Inc. Business Media, in partnership with Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF/D’Aniello Institute), announced the ninth annual Vet100 list—a compilation of the nation’s fastest-growing veteran-owned businesses. The Vet100 was born out of the iconic Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies based in the United States. Both distinctions are considered hallmarks of entrepreneurial success.
“The Vet100 list reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives many of our nation’s veterans and military families,” said Raymond Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director for the D’Aniello Institute “These business owners are building companies that employ thousands, stimulate local economies, and give back in meaningful ways. At the D’Aniello IVMF, we’re proud to be part of their journey by providing education, resources, and a community that continues to grow stronger each year.”
This year, 20 veteran-owned businesses have the distinction of making repeat appearances on the Vet100 list. This year’s honorees employ almost 11,000 people throughout the country, and nearly 25 percent of those businesses appearing on the Vet100 list are alumni of the IVMF’s programs. Also, this year’s list features 11 CEOs who are women, a unique community of entrepreneurs the IVMF supports through its Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program.
Top industries for the Vet100 honorees are government contracting, construction, healthcare, business products and services, and IT services. Additionally, Virginia, Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia are the top states for Vet100 businesses this year, with Washington D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles representing the top metro areas.
“From high-tech startups to fast-growing logistics companies to government contractors who keep us safe and support our troops, veteran-run companies play an important role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. At Inc., we are proud to partner with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families to celebrate outstanding veteran founders and the significant and often unsung contributions they make to our economy and communities. Their resilience and public mindedness is an inspiration to us all,” said Mike Hofman, Inc. editor-in-chief.
The honorees will be recognized at a dinner and awards ceremony as a part of the IVMF’s Veteran EDGE Conference in Dallas, Texas, in March 2026. The ceremony is sponsored by payments and financial services technology provider Fiserv, one of the IVMF’s strategic partners and a founding member of the Coalition for Veteran Owned Business, a national initiative to support the success of businesses owned by veterans, service members, and military spouses.
Learn more about the Vet100. Veteran EDGE, and see the 2026 honorees.
