Requirements & Qualifications

Designed to Support & Accelerate Veteran Owned Small Businesses

The NVSBC Fellowship sets clear, high standards for both Fellows and Senior Fellows, selecting leaders who demonstrate readiness, commitment, and the ability to contribute to a high‑engagement learning community. Requirements and qualifications for each role are noted below.

Fellows

Requirements

  • CEO participation in Fellowship Program Activities
  • CEO attendance at virtual trainings
  • CEO participation in mentorship meetings
  • CEO completion of class deliverables and homework
  • CEO attendance at the NVSBC VETS conference
  • CEO quarterly attendance at NVSBC Regional Engagement
    Events (if within 50-mile radius of 1 of 9 regional locations)
  • CEO quarterly attendance at Prime Contractor, Federal Agency or Professional Association events related to their industry sector (if outside the 50-mile radius of NVSBC regional events)
  • CEO maintains active engagement with Senior Fellows throughout the program

Qualifications

  • Established business operating in the commercial or GovCon sector
  • Corporate Entity (Not Tax Exempt)
  • Entity Type: Business or Organization
  • For-Profit Organization
  • Business is registered in SAM.gov with active status
  • CEO of the business owns/controls the VOSB or SDVOSB
  • SBA Certification (active status) as either a VOSB or SDVOSB
  • NAICS code(s) in SAM.gov; Reps & Certs align with selected Fellowship Industry Sector
  • Company nor Owner has a Certification of Suspension or Debarment
  • Experiences barriers in the GovCon sector (PREFERRED)

Senior Fellows

Requirements

Program Engagement

  • Participate in select Fellowship sessions, roundtables, or mentorship touchpoints
  • Provide one-on-one or small-group guidance to Fellows
  • Contribute subject matter expertise to curriculum discussions or special topics

Community Leadership

  • Support cohort cohesion and alumni engagement
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for the Fellowship Program

Program Support

  • Offer feedback to strengthen curriculum, structure, and participant experience
  • Help maintain a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and shared success

Qualifications

Must Have

  • Demonstrated expertise in federal contracting, business development, or a key industry sector, i.e. Aerospace, Construction, IT, Manufacturing, Professional Services
  • Prior participation in the NVSBC Fellowship Program OR equivalent experience supporting veteran-owned small businesses
  • Commitment to NVSBC’s mission and values
  • Ability to mentor, coach, and provide practical insights to Fellows

Preferred – Not Required

  • Experience teaching, mentoring, or advising entrepreneurs
  • Established relationship with federal agencies, primes, or industry partners
  • Prior involvement in NVSBC events, roundtables, or community initiatives
  • Recognized leadership within the veteran small business community

Apply Today!

Click on the link to become a Fellow or Senior Fellow for NVSBC’s upcoming cohort starting September 1st, 2026