Inc. Magazine is looking for successful business owners who are prior military for a potential national article:

“How has your military experience influenced your business leadership style?”

Veteran Owned Business was recently contacted by a writer for Inc. Magazine who is working on an article about: “…how military experience influences the leadership styles of veteran business owners?“  In short, VOB has been asked to reach out to our members to find veteran owned businesses (with a minimum of 10 employees) to answer two (2) survey questions for possible inclusion in this–and future–business article(s).

If you are a military veteran (active duty and/or reserves works too), run a successful business and have at least 10 employees, please email us your answers to the following questions.  Also, please include your contact information in case we and/or the writer needs to get back in touch with you.

1. Do you have any specific stories or examples that illustrate how the discipline instilled in you during your military career has translated into your career as the leader of a business?

2. As you developed your own leadership style and practices, did you model yourself after any particular military leader: someone you served under or with, or whom you just know a great deal about? If so, who is that person (or people)?

Because of the demographics of the publication (and because the subject is “leadership styles”), Inc. Magazine is stipulating  the response come from a business owner who a) was/is in the military b) is still in business and c) has a minimum of 10 employees.

Please email your responses to: info@VeteranOwnedBusiness.com. Don’t forget to include your contact information including: name, business name, phone number, and email address.

We are keeping our fingers crossed we get a good response to this media request in order to help a few of our members get national exposure!

Women Veterans Conference!
Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) Conference Is Coming to Orlando, FL
U.S. Small Business Administration
And Syracuse University
Bring
V-WISE to Orlando, Florida
March 1-3, 2012

Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) is an entrepreneurial training program for female veterans of all service eras and branches with a passion for and interest in either starting a new small business or growing an existing one.

This unique entrepreneurship training program was designed specifically by Syracuse University with the Office of Veterans Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration to encourage and support female veterans interested in pursuing careers as small business owners and entrepreneurs. V-WISE is committed to helping female veterans interested in pursuing careers as small business owners and entrepreneurs. This unique entrepreneurship training program is committed to helping women veterans by providing them the tools to become successful entrepreneurs; its goal is to integrate their leadership, integrity, focus and drive into a premier education training programs taught by accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States.

V-WISE enables female veterans to find their passion and to learn the business-savvy skills to turn their ideas or businesses into growth ventures while recognizing entrepreneurship as an important part of economic growth nationwide. This program is key for female veterans to truly pursue their dreams and make them a reality!

V-WISE is a three-phase program

• Phase 1: What’s first? A 35-day online, self-study course focuses on the basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business.
• Phase 2: Ready, Set, Go! a three-day conference where participants are exposed to accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States. This segment includes two tracks or training: a growth track, tailored to those participants already in business, and a startup track focused on potential future entrepreneurs. Courses include business planning, marketing, accounting/finance, operations/production, human resources and work life balance. (The online course segment is a prerequisite to conference training.).
• Phase 3: Keep Moving…provides ongoing support and mentorship delivered online and through a robust, comprehensive network of mentors and partners.

Admission is on a rolling basis so early application is highly recommended. Participants are responsible for a one-time $75 registration fee and their transportation to and from the on-site conference. All hotel and conference fees are covered through the support of the Small Business Administration.

If you are a female veteran, active-duty female transitioning within 24-months, spouse or female partner of a veteran who is running or growing a small business, or if you are interested in starting a new small business, then V-WISE is your answer!

To apply visit Whitman.syr.edu/vwise.
U.S. Small Business Administration
And Syracuse University
Bring
V-WISE to Orlando, FL
March 1-3, 2012
Female veterans should apply immediately!
Click here to view the V-WISE Brochure (PDF)

Many wonderful organizations have put together special “thank you” offerings for veterans and active duty military members (in some cases their respective families as well). Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

Here is a growing list of what some of these companies are offering for Veterans Day 2011 (and beyond):

Updated 11/10/2011 (3:00pm EST):

Spinning Fork Italian Restaurant
Fairfield Ohio
20% off for Veterans and their families this 11/11/2011. Not to be used with any other offer or promotion. Alcohol Beverages Excluded.

UFood Grill
Boston Area
UFood Grill in Boston at Downtown Crossing, 530 Washington St, Landmark Center, 201 Brookline Ave and 222 Arsenal St in Watertown will be feeding all past and present military personnel free tomorrow for Veteran’s Day (11/11/11). Military guests will just need to provide ID. This is their 3rd year providing this service. UFood Grill’s CEO and COO are very proud to be veterans.

Charlie and Jake’s
West Melbourne Florida Location: “50% off for military members on Veteran’s Day”.
All other locations: “10% off and a free alcoholic beverage”.

Papaya King Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Veterans and Active Duty Military receive one of their renowned hot dogs, for free, all day on Veteran’s Day.  In addition, for 11.11.11 (also Veteran’s Day), we’re offering everyone $0.11 fries with the purchase of any hot dog.

Bar Louie America
Nationwide
Offering one free lunch or dinner on Veterans Day.

Southwest Moe’s
Nationwide
10% off for veterans

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Restaurants

Applebee’s
Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required.

Champps Americana
We’re celebrating our Veterans with an All American Meal! All Veterans and Active Military will receive a free burger on November 11th! Proof of service required. Offer not valid for the Pepperjack Bacon Stack Burger or Kobe Burger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations.

Chili’s
Visit Chili’s on Friday, November 11, 2011, to get your Veteran’s Day free meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty. You’ll get to choose between 7 great entrees at participating restaurants.

Denny’s
Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2011. Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran from 6:00am – 10:00pm. Only valid in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo NY areas.

Duffy’s Sports Grill
Duffy’s is donating 5% of all sales on Veterans Day 2011 to Honor Flight of South Florida.

Famous Dave’s
On November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day, Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country. Discounts vary in each of the 150 United States Locations.

Golden Corral
For the 11th year in a row, Golden Corral Restaurants will offer their Military Appreciation Monday dinner. The event is scheduled this year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. All personnel are welcome, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves.

Hooters
On November 11^th, in honor of Veterans day Hooters is offering a free meal to veterans and active military. The free meal is 10 free wings boneless or traditional. (Drink Purchase Required).

Hy-Vee
Free breakfast buffet – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans
Available at participating Hy-Vee grocery store with in-store dining.

Krispy Kreme
Free doughnut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores.

McCormick and Schmicks
On Sunday, November 13^th Mccormick and Schmicks pay tribute to our veterans with a complimentary entree from a special menu. Space is limited. Reservations are highly recommended.

Olive Garden
On Friday, November 11th, all veterans and active duty military are invited to enjoy a FREE entree during regular business hours.  ID required.  Go here to see menu options and for more details.

Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Coca Cola from Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11.

Shoney’s
Bring a veteran or active duty military to Shoney’s on Friday, November 11th from 6AM to 2PM receive a FREE BUFFET with the purchase of a regularly-priced buffet!

Spaghetti Warehouse
11-cents meal with coupon – Nov. 11
Applies to: Everyone
Print the coupon here and get a serving of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or any original recipe spaghetti entree for just 11 cents.

Subway
Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2011 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants.

Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will be giving away Veteran’s Day free meals on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

T.G.I Fridays
On Friday, November 11 2011, Veterans can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One Free deal on entrees. This offer is not valid with any other offer, must present acceptable ID, and valid only at participating locations.

Tijuana Flats
50% off military and active duty on Friday (11/11/2011), 10% off year round.

Tim Hortons
Free donut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Veterans

Twin Peaks Restaurants
Free entrée, up to $10 – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Dine-in only and a tip is not included.

Uno Chicago Grill
Show up on Veterans Day in uniform, with a photo of yourself in uniform or with a military or veteran’s I.D. and receive a 19.43% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages purchases.

Restaurants.com
Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $10; $100 eGift card for only $10.99.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Entertainment

Anheuser-Busch Parks
(SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, Water Country USA)
Single Day Complimentary Admission.

Battley Harley-Davidson – Veterans Day Ride to Arlington National Cemetery
Gaithersburg, Maryland
All Riders Welcome. Join us for ride to Arlington National Cemetery as we pay tribute to Veterans past and present.
Meet 7:45am Kickstands up 8:30am SHARP.

Battleship Cove
Fall River, Massachusetts
The world’s largest naval-ship museum, located in Fall River, Mass offers free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active duty and reservists on Veterans Day.

Brevard Zoo
Melbourne Florida
Free admission to all active and retired military from November 11 to 13.

Boston Duck Tours
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Duck Tours will also offer all spouses and children of any present or past military personnel a special $10.00 per person ticket.

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
Free admission – Nov 11 to 13
Applies to: Active-duty, retirees, veterans, Reserves and their immediate dependents
Tickets are only available on-site.

FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling)
Florida
Offering free admission to  both Florida wrestling shows on November 11 and 12.

Historic Jamestowne
Jamestowne, Virginia
The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13.

Knott’s Berry Farm/ Knott’s Soak City
Buena Park, California
Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran’s Month, November 1-26.

Navy Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Free admission to any veteran or member of the armed forces.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

National Parks, Forests and Monuments
Nationwide
Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Natural Elements Salon & Spa
Chesapeake, Virginia
Providing free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military.

The North Carolina Aquarium
Free admission to everyone on Thursday, November 11.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Canton, Ohio
Any veteran or member of the armed forces and their spouse or a guest will be admitted free of charge to the Hall of Fame for a day-long recognition of  US Military veterans.

Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Cincinnati, Ohio
In honor of Veterans Day, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is pleased to offer all veterans and active military members (with valid I.D.) complimentary general admission from Tuesday, Nov. 8 though Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum
La Porte, Texas
Free admission – Nov. 7 to 13
Applies to: Veterans and their families
Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor and, on Nov.12-13. the special exhibit.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Discount options for tour and attraction tickets to all armed-forces members all year long, including Veterans Day.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Stores

7-Eleven
Free small Slurpee – 11.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans

Amazon.com
Free Veterans Day Honor MP3 album download. Album includes 12 songs by bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Big Lots
10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID.

Brides Across America
Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Build-A-Bear
Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11th-15th on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store
Employee discount of 5% to 50% – Nov. 11 to12
Applies to: Veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.

Dollar General
From  November 11, 2011 till November 13, 2011 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount.

Fashion Bug
Get 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.  Contact your local store for more details.

Foot Locker
Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20% discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports, even on sale items.

Jos. A. Bank
Veterans Day Sale- 1 Day Only! All Suits On Sale- 2nd for $47 Mix ‘n Match. 40% Off All Dress Shirts, Sportshirts, Ties & Sportswear. Free Shipping on Orders $195+. Valid: November 11.

Lowe’s
All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Home Depot
Offers a 10-percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

K-Mart
Exclusive Early Veterans Day Sale – Nov. 10th! EXTRA 5-10% off Almost Everything.

Macy’s
15% off – through Nov. 13
Applies to: Everyone

Sears
5% to 15% off almost everything – through Nov. 10
Applies to: Everyone
Applies only to sales through Sears.com.

Sport Clips
Discounts on haircuts -  Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans

Surdyke Harley Davison
Fetus, Missouri
10% of sales (MotorClothes, P&A, & Service) from Nov. 11 – 12 will be donated to Camp Hope–an outdoor recreational camp for wounded soldiers.

Sams Club
In honor of Veterans Day, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 11th and 12th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Accommodations

Red Roof Inn
Offering 15% off all stays for veterans for the month of November.

Bed & Breakfast for Vets
B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Miscellaneous

Free Car Wash (various locations around the United States)
Grace For Vets is a united front of car wash operators that provide a FREE CAR WASH to veterans & service personnel each year on November 11 to honor their past & present service to their country.

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Many offers come with disclaimers. Please be sure to contact each company directly with any questions/concerns.

Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

WISH UPON A HERO FOUNDATION READY TO DISTRIBUTE MORE THAN $500,000 TO ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERAN FAMILIES IN NEED

Broadcast PSA Available to Encourage Military Families to Post a ‘Wish’ For Help

Moorestown, NJ (November 9, 2011) –With the veterans unemployment rate at an all-time high of 12.4%, the Wish Upon a Hero Foundation (www.wishuponaherofoundation.org, WUAHF) is launching a national campaign on Veterans Day to give away more than $500,000 to assist active duty and veteran families in need.    Public service announcements on TV stations nationwide (http://screen.2mg.com/movies/WUAH/PSA_PostWishesR.2.wmv) will encourage families to post wishes on Wish Upon a Hero (www.wishuponahero.com), the online giving platform where anyone can post a wish and anyone can grant a wish.

WUAHF’s recent Hike For Our Heroes campaign, led by Iraq War veteran Troy Yocum, raised more than $500,000 via Yocum’s 18-month, 7,800-mile journey across America.  Through the generosity of thousands of Americans, with support from Modell’s Sporting Goods and other retailers across the country, WUAHF is ready to grant wishes to ease the burden for military families who need assistance with medical, educational and everyday living expenses.

“This is such a critical time in our country.  With more troops returning from Iraq and discouraging employment prospects, we need to rally behind these brave men and women in every way possible,” says Wish Upon a Hero Founder Dave Girgenti.

WUAHF was recently selected by Chase Community Giving as one of five charities to be honored at Chase’s American Giving Awards in December.

The Wish Upon a Hero Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of those in need.  In 2011, WUAHF partnered with Hike for Our Heroes to raise funds and awareness and grant the wishes of military families in need.   The Foundation and Wish Upon a Hero.com were founded by Girgenti following the catastrophic events of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. Communities and individuals helped each other during those difficult times.  Girgenti created a platform where anyone can post a wish, and everyone can be a hero.  For more information, go to www.wishuponaherofoundation.org.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Pressing Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, which aims to reduce unemployment and stimulate U.S. productivity, President Barack Obama told a joint session of Congress Thursday evening to look to the nation’s veterans, who have fought with their lives to defend our country. “The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home,” he said.

The president’s words in a Thursday evening address to the nation echoed what he said Aug. 30 at the 93rd National Convention of The American Legion in Minneapolis when he announced a plan to offer tax credits to companies that hire veterans. There, he told about 10,000 Legionnaires and their families that he was calling on every state “to pass legislation that makes it easier for our veterans to get the credentials and the jobs for which they are so clearly qualified. This needs to happen, and it needs to happen now.”

American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong said the president’s plan to get more Americans back to work falls in line with the Legion’s ongoing efforts to reduce veteran unemployment, especially among those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Far too many of our young veterans are returning home to find they can’t get back into the workforce – is that a proper way for our country to reward these men and women who have served us so well overseas?” Wong said.

According to a Joint Economic Commission report to Congress last June, the unemployment rate for male veterans aged 18 to 24 stood at 27 percent.

“We sponsor more than 100 job fairs per year for servicemembers and veterans,” Wong said. “We press federal agencies to hire more veterans. We show veteran-owned small businesses how to get more federal contracting dollars. So The American Legion heartily welcomes the jobs plan initiatives pertaining to veterans announced by President Obama, especially since it reinforces the White House’s commitment to get more veterans employed.”

In the address, Obama said the American Jobs Act will “provide a jolt” to an economy that is now stalled. He pinpointed education, transportation and small business as areas that can make an impact in the recovery. He told lawmakers that the measure will make it easier for small businesses to procure federal contracts.

The American Legion is now working with the government to improve compliance with a federal law mandating that no less than 3 percent of federal contracts be awarded to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

Obama also spoke of the power the GI Bill poses to stimulate the economy, as it did after World War II. “Millions of returning heroes, including my grandfather, had the opportunity to go to school because of the GI Bill. Where would we be if they hadn’t had that chance?”

Earlier in the day, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (known as the VOW Act), sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida. The bill would improve transition counseling for servicemembers leaving active duty, and also help veterans to obtain licenses or certificates for skills they learned in the military.

“Military training and experience needs to be recognized by civilian employers. This is an issue The American Legion has taken to the White House and Congress many times,” Wong said. “Now we are seeing some results – in the president’s new initiatives to get more veterans hired, and in the VOWS Act that is making its way to a vote on the House floor.

“We have got to convince the private sector to recognize the full value of military service. Taxpayers invest a lot of money in their training. Such a huge investment must not be wasted,” Wong said.

The American Legion has been pushing Congress and the private sector for wider recognition of military skills and experience. The Legion’s Economic Division is planning to host a conference early next year on licensing and certification issues for veterans.

Telling Congress that “we are tougher than the times we live in,” Obama echoed his Aug. 5 speech at the Washington Navy Yard. Before a largely military audience, he outlined four proposals to reduce the jobless rate among Post-9/11 veterans, including tax credits for firms that hire veterans who are unemployed or have service-connected disabilities.

“The president has challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000 jobless veterans by the end of 2013,” Wong said. “We join the president’s call to action, but would like to up the ante. The American Legion is challenging America to bring veterans unemployment below the 5-percent mark before Election Day of 2012. Hiring veterans is one of the best ways to honor their service.”

SOURCE The American Legion

The following approved sub-categories have been suggested by one or more of our Veteran Owned Business Directory members:

1. Insurance Adjustment Services (under Insurance Services Category)
2. Moving Truck Rentals (under Relocation Services in the Real Estate Related Category)
3. eBooks (under Books and Magazines in the Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
4. Coffins and Caskets ( under Burial Equipment and Supplies in the Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
5. Coffins and Caskets (under Cases, Crates and Packaging in the Manufacturing Category)
6. Content Management Systems (under Internet Services)

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Easily find SDVOSBs by keyword, category, state, city, county and zip code

(Veterans Business Press Release) – Melbourne, Florida – September 9, 2010  – VeteranOwnedBusiness.com, the most comprehensive, user friendly directory of businesses owned by military veterans, active duty military, reservists and service disabled military veterans, today announced the addition of their 5,000th business member. In conjunction with the announcement, VeteranOwnedBusiness.com has also released a new search function that allows site users an easy way to find service disabled veteran owned small businesses* by category, keyword, state, county, city or within a certain radius of a zip code.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com was released online on Veteran’s Day 2008 and has received over 1,000,000 unique visitors and nearly 6.5 million page views this year alone. Site users include purchasing personnel from small businesses, government agencies and some of our country’s largest corporations. The easy to use interface also allows the average consumer a quick way to search for products and services that are all unique in the fact that they are made by, serviced by and/or sold by United States military veterans.

“This marks a significant milestone for our free veteran owned business directory,” said Brian K. St.Ours, VeteranOwnedBusiness.com’s Founder and President. “Our team has been working tirelessly for a year and a half to reach as many businesses as possible. If we can help even just one VOB or SDVOSB keep their doors open during these very trying economic times it will have all been worth it!”

Membership in VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is absolutely free. Qualifying companies get a detailed online company profile including contact information, directions with a detailed mapping system, product/service description, link to the company’s website and more. Each member’s listing is integrated into VeteranOwnedBusiness.com’s robust search system so each company, product and/or service can be found geographically, by category and even within a certain radius of a zip code.

Military veterans, active duty military, reservists and especially service disabled veterans who own a business are encouraged to visit VeteranOwnedBusiness.com for more information and to sign up for their company’s free business membership.

*Members self-proclaim their service-connected disability during the application process.

About VeteranOwnedBusiness.com: VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is a free, comprehensive, user-friendly directory of businesses owned by military veterans, active duty military, reservists and service disabled veterans of the United States Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard. More information about VeteranOwnedBusiness.com can be found by visiting http://www.VeteranOwnedBusiness.com or by calling their toll free number at (877) VOB-List. You can also like VeteranOwnedBusiness.com on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/VeteranOwnedBusiness and follow them on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/VeteranOwned.

New T-Shirts For Veteran Owned Business Directory Project Now In Stock

We are very happy to announce that our first batch of t-shirts for VeteranOwnedBusiness.com have arrived.  We are working on several additional versions including full color shirts in various colors.  We will also be printing coffee mugs as well as a few additional items.

Be sure to get your free VOB business membership if your business is owned by a veteran, active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran.

Is your company owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard? If it is, be sure to get your company’s FREE listing in the veteran owned business directory and join (Now) over 5,000 other businesses already listed.

True from the very first day we launched VeteranOwnedBusiness.com… there is still absolutely no cost to list a business and there is absolutely no cost to search for a business!  We have received numerous phone calls (some days more than 200 calls in a day) and thousands of emails of praise from proud Americans from all over the world thanking us and letting us know they’ve used VeteranOwnedBusiness.com to find a business.  We’ve also received a ton of calls and emails from businesses listed letting us know how much they appreciate their membership and how their free listing has helped them bring in business–and for many–help keep their doors open during these very trying economic times.

Other notable achievements:

• Nearly 7 million (7,000,000) pages viewed since going live on Veteran’s Day 2008
• Nearly 6 hundred thousand (600,000) visitors since going live
• Have nearly 200 profiles of non profits who directly help veterans, active duty military and their respective families
• Have received several testimonials (some on company letterhead) from members who told us their business profile has brought in at least one customer/client.

Our entire staff continues to work hard to further the development of VeteranOwnedBusiness.com.  We have many new features and functionalities planned for release in the 2nd half of 2010.  One of our biggest goals is to continue to grow our veteran owned business directory by reaching our goal of 5,000 businesses profiled by the end of 2010.   Having added over 500 new, free members in a little over a month puts us far ahead of this goal of reaching 5,000 by year’s end.

We know we have miles to go as far as having some of the development work done; however, our goal all along has been to create a comprehensive, user friendly place for procurement people, prime contractors, fellow veteran owned businesses and of course the every day consumer to go to easily find and conduct business with businesses owned by our country’s military heroes!  Because this number has grown so rapidly, we have actually had to spend more time on the sign up area than other areas.  Please be patient as we continue to work toward an even more comprehensive directory.

Please be sure to help us spread the word about VeteranOwnedBusiness.com by sharing it with everyone you know. You can simply email the link or you can visit our badge page and download a banner or badge for use on your site.  You can also become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/veteranownedbusiness and Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/veteranowned.

Thank you for your continued support!

VOB Development Team
VeteranOwnedBusiness.com
Owned and Operated by U.S. Military Veterans
(877) VOB-List