Veteran Business Owners, Use These Resources To Start or Grow Your Business

As a former member of the military, there is a wealth of resources offered by various government and private entities. Often, these helpful aids aren’t necessarily advertised, making it difficult for people to find them unless they know where to look and what to look for. If you are opening or already run a veteran-owned business, check out the information here to help either start or grow your own venture.

 

  1. Small Business Association (SBA)

 

The SBA has been around for over 60 years and for all that time, it has remained focused and diligent in helping small business owners get the help needed to start and run a business. Through a variety of programs, the SBA helps secure low-interest loans for various reasons. Check into their service-disabled veterans programs for help if you want to gain access to federal contracts. There is money set aside at the agency every year to help get a veteran-owned business launched.

 

  1. Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families

 

Syracuse launched an initiative to help vets land jobs when returning to civilian life. Finding work in an existing company can be challenging for many reasons. One reason is the lack of formal education. While each job in the military comes with extensive training and obvious implementation that may not always translate when they leave the branch. The Institute for Veteran and Military Families gives resources for returning troops and helps them either find work or gives them the tools to start their own veteran-owned business.

 

  1. Techstars Patriot Boot Camp

 

Aimed at helping returning troops at becoming more tech-savvy and using those skills to land a job or run a business is the primary goal of Techstars’ Patriot Boot Camp. This multi-day event offered in a variety of locations across the country gives veterans and their immediate family access to some of the industry’s most respected speakers and teachers. They even offer one-on-one mentoring programs that continue after the seminar, all free of charge for interested and qualified vets.

 

If you are a vet and looking to reenter the workforce, it may be difficult. However, through loan programs, education programs and mentorships from experienced professionals, you can get all the tools you need to open your own veteran-owned business. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to ultimately set yourself up for success in your future career venture.