Fellowship Program

The NVSBC Fellowship Program is a nationally focused, immersive, multi‑month program designed to equip veteran‑owned small businesses with the skills, relationships, and readiness needed to compete and succeed in federal contracting and supplier ecosystems. 

The program is built for CEOs/Owners of veteran‑owned small businesses who are committed to growth in the federal, defense, and regulated commercial markets and ready to fully engage in a structured, execution‑focused curriculum.

The Fellowship is a nine‑month immersive program that blends virtual and in‑person engagement to support applied learning while Fellows continue running their businesses. Participants take part in Master Classes, Deep Dives, one‑on‑one mentorship, and national‑level NVSBC events—each component intentionally structured to reinforce real‑time application of the curriculum.

Fellows should anticipate dedicating approximately four hours per week, which includes virtual classes, homework, and follow‑up assignments provided by Course Instructors and Senior Fellow Mentors. This steady, manageable cadence ensures meaningful progress without overwhelming day‑to‑day operations.

The Class of 2026–2027 follows a clear and structured annual cycle:

• Applications Open for Fellows & Senior Fellows: May 1, 2026
• Applications Close: June 30, 2026
• Selection of Acceptance & Regret Notifications: July 30, 2026
• Senior Fellow Onboarding Begins: August 2026
• Program Kickoff for Fellows: September 2026
• Nine‑Month Fellowship Experience: September 2026 – May 2027
• Participation at NVSBC’s Finance Symposium: February 24, 2027
• Graduation at the VETS27 Conference: May 17–21, 2027

This timeline ensures applicants have ample time to apply, selected Fellows can prepare for the program start, and the cohort progresses together through a full nine‑month learning and engagement experience leading up to graduation at VETS27.

Fellows progress through a comprehensive, well‑rounded curriculum tailored to their business readiness, procurement requirements, financial needs, and industry‑specific challenges. The program unfolds in three phases:

• Federal GovCon Business‑Ready and Procurement‑Ready Courses (September–December | Months 1–4) Establishing a strong business foundation and the essential structures required to operate effectively in the federal marketplace.

• Industry‑Focused Courses (January–May | Months 5–9) Addressing the real‑world needs, challenges, and opportunities faced by businesses within each targeted GovCon industry sector.

• Graduation at the VETS Conference (May 18–21, 2027) Celebrating Fellows’ achievements at NVSBC’s premier national event, where they connect with agencies, primes, and veteran business leaders.

This structure ensures Fellows develop the capabilities required to responsibly pursue and perform government and partner contracts.

The NVSBC Fellowship stands apart from other programs by fully integrating education, mentorship, and real‑world application into a single, cohesive experience. Fellows don’t just learn concepts—they immediately apply them through direct engagement with large prime contractors, federal agencies, subject‑matter experts, and NVSBC’s national‑level events. This built‑in access to the GovCon ecosystem creates authentic business and procurement environments where learning becomes action, and action drives measurable progress.

Fellows gain a powerful set of benefits that strengthen their readiness, visibility, and competitiveness in the federal marketplace. They receive access to industry experts, senior leaders, and procurement professionals who provide real‑world insight and guidance. Through 1:1 mentoring and cohort‑based peer support, Fellows apply the curriculum directly to their business goals while building a strong professional network.

Participants engage in signature NVSBC events—including the Finance Symposium and the VETS Conference—expanding their connections with agencies, primes, and veteran business leaders. The Fellowship also delivers a nationally recognized learning experience aligned to federal and industry expectations, ensuring Fellows develop the capabilities needed to responsibly pursue, win, and perform government and partner contracts.

Fellows are selected through a competitive application process that evaluates leadership commitment, business maturity, alignment with program objectives, and readiness to fully engage in the full Fellowship experience. Each cohort is intentionally curated to maximize learning, peer collaboration, and the overall strength of the support network.

Businesses completing the NVSBC Fellowship Program emerge stronger, more competitive, and better prepared for federal growth. Graduates leave the program with enhanced business, procurement, and industry readiness, stronger strategic relationships, and a clearer path to pursuing federal and partner opportunities—positioning their companies for sustainable, long‑term success within the national veteran business ecosystem.

Senior Fellows are experienced business leaders – drawn from NVSBC’s network of GovCon experts and highly successful VOSB professionals – who have successfully applied the Fellowship curriculum within their own organizations and continue to give back to the community.

They serve as trusted guides, mentors, and community anchors throughout the program by providing 1:1 guidance, answering questions, and sharing practical, real-world insights grounded in experience. Through mentorship, coaching, and active participation in cohort discussions, Senior Fellows help translate curriculum into application, ensuring Fellows are not navigating complex federal contracting challenges alone, but alongside peers and experts who have successfully walked the path before them.

Senior Fellows are intentionally matched and introduced by NVSBC staff to ensure alignment and a high-touch experience. They facilitate collaborative learning, reinforce key concepts, and provide strategic perspective that accelerates implementation and decision-making. Their involvement strengthens continuity across cohorts, deepens the learning experience, and contributes to measurable Fellow outcomes, while also building a lasting, connected professional network that extends well beyond the program.

Ultimately, Senior Fellows embody the values of service, expertise, and collaboration – playing a critical role in elevating both individual businesses and the broader veteran small business ecosystem.