Veterans In Business Network

What Veterans In Business Network does

Veterans In Business Network (VIB Network) is a San Diego-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2017 by Cole Woodman and Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner, both owners of certified SDVOSB/DVBE companies. The organization operates a membership-based platform that connects veteran-owned small businesses, primarily Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), with corporate buyers pursuing supplier diversity goals and with federal, state, and local government agencies. Its core products are a free, searchable Veterans In Business Directory; an Opportunity Board listing contracting opportunities; annual national conferences (the 9th held November 2025 in San Diego); regional VIB Express Connect events; the Reveille podcast; SDVOSB/DVBE certification guidance; and recurring Veteran Business and Procurement surveys. The underlying technology is a conventional WordPress-based website rather than a proprietary software platform, and the organization's value derives from its community and convening power rather than software.

The business model is a two-sided, sponsorship-funded nonprofit. Veteran businesses join the directory for free, removing cost barriers, while the network is sustained by corporate membership and sponsorship revenue, individual donations (EIN #81-4522153), and event-based income from the annual conference, regional events, webinars, and workshops. The organization has assembled a Corporate Advisory Board with named seats held by executives from Southern California Edison, SDG&E, Honda, T-Mobile, US Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Takeda, Dexcom, Sony Pictures, and California American Water, among others, to channel veteran businesses into real procurement pipelines. The network now spans 3,400+ veteran-owned businesses across all 50 U.S. states plus the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Operations are run by Co-Founder/CEO Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner, Chairman Cole Woodman, and Operations & Program Director Sydney Santiago (joined 2023 from Houzz). Co-founder Aguilera-Gardiner was appointed to the U.S. SBA Advisory Committee on Veteran Business Affairs in 2023, embedding VIB Network in federal veteran business policy infrastructure.

Name

Veterans In Business Network

Legal name

Veterans In Business Network

Website

https://www.vibnetwork.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Veterans In Business Network is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects 3,400+ veteran-owned small businesses with corporate supplier diversity programs and government agencies through a free directory, annual conference, and Corporate Advisory Board-driven matchmaking.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Business Networking Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Veterans & Military Family Benefits Administration (BPAIAKAI)

Keywords

• Veteran business networking
• Supplier diversity programs
• SDVOSB certification support
• Government contracting assistance
• Nonprofit business education

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Membership / Sponsorship: Corporate members and sponsors fund the network's operations, enabling free membership for veteran businesses. Sponsors gain access to vetted veteran-owned businesses for their supplier diversity and procurement programs.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. EIN #81-4522153. Donation options of $10, $25, $50, $100 or more through the website.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue from annual conferences, workshops, webinars, and regional events. Includes sponsorship opportunities for the conference and expo.
4. Enterprise/Government Connection Services: Connecting veteran businesses to government agencies and corporate buyers creates contracting opportunities that may generate indirect revenue through success-based relationships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Veterans In Business Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that runs a free, membership-based platform connecting veteran-owned businesses (SDVOSBs and VOSBs) with corporate buyers, government agencies, and prime contractors. Its core services are a searchable Veterans In Business Directory, an Opportunity Board for contracting leads, an annual National Conference, certification guidance for SDVOSB and DVBE programs, and the VIBN Connecting America roadtrip initiative. Core offerings are funded by corporate sponsorships and donations, enabling veterans to join at no cost.

Product overview

The Veterans In Business (VIB) Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that operates a membership-based platform connecting veteran-owned businesses with corporations, government agencies, and prime contractors. The core offering consists of a Veterans In Business Directory, an Opportunity Board for contracting opportunities, and annual national conferences. Supporting services include the VIBN Connecting America traveling initiative, business development resources, SDVOSB/DVBE certification guidance, the Reveille podcast, and annual Veteran Business and Procurement surveys. Programs are offered free to the veteran business community thanks to corporate sponsors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Reveille: The VIB Podcast - a podcast hosted by the organization featuring veteran business content.
• VIBN Connecting America

Products and services

• Veterans In Business Directory Searchable online directory of veteran-owned businesses that allows corporate, government, and prime contractor buyers to find and connect with certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs for contracting opportunities. Free to veteran members.
• Opportunity Board Contracting opportunity board listing available business opportunities that veteran-owned businesses can pursue with corporations, government agencies, and prime contractors.
• VIB National Conference Annual national conference featuring speakers, workshops, Tactical Networking, an Opportunity Expo, Veteran Business Marketplace, and the Above & Beyond Awards Banquet; connects veteran-owned businesses with corporate and government buyers.
• VIBN Connecting America Nationwide traveling initiative where the VIB Network travels across the United States in an RV to connect with and showcase Veteran-owned businesses, highlight sponsors, and share resources state to state.
• Business Development & Resources Library Curated list of business services, workshops, webinars, and educational materials to help veteran business owners grow and protect their bottom line.
• SDVOSB & DVBE Programs Information and guidance on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification programs, helping veterans navigate federal, state, local, and third-party certification options.
• Reveille Podcast Podcast hosted by the VIB Network featuring veteran business topics, interviews, and updates for the veteran business community, distributed via Buzzsprout and major listening platforms.
• Veteran Business Survey Annual national survey of veteran businesses conducted for 7+ years, providing insights into certification rates, revenue, and contracting success (e.g., 2023 VetCert, diverse certifications, and contract outcomes).
• Procurement Survey Annual survey of procurement, supplier diversity professionals, and buyers to understand what corporations and government agencies prioritize when working with veteran businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 43.06% of veteran businesses have SBA VetCert certification
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

50 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Southern California EdisoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCharter sponsor and corporate member. SCE spends $1 billion+ with diverse suppliers representing 40%+ of total procurement. Dennis Thurston serves on VIB Corporate Advisory Board.
• San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCharter sponsor and corporate member. Commits to 30% subcontracting goal with diverse businesses. Awarded VIB Network the 2019 Best In Class Trailblazer Award.
• USAAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community through supplier diversity programs.
• HondacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Matt Daniel from Indirect Procurement Center of Excellence serving on Corporate Advisory Board.
• T-MobilecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Stacie Harwood (Sr. Program Manager, Supplier Diversity) on Corporate Advisory Board.
• US BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Angelique Alvarez (Supplier Diversity Program Manager) on Corporate Advisory Board.
• Kaiser PermanentecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Ernie Flores (Supplier Development Manager) on Corporate Advisory Board. Spent $6.8 billion with small businesses in 2025.
• Takeda PharmaceuticalscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Joyce Eriksen Eggers (Global Lead, Supplier Diversity) on Corporate Advisory Board.
• DexcomcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Elwyn Monroe (Sr. Manager of Supplier Risk & Diversity) on Corporate Advisory Board.
• Sony Pictures EntertainmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Sandy Garcia (Project Manager, Global Responsible Sourcing) on Corporate Advisory Board. Sandy won Bravo Zulu award at 2025 conference.
• California American WatercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Alexus Russell (Program Manager, Supplier Diversity) on Corporate Advisory Board.
• Lowe'scoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community through supplier diversity initiatives.
• PG&EcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor hosting PG&E RFP Success Cohort & Summit event for veteran businesses.
• Disney Supplier DiversitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with supplier diversity program for veteran businesses.
• Robert HalfcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor. Won Corporation of the Year award at 2025 VIB Conference. Focus on supplier inclusion.
• San Diego PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in hosting Meet The Buyers events and connecting veteran businesses with government contracting opportunities.
• FullerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Diego & Son PrintingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Global Engineering ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Frontier CommunicationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• SoCalGasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Southwest GasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• SwinertonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AT&TcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Bristol Myers SquibbminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• CoxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AIGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Rudolph and SlettenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• LillyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AbbVieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• City of HopeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Blue Shield of CaliforniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Charter CommunicationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• CenterPoint EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• HDRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Flagstar BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• KellanovaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AmgenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Sony Pictures EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• CalTranscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment agency partner hosting Prepare for the Fair workshops for veteran businesses.
• California DGScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment agency partner. Won Government Agency of the Year at 2025 conference. Hosts webinars on state contracting.
• RBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• SMECOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AlnylamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Hal HaysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Boston ScientificminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• Cedars-SinaiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AAA (Auto Club)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.
• AARPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community through supplier diversity initiatives.
• MerckminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting veteran business community.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC): National third-party certification body for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Directly comparable because both VIB and NVBDC serve the same SDVOSB/VOSB community connecting to corporate and government buyers, with overlapping certification navigation and networking offerings.
• Bunker Labs: Nonprofit supporting veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs through incubator programs, networking, and corporate partnerships (JPMorgan, Starbucks, Comcast). Closely comparable to VIB in mission — building the veteran-business community — and overlapping sponsor and member base.
• National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA): Trade association certifying and advocating for veteran-owned businesses and connecting them to corporate supplier-diversity programs. Directly comparable to VIB in serving the same SDVOSB/VOSB population with certification, advocacy, and corporate-buyer matchmaking.
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP): Training program that helps veteran-owned businesses build the capabilities needed to compete for federal and corporate contracts. Closely comparable because VIP provides the contracting-readiness education and certification guidance that complements VIB's directory and opportunity board.

Broad incumbents

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University: University-backed institute conducting research, training, and programming for veteran entrepreneurs including the EBV (Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans) program. Comparable as a larger, well-funded institution serving the same veteran-entrepreneur community with education and policy influence.
• U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Veterans Business Development: Federal government program administering VetCert and Boots to Business, providing resource partner networks for veteran entrepreneurs. Comparable as the incumbent public-sector channel for veteran-business certification and training that VIB supplements and routes members into.
• SCORE: National nonprofit network providing free mentoring, workshops, and resources to small businesses, with dedicated programming for veterans. Comparable as a larger, more established small-business support network with overlapping content (workshops, webinars) and audiences.

Regional players

• California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet): State government agency administering veterans' benefits and advocating for veteran-owned businesses in California, including the DVBE program. Comparable because CalVet is both a VIB award-issuing partner and a state-level counterpart operating in the DVBE/SDVOSB space.

Others

• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs): DoD-funded nationwide network of centers providing no-cost contracting assistance to businesses, including veteran-owned firms. Comparable as a complementary ecosystem participant with overlapping mission (government contracting access) and frequent co-hosting relationships (e.g., San Diego PTAC).

Emerging players

• RangeMe: Online product discovery and supplier-discovery platform used by retailers and procurement teams to source from diverse and small businesses. Comparable as an emerging tech-enabled supplier-diversity platform that could digitize and supersede VIB's directory model over time.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vibnetwork
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCeiffuEodz_o3TvUsV8dRRw
• Facebookfacebook.com/vibnetworkorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterans-in-business-vib-network
• Instagraminstagram.com/vibnetwork

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Veterans In Business Network