Decide DeKalb, the leading economic development organization in DeKalb County, is now accepting submissions for  its DeKalb Veteran-Owned Business Guide. The guide is the third in Decide DeKalb's curated series. It follows the DeKalb Black Business Guide, published in 2024, and the DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide, published in May 2026.

The DeKalb Veteran-Owned Business Guide will connect residents, companies and community partners with veterans who have gone on to build businesses in the county. Its launch comes as the nation prepares to honor veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“Veterans bring leadership, discipline and a commitment to service to everything they do, and many of them are putting those strengths to work building businesses right here in DeKalb,” said Terra Washington, Decide DeKalb's Vice President, Marketing & Communications. “This guide makes it easier for residents, companies and partners to find those businesses and choose them. Every dollar spent with a veteran-owned business strengthens our local economy and the neighborhoods these individuals call home.”

In DeKalb County, U.S. Census Bureau data counts 541 veteran-owned businesses with at least one paid employee. The figure comes from the bureau's most recent Annual Business Survey and counts businesses that are 51% or more owned by veterans. More than 31,900 veterans live in DeKalb County, according to Census estimates. Supporting these businesses creates local jobs and strengthens entrepreneurial pathways for veterans and their families.

The guide is open to veteran-owned businesses across a wide range of industries, including professional services, retail, food and beverage, creative and media, marketing, health and wellness, technology and innovation and construction and trades.

Decide DeKalb's earlier guides drew strong participation. More than 230 businesses are featured between the two previous business guides. Decide DeKalb promotes participating businesses through its website, social media channels and events.

“The Women-Owned Business Guide came out right as we were settling into our new space at The Dale, and it brought in neighbors who hadn't found us yet,” said Brittany Smith, co-owner of The Book Bird, an independent bookstore in Avondale Estates. “Small businesses depend on people knowing we're here. I'd encourage every veteran business owner in DeKalb to take a few minutes and submit.”

Eligible businesses can submit their information online. The form asks for a business name, owner name, contact information, address, business category and a brief description.

Decide DeKalb will review all submissions. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 9, and the guide will publish Nov. 9, just in time for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026.