At the request of WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, the West Virginia legislature created the Certified Veteran Owned Business (CVOB) Program. On July 1, 2026, West Virginia became the 15th state in the nation to certify and recognize veteran owned businesses. The CVOB Program is designed to provide a credible and reliable verification documenting that a business located in West Virginia is at least 51% owned by an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran or their spouse.

Many small veteran owned businesses want to show their clients and potential customers that they are owned and operated by a U.S. military veteran. At the same time, many West Virginians want to patronize businesses owned by veterans.

To participate in the CVOB Program, veteran owned businesses located in West Virginia are required to complete a short application. The WV Secretary of State's Business Division will review the application, verify veteran status, and approve the Certified Veteran Owned Business status for business entities that meet the qualifications.

Certified Veteran Owned Businesses may use the logo to market their business.