Veterans: Is Your Next Mission Small Business Ownership?

 
05/19/2020

[ Article was originally posted on www.sba.gov ]

By Larry Stubblefield
This Military Appreciation Month, the SBA is highlighting tailored business resources for transitioning service members and veterans

May is Military Appreciation Month and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) salutes our nation’s service members and veterans for all that they do for America. Transitioning out of the military after years of service can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Service members preparing for re-entry into civilian life may wonder what’s next, and where they can earn a living using skills they learned in the military.

While every post-military career path is different for each person, many veterans choose entrepreneurship as their next mission. Veterans have many traits and skills that are essential for running a successful business.  For transitioning service members and veterans who are interested in entrepreneurship (or already own businesses), the SBA offers a variety of tailored funding programs, trainings, and federal contracting opportunities.

 Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans

SBA entrepreneurial training opportunities for veterans include:

Federal Contracting for Veterans

There are several SBA programs that can help small business owners win contracts from the federal government. For veterans specifically, SBA offers the following contracting assistance program:

  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside: The federal government tries to award at least 3% of annual federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements.

Veterans interested in starting their own businesses – or veterans with an existing business who are looking for an extra boost – should also connect with their local Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). VBOCs provide business mentoring to veterans, offering support on everything from business plans to finances and marketing.

The SBA is proud to help veterans to successfully start, grow, and expand their businesses.  As a veteran, you already have the leadership, resiliency, resourcefulness, and other qualities needed to build a thriving business. The SBA can provide further support by enhancing your knowledge of business best practices and offering contracting assistance. We’re with you every step of the way on your entrepreneurship journey.  

SOURCE: https://www.sba.gov/blog/veterans-your-next-mission-small-business-ownership



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