Date: May 19, 2026
HOUSTON, Texas – A Houston area veteran’s vision to build something meaningful for veterans, divers and adventurers earned him one of the Small Business Administration’s top honors.
Jason Burleson, owner of Mammoth Dive Academy, was named the 2026 SBA Houston District Rural Small Business Owner of the Year.
As a certified veteran-owned business, Burleson credits much of the success of the Academy to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC).
“We would not be where we are today without the guidance, resources and continued support provided by the Texas Veterans Commission,” said Burleson. “Your commitment to helping veterans to transition, grow and succeed in business has played a direct role in our journey, and we are sincerely grateful for everything your team has done to support us.”
As a certified veteran-owned business, Burleson gets State of Texas benefits of a $300 filing fee to start an LLC reimbursed and gets a five-year exemption from the Texas franchise tax. The TVC Veteran Entrepreneur Program certifies veteran business ownership for benefit eligibility.
“The Veteran Entrepreneur Program is proud to help veterans achieve their business dreams,” said TVC Veteran Entrepreneur Program Director and Army veteran Megan Tamez. “We work with veterans starting with their business ideas to launching businesses, finding capital and growing their business.”
