Veteran Entrepreneurs Are Empowered with Resources and Education

With Veterans Day around the corner, the heroism and patriotism of U.S. service members are on full display. But U.S. military veterans are also honored during National Veterans Small Business Week. From October 31 to November 4, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partner organizations will host webinars and local events to empower veteran entrepreneurs. 

Veterans and Franchising

With characteristics like leadership and commitment to serving others, it’s no wonder veterans have found success in franchising. According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), veterans represent 7% of the population but account for 14% of the nation’s franchise business owners. One of the many resources for veterans include the IFA’s VetFran Program, which assists veterans with the transition from active military member to business owner.

The SBA also has programs like Boots to Business and has set up local Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) to provide veterans the tools and technical assistance to make a business plan, access government contracting opportunities and more. 

Below is a listing of local events and webinars offered during National Veterans Small Business Week.

National Veterans Small Business Week 2022 Events and Webinars

Surplus Federal Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

• Nov. 3
• 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EDT
• The VBOC of New England, an SBA resource partner, and the General Services Administration will explain the benefits of the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program. With this program, veterans can work with the SBA to access equipment, supplies, computers, and other property that the federal government no longer needs.

“Marketing to the Government” #VetBiz Success

• Nov. 3
• 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EDT
• With this webinar, veteran businesses will understand how to communicate their value to the government though a capabilities statement. This event is hosted by the VBOC, Region II NY/NJ/PR/USVI.

Boots to Business REBOOT

• Nov. 3
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
• CENLA Chamber of Commerce
  1118 3rd Street al, LA 71301
• This in-person event is sponsored by the SBA, VBOC, and the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce to educate the public about the Boots to Business Program. In addition to evaluating business possibilities, participants can also learn how to develop a business plan and access SBA resources to procure capital and other technical assistance. 

Introduction to CT Small Business Boost Fund

• Nov. 3
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT
• With this free online webinar, minority and veteran Connecticut small business owners are informed about how the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund can help them access capital. 

IRS & Small Business Impacts

• Nov. 3
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
• The VBOC at Mississippi State University will host the 2022 SBA National Veterans Small Business Week “Lunch & Learn” series to commemorate the holiday. 
• Nov. 4: Introduction to Government Contracting (VBOC and B2B Revenue Readiness) 

Business Plan Basics for Veterans

• Nov. 3
• 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Hosted by the VBOC of New England, veterans will learn how to write a stellar business plan to communicate their vision. 

Veteran Business Owners in Kansas Share Their Entrepreneurial Journeys

• Nov. 3
• 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CDT
• The SBA highlights this national holiday by allowing entrepreneurs to tell their stories. Featured speakers explain how their experience in the military prepared them for business ownership and how they benefit from government resources. 

I’m a Certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, Now What?

• Nov. 3
• 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT
• Veterans will learn how to utilize their Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise and Small Business certification. Topics covered in this webinar include conducting market research, finding government contract opportunities and more.

Veteran Small Business Disaster Preparedness

• Nov. 3 
• 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Hosted by the Northern CA VBOC, veterans will be given the information to prepare for disasters and how their military skills are applicable. 

NVSBW Boots to Business Reboot

• Nov. 3
• 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. CDT
• Online and at 1854 NDSU Research Circle North
  Lower Level Conference Room
  Fargo, ND 58102
• The VBOC of the Dakotas will give an overview of the SBA’s Boots to Business Program during this hybrid event with in-person and online options.  

Arkansas Federal Surplus Property for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

• Nov. 3
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CDT
• The SBA Arkansas District Office will explain to veteran small business owners in Arkansas about the benefits of the Arkansas Federal Surplus Property Program. 

Veteran Certification for Federal Contracting Webinar

• Nov. 3
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CDT
• This free webinar will review information that is available about the transfer of the Veterans Affairs’ Center for Verification and Evaluation and its functions to the SBA. 

Boots to Business Reboot & Mixer

• Nov. 3
• 1:30 – 6:00 p.m. MDT
• Elevate Rapid City
  18 E. Main
  Rapid City, SD 57701
• This in-person event will be held in South Dakota to explain the benefits of the Boots to Business Program to service members.  

SBA AZ Veterans Business Resource Seminar

• Nov. 3
• 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. MST
• Burton Barr Central Library – StartUpPHX – 2nd Floor
  1221 N. Central Ave.
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
• The SBA Arizona District Office, VBOC and the Maricopa Small Business Development Center are hosting this live event to provide veterans with information about resources available to them. 

Franchising for Veterans – Boots to Business Extended Tour

• Nov. 4
• 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. CDT
• St. Joseph Academy
  101 Saint Joseph Dr. – Room 120
  Brownsville, TX 78520
• This workshop dispels myths about being a franchise owner. Participants will better understand the industry and have the opportunity to speak with a franchise consultant.

Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit

• Nov. 4
• 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
• 2301 S University
  Little Rock, AR 72204
• At this in-person event, representatives of the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center will give attendees an overview of how veterans can access counseling, capital or contracts. 

Urban League of Louisiana 2022 Veterans Small Business Resources Summit

• Nov. 4
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
• To commemorate National Veterans Small Business Week, the Urban League of Louisiana will highlight veteran entrepreneurship across the state and discuss resources available to them.

Franchising 101 for Veterans: Fundamentals, Facts, Myths and More

• Nov. 4
• 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EDT
• With over 66,000 veteran-owned franchise businesses in the U.S., the industry provides countless opportunities to service members. The VBOC of New England is hosting this free webinar to explain the fundamentals of the industry. 

SBA’s Boots to Business

SBA’s Boots to Business program empowers veterans, service members, and military spouses through business ownership training. To find out the latest information about National Veterans Small Business Week and other SBA initiatives for veteran entrepreneurs, follow Boots to Business on Twitter and Facebook.