As you may have learned in our last article, about RV marketing strategies for veterans, the demographic is much more likely to use an RV as their primary camping mode of transportation and accommodations. Even more, RV dealership ownership is just as appealing. Military veterans are increasingly entering the world of sales and RV, likely due to their plethora of transferable skills in operations, team leadership, and vehicle and equipment maintenance.
More importantly, there is a wide variety of financial programs and resources to support veterans seeking to start their own business or acquire an existing one. So, if you’re a veteran who’s considering your next career or investment, this is the guide for you. Here, we’ll dive deep into all of the loans and funding opportunities available for potential RV dealership owners, specifically for military service members.
Keep reading for expertise from the leading RV dealership advisors and industry leaders at RVBS.
Why RV Dealership Ownership for Veterans?
Today, veterans are the majority owners of roughly 1.6 million U.S. businesses, accounting for about 5.5% of all business owners nationwide. Business ownership is desirable to veterans not only due to their transferable skills but also due to the growing RV market. RV life has never been more popular, especially post-pandemic, with more families, veterans, and retirees adopting the lifestyle.
Many veterans share a common goal: the desire to reintegrate into civilian life with purpose and ownership. Fortunately for the group, existing government and nonprofit support for veteran entrepreneurs is plentiful, helping the transition be that much more seamless and successful. Next, we’ll cover the top financial programs for veteran entrepreneurs, conventional, and others.
Financial Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs
First, let’s start with the most commonly used veteran programs for funding and loans as provided by the Small Business Administration and other government entities.
SBA Veterans Advantage Program
The SBA Veterans Advantage Program reduces upfront fees on SBA 7(a) and Express loans for eligible veterans, making business financing more accessible and affordable. These loans can be used for dealership acquisitions, equipment purchases, real estate, or working capital. Loan amounts range up to $5 million with terms up to 25 years. Learn more and check eligibility at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/veterans.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB)
Designed for veterans with a service-connected disability, the SDVOSB program grants access to exclusive federal contracting opportunities. For prospective RV dealers, this can strengthen fleet or inventory partnerships with government agencies. It also enhances credibility when working with state or federal buyers. Registration with SAM.gov and certification through the SBA are required to participate in set-aside and sole-source contracts.
VA’s Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP)
The VA’s Veteran Entrepreneur Portal is a powerful starting point for any veteran exploring dealership ownership. It offers access to VA-backed financing tools, business plan templates, and a curated list of grants and lenders. Ideal for early-stage planning, the VEP helps veterans structure sound financial strategies before acquisition. Visit va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur to explore available resources.
Beyond Veteran-Specific Loans & Funding
Of course, beyond government-backed loans, there are other types of funding sources you can consider as a veteran. Here are three more sources to consider, and their advantages.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
CDFIs are mission-driven lenders that specialize in supporting underserved entrepreneurs, including veterans. They often offer lower-interest loans and are more flexible when it comes to credit scores, collateral, or business history. For veterans entering the RV dealership space, especially first-time buyers, CDFIs can provide a valuable funding path when traditional banks fall short.
Patriot Express Loans
Though officially discontinued, some lenders still offer Patriot Express-style loans modeled after the original SBA program. These loans were designed to provide veterans with expedited access to working capital or business purchase funds. With streamlined applications and quicker approvals, they’re well-suited for smaller dealership acquisitions or upgrades. Ask your lender if they offer any veteran-focused Express loan options under current SBA terms.
Local and State-Level Veteran Business Incentives
Many states and municipalities offer financial incentives specifically for veteran entrepreneurs, including property tax relief, license fee waivers, and startup grants. These can significantly reduce the cost of launching or acquiring an RV dealership. Because programs vary widely by location, veterans should contact their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) to explore local opportunities and assistance.
Tips for Navigating Dealership Valuation and Acquisition as a Veteran Buyer
Finally, now that you have explored the top financial programs and resources for veterans entering the RV dealership business, here are a few final tips to consider as you consider your career as an RV dealership owner.
- Partner and engage early with an RV dealership advisor like RVBS to understand the dealership market and real estate values, not just the list prices.
- Seek out non-traditional owner-financing opportunities that may work well alongside veteran lending options. As a veteran, current owners with a military background or veteran friends and family themselves, could also be more likely to sell to fellow veterans.
- Consider the benefits of buying an existing dealership vs. starting from scratch. For instance, existing dealerships come equipped with experienced infrastructure, floor plan accounts, trained staff, and existing customers. RV dealership advisors like RVBS can help you peruse the current market based on your desires.
- Prioritize due diligence, and lean on professional advisors to assess cash flow, goodwill, inventory health, and seasonal variability.
In the end, dealership advisors like RVBS support veteran buyers with tailored guidance through the process, including financial modeling and bank introductions.
Final Thoughts: From Service to RV Dealership Owners
Transitioning from service to civilian life is no simple feat and is often complex for many veterans. However, business ownership offers military service people the purpose, autonomy, and long-term opportunities they often seek post-service. With the growing number of veteran RV buyers, veterans are entering an industry of their own, helping them better tailor operations to suit the demographic.
RV dealership ownership can be a natural next step for those passionate about mobility, travel, and American-made entrepreneurship. Even better, with the right resources and trusted advisors, veterans won’t have to navigate the new chapter alone. RVBS is proud to support veterans at every step of their dealership journey, from valuation to purchase to exit.
Thinking about launching or acquiring an RV dealership as a veteran? Let RVBS help you understand your options, evaluate the opportunity, and walk confidently into ownership. RVBS is the leading dealership advisor group helping buyers and sellers across the US with over 60 years of industry experience. Contact our team to start the conversation and explore RV dealership ownership for you.
Roger L. Nuttall served as President of Camping World, Inc. from January 2011. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from January 2009 to January 2011, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from November 2003 to December 2015. From 1981 to 1983, Mr. Nuttall was a partner at McKay, Nuttall, and Reid, an accounting and consulting firm. Before that, he held various staff and management positions at Grant Thornton LLP from 1974 to 1981. From 1983 to 2003, Mr. Nuttall served as Chief Financial Officer and board member of Blaine Jensen & Sons, Inc., a multi-dealership RV company. He received a B.A. from Weber State University.
Mike has almost 30 years’ experience in the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Industry and provides advisory and consulting services to clients within that industry.
Scott Degnan is the Partner and Co-founder of RV Business Solutions and President of Degnan Management Group, Inc., a consulting firm.
Dom Bookman is the Chief Operating Officer and Investor Relations lead at RV Business Solutions. With 12 years of experience in the tech industry, Dom is a serial entrepreneur specializing in business development, marketing, and growth strategies for leading brands. He has successfully piloted startups and facilitated multiple exits for early-stage companies.