The SBA and other Federal agencies offer free training and other resources for veteran, service member, and military spouse business owners. Discover five different programs that may be exactly what you need to give your #VetBiz community the boost it needs – and support your business success this National Veterans Small Business Week.
- SBA – Boots to Business: Your next step after being active duty in the military can be daunting, especially if you’ve decided to become a business owner. But, there’s good news! The DoD’s Transition Assistance Program – or TAP, as it’s known – has an Entrepreneurship Track. Take the two-day Boots to Business course to figure out if becoming a business owner after the military is the right path for you.
- SBA – Boots to Business Reboot: You may not have access to TAP – or a military installation. Don’t worry – Boots to Business Reboot is offered off-installations in local communities to veterans, Reserve and National Guard members, and military spouses! Get the same information taught in Boots to Business, while you decide if your idea is ready to become a business.
- SBA – Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Looking for a one-stop shop when it comes to entrepreneurship resources? Get in touch with your local VBOC. VBOCs are located throughout the nation and offer a variety of services ranging from business training and workshops, business mentorship, government contracting opportunities, and lender readiness prep. Regardless of where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, VBOCs can guide you through your business growth.
- VA – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): If you’re a service member or veteran with a service-connected disability and an employment barrier who has the strong desire, skills, and drive to run a successful business, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Self-Employment track. Find out if you can get help starting your own business.
- DoD – Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO): Are you a military spouse? MSEP has a portal to help you do your homework, investigate the possibilities, and use resources, tools and mentors to help you plan and grow your business. You can also help like-minded spouses by sharing your ideas, successes, and challenges with others interested in entrepreneurship.
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): If you’re a service member or veteran interested in agriculture or rural business, there are resources designed specifically for you. The SBA and USDA team up to provide you with the tools you need to successfully flourish in farming, ranching, and other agricultural ventures. From crop insurance and farm loan programs to guidance through USDA’s Rural Development team, you can feel confident as you transition from the military to the farm.
To learn more about how the SBA can be part of your #VetBiz community, check out
www.sba.gov/vetbiz today.
