Veterans Growing America

What Veterans Growing America does

Veterans Growing America (VGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 and headquartered in Washington, DC. The organization serves military-connected entrepreneurs — veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses, and dependents — by providing marketplace infrastructure, business development resources, and community access. VGA operates two physical retail marketplace locations in the Mid-Atlantic region: a flagship storefront at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, VA (reportedly drawing 10,000+ monthly shoppers), and a second location in Clarksburg, MD. Vendors are vetted members who sell goods to the public and to the military community through weekend events, permanent retail space, and on-base expos held in partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

The company's product and service portfolio spans tiered membership subscriptions ($24.99/month Lite, $49.99/month Regular, $497/year), per-event weekend vendor booths ($150+), permanent retail space rentals, print-on-demand merchandise, paid directory listings ($99/year for non-members), donation intake via Zeffy, and a no-cost Entrepreneur Incubator program in which participants donate 20% of gross sales back to VGA. VGA also operates a national veteran business directory through a partnership with My City Connected, has launched a SaaS CRM product branded as the "VGA Command Center" for member businesses, and offers a four-week "COMMAND Your AI Workforce" workshop teaching members to build AI agents. Marketing outreach includes AI-assisted text and phone communications.

The business model is hybrid: a nonprofit operating commercial-style revenue streams (subscription, marketplace rents, directory fees, merchandise) layered with philanthropic revenue (donations and incubator revenue-share). Customer acquisition combines outreach to the military-affiliated SMB community, on-base AAFES vendor expos, and a national directory play that extends VGA's reach beyond its two Mid-Atlantic retail footprints. The combination of marketplace, directory, CRM, and education positions VGA as a vertically integrated support platform for veteran-owned microbusinesses, with 501(c)(3) status underwriting tax-advantaged donation intake unavailable to for-profit peers.

Name

Veterans Growing America

Legal name

Veterans Growing America

Website

https://veteransgrowingamerica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Veterans Growing America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 that supports military-connected entrepreneurs through physical retail marketplaces in VA and MD, a national business directory, a SaaS CRM, vendor events, and an incubator program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Entrepreneur Support Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Membership Communities with Learning (Community-Led Education) (MPACALAF)

Keywords

• Veteran entrepreneur support
• Nonprofit business membership
• Veteran retail marketplace
• Pop-up vendor program
• Veteran business directory

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: VGA offers tiered membership plans providing access to VGA platforms, business coaching, directory listing, marketplace access, and discounts on vending opportunities. Members receive benefits including insider resources, elite networking, exclusive events, and member perks.
2. Vendor Fees - Weekend Pop-up Program: Weekend vendor program where veteran-owned businesses can set up pop-up shops at VGA retail locations. Pricing starts at $150 for Silver/Gold/VIP tiers across 1 or 2 day weekend plans. VGA members receive 50% discount on vending opportunities.
3. Permanent Retail Space: Permanent retail space rental for veteran-owned businesses at VGA's Woodbridge, VA location. Monthly Lite plan at $24.99/month, Monthly Regular at $49.99/month, or Annual at $497/year.
4. Merchandise Sales: VGA operates an e-commerce merch store selling branded apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, tumblers, and more. Also sells VGA Command Center subscription plans.
5. Business Directory Listings: National veteran business directory featuring businesses owned by veterans, active-duty members, and military spouses. Free for VGA members; non-members pay $99 per year for listing.
6. Donations: As a 501(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, VGA accepts donations through Zeffy platform to provide entrepreneurial education and resources to military-connected communities.
7. Entrepreneur Incubator Program: 6-month scholarship program providing free weekly pop-up space, free VGA membership, business directory listing, mentorship, and access to VGA events. Recipients must vend every Saturday and Sunday, volunteer at VGA events, and donate 20% of gross sales to support Veterans Growing Inc.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Veterans Growing America (VGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports military-connected entrepreneurs (veterans, active duty, military spouses, and dependents) through tiered membership programs, permanent and pop-up retail vendor opportunities at physical showrooms, a national online veteran business directory, and a subscription-based SaaS CRM platform (VGA Command Center). It operates high-foot-traffic retail locations in Woodbridge, VA and Clarksburg, MD, hosts recurring networking and educational events, and runs an Entrepreneur Incubator scholarship program. Revenue is generated through membership fees, vendor fees, retail space rental, directory listings, donations, merchandise sales, and CRM subscriptions.

Product overview

Veterans Growing America operates as a multi-platform ecosystem supporting military-connected entrepreneurs. The core technology product is the VGA Command Center, a subscription-based SaaS CRM platform (with Essential, Growth, and Pause Plan tiers plus a Done For You Setup service) that helps businesses capture leads and manage customer relationships. Complementary offerings include the VGA Membership program (providing resources, networking, and member perks), retail programs (Permanent Retail Vendor with three membership tiers and Weekend Vendor pop-up programs at Stonebridge Potomac Town Center), the Entrepreneur Incubator/Scholarship (6-month intensive program for veteran vendors), the Veteran Business Directory (national digital directory partnered with My City Connected), the Digital Publication, Merch Store e-commerce, and Events Platform hosting networking and educational events at VGA's retail locations in Woodbridge, VA and Clarksburg, MD.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VGA Command Center: A Customer Relationship Machine built to capture leads, nurture relationships, and turn conversations into revenue. A CRM system designed to help business owners capture leads, stay connected, follow up with purpose, and build real relationships that convert.

Products and services

• VGA Command Center A subscription-based SaaS CRM platform designed as a Customer Relationship Machine for veteran entrepreneurs. It enables business owners to capture leads, automate follow-ups, track conversations, manage pipelines, and build customer relationships that convert. Available with Essential, Growth, and Pause Plan tiers plus a one-time Done For You Setup service.
• VGA Membership A membership program providing veterans, military spouses, and dependents with access to VGA platforms, business coaching, directory listing, marketplace access, and 50% discount on vending opportunities. Tiered as Monthly Lite ($24.99/month), Monthly Regular ($49.99/month), and Annual ($497/year).
• VGA Permanent Retail Vendor Program A permanent retail space program offering veteran-owned businesses premium retail placement at VGA's Woodbridge, VA location (15001 Potomac Town Place #130) with 7-day/week presence and store staff support Monday-Friday. Tiered pricing includes Monthly Lite ($24.99/month), Monthly Regular ($49.99/month), and Annual ($497/year) plans.
• VGA Weekend Vendor Program A pop-up vendor program for military-connected entrepreneurs offering flexible 1-day or 2-day weekend options (Saturdays 12 PM-6 PM, Sundays 12 PM-5 PM) at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, VA. Silver, Gold, and VIP tiers start at $150, with VGA members receiving 50% discount. Vendor categories include jewelry, woodworking, health and wellness, home improvement, apparel, food, luxury art, fragrances, and coffee products.
• VGA Entrepreneur Incubator / Scholarship A 6-month intensive scholarship program providing free weekly pop-up space at VGA Marketplace in Woodbridge, VA, free 6-month VGA membership, business directory listing, mentorship from established vendors, and access to VGA events. Recipients must vend every Saturday and Sunday, volunteer at VGA events, and donate 20% of gross sales to support Veterans Growing Inc. Targeted at woman veteran business owners among others.
• National Veterans Business Directory A national digital directory showcasing businesses owned by veterans, active-duty members, and military spouses. Free for VGA members; $99/year for non-members. Operated in partnership with My City Connected corporation, providing nationwide visibility for veteran-owned businesses.
• VGA Merch Store An online e-commerce store selling branded VGA apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, insulated tumblers, and accessories. Operated via Printify print-on-demand and serving as a consumer-facing revenue channel supporting the nonprofit mission.
• VGA Events Program A recurring events platform hosting Veterans Connect networking, line dancing events, comedy nights, wellness workshops, beginner crochet classes, and educational seminars such as 'COMMAND Your AI Workforce' and 'COMMAND Your Business'. Events take place at VGA's retail locations in Woodbridge, VA and Clarksburg, MD, as well as virtually. Free and open to the public.
• VGA Digital Publication A digital publication featuring veteran-owned businesses nationwide, developed in partnership with My City Connected corporation to expand discoverability beyond VGA's physical retail locations.

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, supporting and operational.

• My City ConnectedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVGA has partnered with My City Connected corporation to create a digital publication featuring veteran businesses nationwide. This partnership powers the national veterans business directory at veteran-business.directoryup.com, providing a curated platform for VGA members to showcase their products and services to a broader audience beyond the physical retail locations.
• AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVGA conducts vendor expos in partnership with AAFES, providing veteran-owned businesses with opportunities to showcase their products at Exchange locations. This partnership expands retail reach for VGA vendors beyond VGA's own storefronts.
• Navy Federal Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNavy Federal Credit Union is listed as a sponsor of Veterans Growing America. They offer veteran resources and business services through their website, indicating a marketing/partnership relationship supporting the veteran business community.
• SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVGA's vet resources page links to SBA programs including Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program, Boots to Business, and other SBA resources for veteran entrepreneurs. VGA helps direct veterans to these federal resources.
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVGA references and connects members to VBOC programs which offer business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals for veterans, service members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business.
• EventbriteoperationalTechnology or IntegrationVGA uses Eventbrite for event ticketing and registration for all community events including Veterans Connect networking, educational workshops, line dancing, and other community gatherings. Events are promoted and managed through the Eventbrite platform.
• ZeffyoperationalGTM or Marketing PartnerVGA uses Zeffy for donation processing, enabling supporters to donate to the charitable organization. The donate button throughout the website links to Zeffy's donation platform for the 501(3) tax-exempt organization.
• PrintifyoperationalTechnology or IntegrationVGA's merch store uses Printify for print-on-demand products including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and accessories. Products are manufactured and shipped through Printify's network when customers order from VGA's merch store.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Final Salute Inc. Nonprofit supporting veteran women and families with transitional housing and business resources; adjacent regional mission-driven veteran support organization with overlapping target demographic.

Broad incumbents

• D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (Syracuse University): University-backed institute offering veteran entrepreneurship training, research, and programs (e.g., Boots to Business); broader institutionally funded incumbent comparable to VGA's education and veteran business support programs.
• Hire Heroes USA: Large veteran-focused nonprofit providing career and transition services; broader incumbent in the veteran support space with overlap in serving military spouses and veteran entrepreneurs.
• StreetShares (now part of Fora Financial): Originally built as a veteran/military small business lending marketplace; a broader, better-capitalized player in the veteran SMB services ecosystem overlapping VGA's target audience.

Direct peers

• Veterati: Mentorship platform connecting veterans with experienced professionals via 1:1 calls — comparable in targeting veteran entrepreneurs and offering mentorship as a core member benefit, similar to VGA's mentorship offerings.
• Patriot Boot Camp: Nonprofit veteran entrepreneurship accelerator offering intensive bootcamps and a continued community, directly comparable to VGA's Entrepreneur Incubator and member community programs.
• Warrior Rising: Nonprofit supporting veteran entrepreneurs via mentorship, training, and access to capital/resources — comparable to VGA in mission and program structure for veteran business owners.
• Bunker Labs: National nonprofit supporting military-connected entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, and community programs — directly comparable to VGA's mission of veteran business support, with similar incubator/accelerator programming.
• Veteran-Owned Business Directory (Veteran Owned Businesses): Long-running online directory listing veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., directly comparable to VGA's national Veteran Business Directory and digital publication offering.

Emerging players

• VETRN: Veteran entrepreneurship research and network organization offering programs and resources for veteran business owners — emerging player with partial overlap to VGA's community and education offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Veteransgrowingamerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/Veteransgrowingamerica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterans-growing-america
• Instagraminstagram.com/veteransgrowingamerica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Growing America