From Combat To Corporate: Entrepreneurship for Veterans. The best way to predict the future is to create it. — Abraham Lincoln Why Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs• Veteran mindset: mission-focused, team-oriented, adaptive Turning Skills Into a Business • Identify transferable skills: logistics, mechanics, leadership, IT, planning • Types of businesses that work well: consulting, construction, security, coaching, e-commerce • The idea of “starting small, scaling smart.” • SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) NOT BE CONFUSED WITH SBA.
SBA (Small Business Administration) What It Is: The SBA is a U.S. government agency that supports small businesses by: • Providing loans and loan guarantees • Offering training and counseling • Helping small businesses win government contracts • Assisting with disaster recovery
Who It Serves: All types of small business owners — not limited to veterans. Key Services: • SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs • Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) • SCORE mentoring • Women’s Business Centers • Contracting assistance programs (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone) SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)What It Is: The OVBD is a specialized office within the SBA that focuses specifically on veteran entrepreneurs. Who It Serves: • Veterans • Service-disabled veterans • Reservists • National Guard members • Active-duty military transitioning to civilian life • Military spouses Key Services: • Veteran-specific training programs, such as: • Boots to Business (B2B) • Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) • Advocacy for veteran entrepreneurship within the federal government • Assistance with government contracting programs (e.g., Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program) • Guidance on franchise ownership and access to capital for veterans.
