Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Boots to Business helps entrepreneurs

    Boots to Business helps entrepreneurs

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jensen Stidham | Boots to Business is a free, two-day workshop designed to teach separating or retired...... read more read more

    SUMTER, SC, UNITED STATES

    08.27.2013

    Story by Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham  

    20th Fighter Wing

    SUMTER, S.C. - According to U.S. census data, there are around 2.45 million veteran-owned businesses. If you are a transitioning service member, veteran or spouse interested in starting your own business, then the free Boots to Business workshop may be the right place to start.

    "Three percent of all federal government contracts must go to small businesses owned by service disabled veterans, so there is a need for new veteran-owned businesses," said Anna Lisa Richardson, community readiness specialist at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

    The Small Business Association has partnered with Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide this training to more than 100,000 service members each year.

    "Our sole goal is to teach people how to make a profitable business," said James Giffin, a veteran business specialist from the Sumter area small business development center.

    The free two day workshop is made up of eight modules including:

    - Introduction to the entrepreneurial process.

    - Opportunity recognition and understanding what makes a business sustainable.

    - Markets and how to conduct research.

    - Economics and understanding profit potential.

    - Legal issues associated with business.

    - Financing and how to afford new ventures.

    - Business planning for constructing a viable plan.

    - Resources available to new businesses.

    "After completing the workshop, participants will have the right tools and the knowledge needed to successfully identify good business opportunities, draft a business plan and launch their business," said Giffin.

    "The class was really helpful," said Milya Rivera, a military spouse. "More people should know that this is offered to military spouses too."

    "At the end of the day, the program is free and it's a great opportunity," said Floyd Bryant, veterans' representative of the Small Business Administration.

    For more information or to sign up for the next Boots to Business workshop call the A&FRC at (803) 895-1252.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.27.2013
    Date Posted: 08.27.2013 16:04
    Story ID: 112687
    Location: SUMTER, SC, US

    Web Views: 218
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN