Applications are now open through December 15, 2026
Launch, Grow, and Scale
Your Business with
VGA Incubator
Are you a veteran or military spouse business owner ready to turn your passion into profit?
The Veterans Growing America (VGA) Incubator offers an opportunity to grow your business through hands-on retail experience, mentorship, and access to a supportive entrepreneurial community.
Applications are now open through December 15, 2026
Launch, Grow, and Scale
Your Business with
VGA Incubator
Are you a veteran or military spouse business owner ready to turn your passion into profit?
The Veterans Growing America (VGA) Incubator offers an opportunity to grow your business through hands-on retail experience, mentorship, and access to a supportive entrepreneurial community.
Why
Veterans Growing America?
Veterans Growing America (VGA) is a mission-driven organization that empowers military-connected entrepreneurs by providing real opportunities for growth and exposure. Through weekly pop-up shops at high-traffic locations like Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, vendor expos in partnership with organizations like AAFES, and a national business directory. VGA helps its members reach new customers and expand their brand.
Members also gain access to business classes, discounted vending opportunities, and the ability to sell products and services across VGA’s platforms. More than just a network, VGA fosters a collaborative community where veteran and military spouse business owners can connect, share resources, and support one another’s success.
What sets VGA apart is its commitment to action over promises. Rather than offering passive listings or generic resources, VGA creates consistent, in-person opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage directly with customers, test products, and build brand loyalty.
Why
Veterans Growing America?
Veterans Growing America (VGA) is a mission-driven organization that empowers military-connected entrepreneurs by providing real opportunities for growth and exposure. Through weekly pop-up shops at high-traffic locations like Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, vendor expos in partnership with organizations like AAFES, and a national business directory, VGA helps its members reach new customers and expand their brand.
Members also gain access to business classes, discounted vending opportunities, and the ability to sell products and services across VGA’s platforms. More than just a network, VGA fosters a collaborative community where veteran and military spouse business owners can connect, share resources, and support one another’s success.
Our Mission
Veterans Growing America provides a forum for Veterans and Military Spouses to showcase and grow their businesses. Partnering with local, state, and federal veteran organizations to increase their brand awareness.
We conduct local events, and marketing programs to increase engagement with the veteran business community. A national movement that helps veteran businesses get the resources and support needed to succeed.
FEATURES
Our Features & Benefits
FEATURES
Our Features & Benefits
This 6-month program provides:
💼 A free weekly pop-up space at the Veterans Growing America Marketplace in Woodbridge, VA
🧾 A free 6-month membership to Veterans Growing America
📇 Business listing in the Veterans Directory
👥 Access to a thriving veteran entrepreneur community
🤝 Mentorship from full-time VGA vendors
💰 A chance to sell, scale, and give back
What You’ll Receive
6 Months of Free Pop-Up Space every Saturday and Sunday
Free Membership to Veterans Growing America
Listing in the Veterans Business Directory
Hands-on Sales & Customer Service Experience
Access to All VGA Events & Promotions
Mentorship from Established Vendors
Spotlight in the VGA Newsletter
This 6-month program provides:
💼 A free weekly pop-up space at the Veterans Growing America Marketplace in Woodbridge, VA
🧾 A free 6-month membership to Veterans Growing America
📇 Business listing in the Veterans Directory
👥 Access to a thriving veteran entrepreneur community
🤝 Mentorship from full-time VGA vendors
💰 A chance to sell, scale, and give back
What You’ll Receive
6 Months of Free Pop-Up Space every Saturday and Sunday
Free Membership to Veterans Growing America
Listing in the Veterans Business Directory
Hands-on Sales & Customer Service Experience
Access to All VGA Events & Promotions
Mentorship from Established Vendors
Spotlight in the VGA Newsletter
What We
Expect from You
To ensure your growth and commitment, Incubator recipients are required to:
Vend every Saturday and Sunday for the full 6-month term
Volunteer at VGA events to build community relationships
Donate 20% of gross sales to support Veterans Growing Inc.
Attend accountability check-ins with VGA staff every other Monday, except holidays.
Accept mentorship from a full-time vendor
Attendance & Conduct Guidelines:
❌ You may not miss more than 3 weekends total — after the third missed weekend, you will be removed from the program
📅 For planned absences (e.g., birthday, anniversary, vacation), a 2-week advance notice is required
🤒 For illness-related absences, a doctor’s note is required or the absence will count against your allowed weekends
What We
Expect from You
To ensure your growth and commitment, scholarship recipients are required to:
Vend every Saturday and Sunday for the full 6-month term
Volunteer at VGA events to build community relationships
Donate 20% of gross sales to support Veterans Growing Inc.
Attend accountability check-ins with VGA staff every other Monday, except holidays.
Accept mentorship from a full-time vendor
Click below to download the Marketing Plan PDF.
Attendance & Conduct Guidelines:
❌ You may not miss more than 3 weekends total — after the third missed weekend, you will be removed from the program
📅 For planned absences (e.g., birthday, anniversary, vacation), a 2-week advance notice is required
🤒 For illness-related absences, a doctor’s note is required or the absence will count against your allowed weekends
Eligibility
Requirements
You must:
Be a veteran or military spouse.
Own a product- or service-based business ready for retail participation.
Be able to participate in person at Veterans Growing America in Woodbridge, VA.
Be willing to engage with the VGA community, mentorship opportunities, and program requirements.
Eligibility
Requirements
You must:
Be a veteran or military spouse.
Own a product- or service-based business ready for retail participation.
Be able to participate in person at Veterans Growing America in Woodbridge, VA.
Be willing to engage with the VGA community, mentorship opportunities, and program requirements.
Application
Requirements
To apply, submit the following:
Incubator Application Form
Proof of Service (DD-214 or Military ID)
Short Business Description (Max 300 words)
Basic Marketing Plan Outline (template provided)
1-minute video answering:
“Why should I be selected to become a VGA vendor?”Two references (personal or professional)
Application
Requirements
To apply, submit the following:
Scholarship Application Form
Proof of Service (DD-214 or Military ID)
Short Business Description (Max 300 words)
Basic Marketing Plan Outline (template provided)
1-minute video answering:
“Why should I be selected to become a VGA vendor?”Two references (personal or professional)
FAQ
Can military spouses apply for the VGA Incubator?
Yes! The VGA Incubator is open to both veterans and military spouses who meet the program's eligibility and participation requirements.
Where is this opportunity located?
All vending and activities take place at the Veterans Growing America Marketplace in Woodbridge, VA.
What happens if I get sick or need to miss a weekend?
You must submit a doctor’s note for illness-related absences. Planned absences require 2-week advance notice. Missing more than 3 weekends will result in dismissal from the program.
Turn Your Passion into a Thriving Business!
Take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey with the VGA Incubator. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to grow your business in a supportive veteran and military spouse community.
Applications are open through December 15, 2026.
Turn Your Passion into a Thriving Business!
If you’re a veteran ready to take your entrepreneurial dreams to the next level, the Veterans Growing America Entrepreneur Scholarship is your gateway. Gain mentorship, resources, and exposure to grow your business while joining a community that supports your success.
Handcrafted in Washington, DC
Veterans Growing America is also a charitable
organization (501(3) tax exempt), providing
entrepreneurial educational & resources to military
connected communities.
202 - 932 - 0700
571 - 969 - 1017
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