By Jackie Hobson
As an Army veteran and the spouse of an Army veteran, I’ve walked the path many of you are treading now. After returning from Iraq in 2004, I dedicated myself to building a career in small business. I’ve owned successful businesses, served as CMO/COO for a veteran-owned government contracting firm, and helped countless veterans through my roles at the SBDC and the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC). Now, I run a music store with my husband in St. George and work for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
I’ve had the privilege of assisting over 300 Utah veterans in starting or growing their businesses, and I’m here to share some of the incredible resources available to you.
Utah Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC)
Established in 2016 with funds from the Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs, the VBRC offers one-on-one mentoring and training on business ownership. Whether you need help with business plans, market research, or competitive analysis, the VBRC connects you to the best business and veterans’ resources available. Register your business with the Utah Veteran-Owned Business Directory (https://vbr.veterans.utah.gov/s/) to gain visibility and support.
Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Utah falls under Region 8 of the VBOC, located in Montana. The VBOC program provides entrepreneurial development services, including business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals. Programs like Boots to Business and Reboot offer comprehensive training on business ownership, helping you craft a solid business plan and recognize opportunities.
STRIVE
This amazing start-up program is offered through the Utah VBRC in partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). STRIVE is an entrepreneurship training program designed for veterans, active duty, Reserve/Guard members, and their spouses. Completing this program qualifies you to apply for funding through the HCC Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Seed Fund.
Warrior Rising
Warrior Rising is a non-profit started here in Utah but is now assisting veterans nationwide. It provides support through an online academy and quarterly business showers. Veterans can pitch their business ideas and potentially receive up to $20,000 in funding.
Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families
The IVMF offers several programs tailored to veteran entrepreneurs, including:
- EBV Accelerate: A three-phase program providing tools and coaching for business growth.
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV): A cutting-edge program focused on the unique challenges and opportunities for veteran business owners.
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families (EBV-F): Integrates business training with family responsibilities.
- Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE): Women-focused entrepreneurship training.
- V-WISE Ignite: A shorter, one-day introductory entrepreneurship event for women veterans and military spouses.
Contracting Opportunities
For those looking to enter government contracting, there’s a robust support ecosystem. The SBA offers certifications for Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-owned Small Businesses (VOSB). This year the spending goals for all federal agencies bumped up from 3% to 5% of government spending being set-aside for Service-disabled Veteran-owned Businesses. The VA is the only agency allowed to do set-asides for veteran-owned businesses, but other agencies and also prime contracts will track work that is awarded to veteran-owned businesses. Please keep in mind, if you have a 0% ranking from the VA, then that allows you to apply not only for the Veteran-owned but also the Service-disabled Veteran-owned Business certificate.
Contracting Support
- APEX Accelerator (formally PTAC): Apex can provide assistance in applying for gov. contracting. They also provide classes, seminars, and individual counseling to help you navigate government contracting.
- DoD Mentor-Protégé Program: Partners small businesses with large companies to help them compete for prime contract and subcontract awards.
- VIP Programs: The VIP GROW, VIP INTERNATIONAL, and VIP START programs offer comprehensive certification and training to help veteran-owned businesses succeed in government contracting.
SBA Loan Programs
The SBA offers a variety of loan programs, many of which waive fees for veterans. If you’re looking for capital options, reach out to the Utah SBA District Office for more information.
My final thoughts for you, the journey of entrepreneurship can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, you can achieve great success. As a veteran entrepreneur myself, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential within our community. These resources are here to help you unlock that potential and build a thriving business. Let’s continue to support each other and grow the vibrant veteran entrepreneur community in Utah. For more detailed information on any of these resources, visit their websites or contact me directly at Ja***********@sb*.gov. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.
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