map.
Tell us why your market is ready—and why you are the leader to establish it.
Nominate my areaArea Commander invitation
Be the reason your community
comes together.
Every strong network begins with someone willing to open the door. As an Area Commander, you can help bring VGA to your community, create a welcoming home for veteran entrepreneurs, and shape opportunities that reflect the people and strengths of your area. You will lead locally—with the VGA network, tools, and team beside you.
- Veteran, spouse, or military-connected leader who cares about community
- Someone who enjoys connecting good people and opening doors
- Ready to help something meaningful take root where you live
Shape what comes next
Help build a VGA presence that reflects the character, needs, and possibilities of your community.
Become the connector
Create the trusted space where veteran entrepreneurs meet, collaborate, and move forward together.
Never build alone
Receive a clear playbook, practical tools, and direct support from VGA leadership along the way.
Create a lasting legacy
Open doors, grow relationships, and build opportunities that continue far beyond the first gathering.
Featured event · Tampa
10th anniversarySEP 23–26 · 2026
Meet us
in Tampa.
Four days with the people building the future of the military community. Speakers who have actually done it. Connections that outlast the weekend.
MIC brings service members, veterans, military spouses, creators, founders, executives, advocates, and national leaders into one room to reconnect, collaborate, and create what comes next.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street · Tampa, FloridaMeet us in Tampa
Recurrent Military & Defense
Join them alongside speakers and military-community leaders from across the country.
Exclusive VGA registration code
Save 20%VGA26Doors open in
00Days
00Hours
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Membership
Choose the plan that fits
where you are.
Four levels with clear benefits. Upgrade whenever your mission grows.
VGA Lite
$29/ month
or $290 annually
Get connected, listed, trained, and eligible to sell through VGA.
- ✓Access to VGA member platforms
- ✓Eligible business classes and group training
- ✓Basic VGA Business Directory listing
- ✓Members Community, meetings, and community calls
- ✓Eligibility to promote or sell through approved VGA opportunities
VGA Grow
$79/ month
or $790 annually
Increase your visibility and receive member pricing with CRM access.
- ✓Everything included in VGA Lite
- ✓Command Center CRM access
- ✓Enhanced Bravo directory profile
- ✓Advanced group training and eligible member pricing
VGA Command
$149/ month
or $1,490 annually
Run and grow your business with VGA's professional operating tools.
- ✓Everything included in VGA Grow
- ✓Professional Command Center CRM access
- ✓One basic Silver pop-up credit per quarter
- ✓Eligibility to apply for permanent VGA Marketplace placement
VGA Premier
$249/ month
or $2,490 annually
Maximize your visibility and preferred access across VGA.
- ✓Everything included in VGA Command
- ✓Patriot directory profile with featured positioning
- ✓Maximum Command Center feature access
- ✓Preferred consideration across media, events, and the VGA Marketplace
- ✓Two 50%-off pop-up credits per quarter
Selected opportunities, discounts, credits, and placements require VGA approval and depend on availability. Custom setup and one-on-one services are not included.
The movement in their words
Built on service.
Growing through trust.
Member stories and approved partner spotlights are coming soon.
Real stories from the people building VGA will live here.
V
Veteran entrepreneurMEMBER STORY · COMING SOON
Real stories from the people building VGA will live here.
F
Founding local leaderAREA COMMANDER STORY · COMING SOON
Real stories from the people building VGA will live here.
M
Military spouseCOMMUNITY STORY · COMING SOON
National partnersBUSINESSSERVICEMISSIONCOMMUNITYGROWTH
FAQ
Before you step in.
Still have a question? Reach the VGA team directly.
01Who can join VGA?+
Veterans, military spouses, military-connected entrepreneurs, business leaders, and allies who believe in strengthening veteran-owned business are welcome.
02Do I need to own a business to join?+
No. VGA is for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and supporters who want to grow alongside the veteran business community.
03Does VGA currently have chapters?+
VGA was established in 2019, and its original Virginia location opened in 2022 to serve the DMV area. For four years, that location has been a growing center of connection and opportunity. Tampa, San Antonio, Virginia Beach, Colorado Springs, and Jacksonville are planned growth areas—not active chapters yet.
04What is an Area Commander?+
An Area Commander is a connector—the trusted founding leader who brings people, businesses, and opportunities together. They help establish VGA in a target market, convene the local veteran business community, and work directly with national leadership to build that area from the ground up.
05Which areas are priorities?+
The DMV is home to VGA’s original Virginia location. Current expansion priorities are Tampa, San Antonio, Virginia Beach, Colorado Springs, and Jacksonville. We also want to hear from strong leaders in other markets.
06Who should apply to lead an area?+
Veterans, military spouses, and military-connected leaders with local credibility, a strong network, and the willingness to convene and serve their community are encouraged to apply.
07Do I need to own a business to join or lead?+
No. Business owners are welcome, but VGA also needs executives, community builders, connectors, and mission-driven leaders who can create opportunity for others.
08How does membership connect to local leadership?+
Membership connects you to VGA’s national platform today. Area Commanders help turn that national network into a trusted local presence as each planned market is established.
Your next mission
America's veteran business movement starts with you.
Join as a member. Step forward as an Area Commander. Help turn a planned location into a community that creates real opportunity.