Key Resources and Telecom Tips for Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs to Grow Their Business
With more than 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses in America, it’s safe to say that veterans play a key role in the economy. While they are involved in many industries (i.e., professional services, construction, IT, etc.), they face challenges when it comes to:
- Accessing capital and training for their business ideas
- Procuring government contract opportunities
- Translating their military skills into success in the business world
Below, we’ll provide valuable tips and resources for veteran businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as their family members to help leverage their military experience, connect with various entrepreneur programs for vets, and ultimately, take their own business to the next level.
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Government Resources
NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA.gov offers a wide variety of resources and entrepreneurship programs and resources for veterans. That includes startup funding programs, training opportunities, business ownership assistance and more.
The Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) liaisons with the U.S. military to ensure support for all veteran business owners.
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The VBOC is another SBA program that offers exclusive resources to veterans, active duty service members and military spouses. They provide programs and training for veteran entrepreneurs, including:
- Transition assistance programs
- Pre-business plan workshops
- Concept assessments
- Business plan prep
- Entrepreneurial training and counseling
- Mentorship
Department of Veterans Affairs
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Financial Resources for Veteran Businesses
Getting a loan in today’s financial environment can be confusing and stressful. The good news is there are plenty of resources to help veterans bootstrap their businesses and chase the American dream:
SBA Funding Programs
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The VBOC is another SBA program that offers exclusive resources to veterans, active duty service members and military spouses. They provide programs and training for veteran entrepreneurs, including:
- Transition assistance programs
- Pre-business plan workshops
- Concept assessments
- Business plan prep
- Entrepreneurial training and counseling
- Mentorship
Helping veterans chase the American dream.
Bunker Labs
Warrior Rising
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant
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Business Planning and Training Resources
From educational programs to hands-on-training, there are plenty of resources available to vets and their families who are interested in starting or growing their own business:
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Supported by Syracuse University and JPMorgan Chase, IVMF provides various training and financial resources to veterans and active duty military members. They offer career training and many entrepreneurship programs, like:
- Veteran EDGE: A four-day business conference for veterans and military spouses
- V-WISE: Women-focused training programs
- RISE: Six week virtual boot camp for those interested in pivoting their business
Boots to Business (B2B)
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
In conjunction with the IVMF, EBV offers comprehensive entrepreneurship training to post-9/11 veterans (with honorable discharge). This program is free and participating veterans even get their travel and lodging paid for. It includes:
- 30-day online training
- A nine-day, in-person residency experience
- One year of support to help create and grow your small business
DAV Patriot Boot Camp
Vets2Industry
Telecommunications and Technology for Veteran-Owned Businesses
If you’re a veteran-owned business that’s just starting out, it’s in your best interest to work with a telecommunications provider that’s scalable, flexible and offers secure solutions for your business needs. Here’s what to look for in a business telecommunications provider:
- Fast and reliable high-speed Internet
- Contract flexibility
- Scalability and growth
- Support for virtual teams
- Cybersecurity
Further, it’s important to work with a provider who understands veteran-owned businesses and supports them. For example, Comcast has recently made a $1 Million commitment to supporting nonprofits that cater to the military community among other Comcast military community and outreach programs. That’s in addition to the latest upgrades they’ve made to their Military Discount Program. And, companies like Spectrum provide special military offers and plans to help keep military families connected.
Accessing the Best IT Solutions for Your Small Business With Business Services Connect
At Business Services Connect, we’re dedicated to helping veteran-owned businesses find the best telecom solutions for their phone, Internet, business TV and mobile services needs. By connecting with top telecom providers, veteran entrepreneurs can ensure their businesses stay competitive, well-connected and poised to succeed.
No matter where your business is located, we can help you find the best telecommunications providers that offer service at your address.
Empowering Veterans with Legal Resources
Essential Support for Service Members
Legal Support and Resources
Whether you’re currently in the military or a veteran, if you need legal assistance, there are several options available to you, including:
The Veterans Consortium
Military Transition Assistance Programs (TAP)
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
In many cases, it’s not what you know, but who you know. There are plenty of networking and mentorship opportunities designed to give veterans a leg up while connecting them to the people and resources they need:
SCORE Mentorship
As the largest network of expert volunteer entrepreneurs, SCORE provides free business mentoring to veteran entrepreneurs. This provides tremendous assistance for business planning, marketing and navigating financial challenges. SCORE also connects veterans with local business mentors for ongoing guidance.
Veteran Mentorship Program (VMP)
Veterans in Business Network
How Business Services Connect Can Help Your Veteran-Owned Business
Regardless of your needs, Business Services Connect provides insight and access to a wide range of telecom services that are essential to veteran-owned small businesses:
- Business Internet
- Business TV
- Business Mobile
- Business Voice and Messaging
- Business Network Solutions
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