Your veteran or military spouse background gives you access to the tools and information you need to start your own business or expand an existing one. That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides educational and training resources for you to take your business to the next level.
Start Your Journey with SBA Training
For service members, veterans, and spouses who want to become entrepreneurs, your path to business ownership starts with comprehensive training and an extensive network of resources available through the SBA. When U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Tom McMahon made plans to retire after 22 years of service, he participated in the SBA Transition Assistance Program’s Boots to Business training course. Boots to Business is taught on military installations nationwide and provides an introductory understanding of business ownership to those transitioning out of the military.
Sharing his story, McMahon highlights how SBA support proved instrumental in helping him transition from military life to owning a boutique gift shop, Urban Dwell, in Washington, D.C. His success story demonstrates how the various services and resources available from the SBA, including connecting with a SCORE mentor, can help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into thriving realities.
Training for Everyone
In addition to Boots to Business, the SBA offers additional training options for veterans in other stages of military life and for military and veteran spouses. The Boots to Business Reboot course provides entrepreneurship training for veterans of all eras in their local communities. Additionally, military spouses can benefit from the Pathway to Business training designed to meet their unique needs and challenges.
After completing one of the training courses, graduates may sign up for Boots to Business Revenue Readiness follow-on training hosted by Mississippi State University. This six-week course instructs veteran entrepreneurs on how to refine their business model into a comprehensive business plan.
If you’re looking for more ways to study up on business best practices, SBA also offers Entrepreneurship Training Programs (ETPs) designed to meet specific needs for veterans and military spouses. SBA collaborates with Oklahoma State University, St. Joseph’s University, Warrior Rising, and VETRN to provide more tools and mentorship opportunities for service-disabled veterans. Women veterans can learn skills unique to their needs by enrolling in the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ V-WISE program, STRIVE, hosted by Salt Lake Community College’s Utah Veteran Business Resource Center, and ONABEN’s Beyond the Boots program. Procurement-ready business owners can visit the Veteran Institute for Procurement to increase their ability to win and manage government contracts.
Explore the SBA Learning Platform
To take your continued education one step further, consider exploring the SBA Learning Platform, an online educational resource focused on entrepreneurship. This comprehensive, easy-to-access training will help you at any stage of your business life cycle. Whether you are just beginning your journey, looking to grow your existing business, or seeking professional development, the SBA Learning Platform offers a wide range of courses, videos, and articles tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs in every phase of business.
The SBA Learning Platform provides training to help you:
- Stand out among a sea of competitors.
- Sharpen your financial skills.
- Save money.
- And more!
Impact of SBA Programs
The impact of SBA programs extends far beyond individual success stories. Thousands of veterans and military spouses have leveraged SBA resources to launch and grow businesses that contribute to their communities, local economies, and beyond. Entrepreneurs who are service members, veterans, or military spouses can access specialized SBA resources to enhance their knowledge and receive tailored support to reach their business goals through the Office of Veterans Business Development.
Connect to Training
Individualized, in-person support is available through Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, which connect veterans and military spouses with training courses from the SBA and other types of workshops, events, and programs. The variety of options ensures you have access to the knowledge and resources you need to succeed in business.
Join the ranks of veterans and spouses who have turned their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Learn more about SBA training opportunities and access helpful information and best practices for starting and growing your small business.
For more veteran owned small business resources and helpful tips, follow the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development. To learn more about OVBD visit, sba.gov/ovbd.