SBA · CLIENT INTAKE TOOL

VetCert document tracker

Give a veteran-owned client a clear picture of what SBA VetCert asks for before you meet, so the session is spent on strategy rather than chasing paperwork.

6 document types · Administered by SBA · Rules last verified Jul 2026

Articles of organization / incorporation

The state filing that created your company, with all amendments. Programs check the formation date, the state of formation, and that the entity named matches everything else in your package.

How to get it: Your state's Secretary of State business portal (certified copies are usually a small fee).

Needed for: At least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more veterans (SDVOSB: service-disabled veterans) · The qualifying veteran owners must reside in the United States · You must submit evidence that the business is a small business owned and controlled by one or more qualifying veterans

Operating agreement (LLC), all amendments

The signed agreement governing how your LLC is owned and run. Reviewers read it closely for ownership percentages and for any provision that limits the qualifying owner's control (supermajority votes, manager powers, transfer restrictions).

Needed for: At least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more veterans (SDVOSB: service-disabled veterans) · A qualifying veteran must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and hold the highest officer position · For a permanently and totally disabled veteran unable to manage the business, a resident spouse or permanent caregiver may satisfy the control requirement · You must submit evidence that the business is a small business owned and controlled by one or more qualifying veterans

Stock ledger and share certificates

The record of who owns how many shares, with copies of issued certificates (front and back). This is the primary ownership evidence for a corporation.

Corporate bylaws, all amendments

The rules governing how your corporation is run. Reviewed for board composition, officer powers, and anything that limits the qualifying owner's control.

Needed for: A qualifying veteran must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and hold the highest officer position

Resume of each qualifying owner

A current resume showing the qualifying owner's experience and role. Reviewers use it to assess whether that owner actually manages the business's daily operations and has the background to do so.

Needed for: A qualifying veteran must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and hold the highest officer position · For a permanently and totally disabled veteran unable to manage the business, a resident spouse or permanent caregiver may satisfy the control requirement

Business federal tax returns, last 3 years

Complete copies of your business's filed federal income tax returns for the last three years, including all schedules and attachments. Programs use them to verify revenue, size standards, and that the business is real and operating.

How to get it: From your tax preparer, your tax software, or an IRS transcript request (Form 4506-T).

Needed for: The business must be small under the size standard for a NAICS code listed in its SAM profile, at certification and recertification · You must submit evidence that the business is a small business owned and controlled by one or more qualifying veterans

One requirement is awaiting verification against the official source and is not shown. Treat this list as accurate, not exhaustive.

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OTHER INTAKE TOOLS

WOSB client intake checklist WBENC application readiness list NMSDC certification checklist Full Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert) requirements

UnderstandMyCert is an educational intake tool, not a law firm, and not affiliated with or endorsed by APEX Accelerator, the SBA, or any certifying body.