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)

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of nearly 10,000 members.

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

1. Sub Shops (in the main Food and Drink Category)
2. Cajun Style Restaurants (in Restaurants and Dining in the main Food and Drink Category)
3. Tanning Salons (in Bath, Beauty and Body in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
4. UPS Stores Owned by Veterans (in Shipping and Packaging Stores in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
5. Oil and Lube Services (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
6. Automotive Brake Services (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
7. Automotive Window Tinting (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
8. Moving Truck Rentals (in Relocation Services in the main Real Estate Related Category)
9. Security Guard Trainings (in the main Security and Safety Category)
10. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (in Business Resource Centers (BRC) in the main Nonprofit and Free Help Category)

A special “Thank You” to our members and visitors who suggested one or more of the aforementioned new sub-categories!

——————————————–

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.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of over 8,000 members.

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

1. Funeral Transportation Services (in the main Transportation Category)
2. Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
3. Motorcycle Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
4. Coffins and Caskets (under Burial Equipment and Supplies in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)
5. Coffins and Caskets (under Cases, Crates and Packaging in the main Manufacturing Category)
6. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Services (under Mental Health Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (under Health Care Services for Veteran under Veterans Services in the main Nonprofit Category)
8. Veterans Service Offices (in the main Nonprofit Category)
9. Insurance Adjustment Services (in the main Insurance Services Category)
10. Consignment Stores (in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)

A special “Thank You” to our members and visitors who suggested one or more of the aforementioned new sub-categories!

——————————————–

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.

According to the most recent Census Bureau Survey of Business, the percentage of Veteran-owned businesses under Hispanic ownership doubled from 2002 to 2007.   Hispanic veteran-owned businesses now number over 113,000. These businesses employ about 141,000 people and account for nearly $25 billion in receipts.

“Hispanic veterans have demonstrated an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit worthy of our continued support,” said Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHCC. “These talented veterans and service members have honored our country with their commitment, and it is critical that we ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities that will turn their training, experience, and drive into prosperity for the American people.”

he U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) acknowledges the importance of supporting veteran entrepreneurs as well. The SBA’s bipartisan efforts to ensure that veterans have access to necessary resources should be applauded. In fiscal year 2011, the SBA has funded 4,300 loans totaling upward of $1.5 billion in financing for veteran-owned small businesses. Furthermore, all government agencies remain committed to meeting requirements that at least 3% of federal contracts be awarded to service disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and at least 5% of all federal contracts be awarded to minority-owned small businesses.

As thousands of veterans return to the U.S. in the coming months, it is crucial to assist them by providing a strong foundation for their economic success, and the USHCC will continue to commend the SBA and policies that allow for veteran-owned small businesses to flourish.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined generate in excess of $420 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.

———————-

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, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Disabled Veterans Expands to Eighth School

With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Small Business Administration is welcoming them home with programs and initiatives to help them start, grow and expand their businesses.

“Around Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to the men and women who are serving or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to all who have made sacrifices and served our country in the armed forces,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “When you consider the leadership and management skills our veterans develop while on active and reserve duty, it’s no wonder we see so many of them choose a path as entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

SBA provides veterans access to much needed business counseling and training, capital and business development opportunities through government contracts.

Those products and programs include:

Entrepreneurial Development

SBA and Syracuse University are expanding the successful Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program to an eighth school, Cornell University. The growing partnership between SBA and Syracuse University, now in its third year, provides training on how they can start and grow a small business with programs targeted to service-disabled veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family caregivers, women veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

The “boot camp” was created and delivered by a network of some of the best business schools in the country. Last year, the first year SBA partnered with Syracuse University, 129 service-disabled veterans participated in the program.

Since the program’s inception, more than 320 wounded warriors have graduated and more than 150 businesses have been launched by graduates. Participating schools include: Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, UCLA, Florida State University, Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Louisiana State University, and Cornell University.

SBA is also providing $2.6 million through a cooperative agreement over three years for two new programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

The first, Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), focuses on training, networking and mentorship for women veterans. The three-day, off-site training program, online training and network support structures are delivered in several locations around the nation, and anticipates serving up to 1,400 female veterans over a 36-month period.

The second, Operation Endure & Grow, targets National Guard and Reserve Component members, their families and partners. The goal of this program is to mitigate the small business economic hardship of deployed members and their families. The eight-week online course focuses on the fundamentals of launching and/or growing a small business for those who will sustain the business when the service member is deployed, injured or killed. Initially, 550 individuals are expected to participate. Together, V-WISE and Operation Endure & Grow are expected to serve over 1,950 individuals and their families over three years.

Access to Capital

SBA had a near record year lending to veteran-owned small businesses in fiscal year 2011. SBA lending to veterans in fiscal year 2011 amounted to more than 4,300 loans totaling $1.5 billion in its flagship 7(a) and 504 programs. Since 2007, SBA’s Patriot Express loan pilot initiative alone has guaranteed loans of more than $667 million to nearly 8,100 veterans, reservists and their spouses to establish or expand their small businesses. The initiative, extended through 2013, provided more than 1,560 loans totaling $142 million in fiscal year 2011. Patriot Express is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan approvals.

Government Contracting

SBA worked with both contracting officers and veteran-owned small businesses to deliver the highest-ever percentage of federal contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in FY2010, totaling $10.4 billion. Also, through parity legislation, SBA reestablished a level playing field for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that compete with other small businesses for set-aside contracts.

The Office of Veteran’s Business Development provided Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business procurement training to more than 3,000 SDVOSB’s in 2011 to help achieve the 3 percent SDVOSB goal. The SBA is expanding its outreach to service-disabled veterans with an online contracting tutorial to help veterans and military spouses who own small businesses identify and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.

Task Force Report

SBA chairs the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development focused on improving and expanding opportunities for veteran business owners. The Task Force recently issued its first Report to the President and included 18 recommendations to increase access to capital, improve business development opportunities, and meet federal contracting goals for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. You can read the whole report here.

SBA reaches out to veterans through its 68 SBA district offices, 15 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, more than 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, 110 Women’s Business Centers and some 12,000 SCORE volunteers. SBA also has numerous programs creating government contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/vets and www.sba.gov/reservists .

Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

———————————–

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.

Department of Veterans Affairs’ NEWS FLASH

The Mentor-Protégé Program submission period has been extended to September 16, 2011

The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the open period for the Mentor-Protégé Program to September 16, 2011 COB (5:00pm ET).

Please visit the Mentor-Protégé Program website at http://www.va.gov/OSDBU/veteran/mpp.asp for further information.

Please contact Fernando Guerra or Chuck Southern if you have any questions regarding the Program.

Regards,

Fernando J. Guerra
Small Business Specialist
Small Business Programs Office
Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

A Tribute to Our Troops Veterans Festival
in Forest Park
presented by Missouri Veterans Foundation

A Weekend of Fun and Patriotism!

Labor Day weekend will mark a special occasion in St. Louis. From September 3-5, 2011 a combination of sporting competitions, amusement rides, game booths, concerts and a variety of arts and crafts will thrill kids of all ages when the Veterans Festival debuts in Forest Park. The festival will be presented by the Missouri Veterans Foundation, and admission will be free and open to the public.

During the festival, special events will be held at the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and St. Louis Science Center as well as the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden. The Veterans Festival will incorporate a wide range of sports, arts, games and family-oriented events throughout the 1,293-acre jewel of the St. Louis metropolitan area in honor of the men and women who have nobly and selflessly served our nation overseas.

For three full days, Forest Park will be buzzing with fanfare and hoopla for the young and young in spirit to pay tribute to our veterans. A parade will welcome festival-goers as it winds through our magnificently restored civic treasure in midtown St. Louis.

Join us for an entertaining and heartfelt salute to our Armed Forces veterans. You’ll have fun while helping a worthy cause.

Click here for the schedule of events, dates/times and more information.

Veterans Festival in Forest Park Contact Information:
P.O. Box 26
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(888) 276-8609
(573) 636-8761
Email: info@vfstl.com

————————————————————————

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.

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

1. Boat Detailing and Cleaning (under Boating and Marine in the Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
2. Commercial Diving Services (under Commercial Marine Contractors in the Commercial Contracting Category)
3. SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling (under Sports and Outdoors in the Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
4. Designated Driver Services (under Personal Transportation Services in the Transportation Services Category)
5. Public Transportation Services (Under Food and Drink Category)

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.

If you are looking for a great “feel good story” to tell on your radio show, television talk show program or in print, please contact our media department by email: info@VeteranOwnedBusiness.com or toll free at: (877) VOB-List (862-5478).  We love telling our story and we guarantee your audience will enjoy hearing it as well!

AMVETS – Career Center provides employment assistance, networking, and professional skills building to unemployed veterans. Provides on going education to employed veterans free of charge to the veteran.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.