The Most Supportive States For Veteran-Owned Businesses in 2026

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can present challenges for many veterans, which often leads them to pursue entrepreneurship. In fact, there are over 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses across the United States. However, the level of support these businesses receive can vary significantly by state.

To identify the most supportive environments for veteran entrepreneurs, we evaluated the number of veteran-owned businesses in each state alongside the percentage of state-based sales directed towards veterans. Here’s what we found.

Most Supportive States

These states offer robust support for veterans looking to establish their own businesses. Continue reading to discover which states are less supportive.

How We Determined The Most Supportive States For Veteran-Owned Businesses

Assessing support for veteran-owned businesses can be complex. For our analysis, we focused on identifying states where these businesses are flourishing, indicating a favorable environment for veteran entrepreneurs.

We evaluated two key factors:

The percentage of all businesses owned by veterans
The percentage of state-based sales that benefit veterans

Our data was sourced from the U.S. Small Business Administration, utilizing the most recent statistics available.

1. New Hampshire

New Hampshire

Percent of State Sales: 6
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 12
New Hampshire ranks as the most supportive state for veteran-owned businesses, with veterans owning 12% of all businesses and 6% of state-based sales supporting veterans—the highest percentage in the nation.

2. South Carolina

South Carolina

Percent of State Sales: 5
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 13

South Carolina follows closely behind, boasting 13% of its businesses as veteran-owned and 5% of sales directed towards veterans, demonstrating a strong commitment to their success.

3. Mississippi

Mississippi

Percent of State Sales: 5
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 11.4

In Mississippi, 11.4% of businesses are veteran-owned, securing its place as the third most supportive state. The state actively promotes veteran entrepreneurship through various initiatives.

4. Alabama

Alabama

Percent of State Sales: 5
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 11.2
Alabama showcases its support for veterans with 11.2% of its businesses owned by veterans, alongside 5% of sales directed to veteran initiatives.

5. Maine

Maine

Percent of State Sales: 4
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 11
Maine ranks fifth, with 4% of state sales supporting veterans and 11% of businesses owned by veterans, showcasing a solid commitment to veteran entrepreneurship.

6. Tennessee

Tennessee

Percent of State Sales: 5
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 10.8
Tennessee is the sixth most supportive state for veteran-owned businesses, with 10.8% of businesses veteran-owned and 5% of sales contributing to veteran support.

7. West Virginia

West Virginia

Percent of State Sales: 4
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 11.3

West Virginia ranks seventh, with 11.3% of businesses owned by veterans and 4% of state sales supporting them, highlighting the state’s commitment to veteran entrepreneurs.

8. South Dakota

South Dakota

Percent of State Sales: 5
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 10.6

South Dakota ranks eighth with 10.6% of businesses owned by veterans and 5% of state sales benefiting veterans, showcasing its supportive environment.

9. North Carolina

North Carolina

Percent of State Sales: 4
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 10.7
North Carolina ranks ninth, with 10.7% of businesses veteran-owned and 4% of state sales directed towards veterans.

10. Virginia

Virginia

Percent of State Sales: 4
Percent of Veteran-Owned Businesses: 12

Concluding our list is Virginia, with 12% of businesses owned by veterans, making it a favorable state for veteran entrepreneurs despite its tenth place ranking.

Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

The ten states highlighted here recognize the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and entrepreneurship. Their commitment to fostering veteran-owned businesses is evident in both the number of veteran-owned enterprises and the sales dedicated to supporting veterans.

While these states offer significant support, others lag behind. For a full list of states ranked by their support for veteran-owned businesses, see below.

The Most (and Least) Supportive States

Rank	State	Percent Of Veteran-Owned Businesses	Percent Of State Sales
1	New Hampshire	12	6
2	South Carolina	13	4
3	Mississippi	11	4
4	Alabama	11	4
5	Maine	11	4
6	Tennessee	10	4
6	West Virginia	11	4
8	South Dakota	10	4
9	North Carolina	10	4
9	Virginia	11	4
11	Vermont	10	4
12	Nevada	10	4
13	Oklahoma	11	4
14	Arkansas	11	3
15	Montana	10	4
16	Georgia	10	3
16	Hawaii	9	4
18	Alaska	11	3
19	Rhode Island	10	3
20	Arizona	9	4
21	Louisiana	10	3
22	Maryland	9	4
23	Missouri	10	3
23	Nebraska	10	3
23	Pennsylvania	10	3
26	Massachusetts	9	3
27	Oregon	9	4
28	New Mexico	9	4
29	Indiana	9	3
30	Ohio	10	3
31	North Dakota	9	3
32	Florida	8	3
33	Iowa	10	2
33	Kentucky	10	2
33	Minnesota	9	3
33	Wyoming	10	2
37	Colorado	9	3
38	Wisconsin	9	3
39	Delaware	9	2
40	Texas	9	3
41	California	7	3
42	Utah	7	3
43	Michigan	8	3
43	Washington	9	2
45	Connecticut	9	2
46	Idaho	8	3
47	Kansas	9	2
48	Illinois	7	2
49	New Jersey	7	2
50	New York	6	2

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Amanda Postma

Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.

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