Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs. To find out what it takes and how to prepare, they can sign up for Boots to Business.
A virtual class is being offered to anyone interested in starting a veteran-owned small business.
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
Active duty servicemembers (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans of all eras and spouses are eligible to participate. During B2B, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan and information on SBA resources available to help. This two-day in-person program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors. Both classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 5.
Participants who complete an in-person B2B course can elect to further their study through one of many B2B online courses that are offered at no cost to servicemembers, veterans and military spouses.
If a veteran has already attended a B2B in-person course, he/she should visit https://sbavets.force.com/ to sign up for one of the online B2B follow-on courses.
For information, contact Wayne Huddleston, senior area manager in the U.S. Virgin Islands, at wayne.huddleston@sba.gov, or contact Juan Marrero, outreach specialist, VBOC, at juanmarrero@outlook.com