Veterans make great business owners. If you are a veteran, you developed skills in the military that carried over into the business world. These skills include the ability to set and achieve goals, delegate tasks, and build strong teams. Additionally, veterans are problem solvers and risk takers; these attributes are critical for business entrepreneurs. They are resilient and respond quickly to new challenges that arise, and they are committed for the long-haul.
All of these skills translate into financial success in the entrepreneurial world. In a recent survey, eighty percent of veteran business owners reported that they consider themselves to be successful and 72% reported that they are able to support their families on their business income. It is no wonder that veterans are 45% more likely to start a business than non-veterans.
If you are a veteran business owner, or a veteran who would like to learn more about business ownership, please join us for the fall Veteran Business Bootcamp on November 1. The bootcamp is designed to give you a better idea of how to get started with business ownership. Topics discussed will be:
- Knowing Your Customer
- Branding Your Business
- Finding the Capital to Grow Your Business
This event is free and open to all veterans and their spouses. You may attend virtually or in-person. The bootcamp will be held at the Center for Economic Development at 1125 Emancipation Hwy, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
Register for the event: https://www.gostaffordva.com/event/veterans-business-bootcamp/
We will also present the Center for Economic Development Veteran Owned Business Person of the Year award to Robert Darling, owner of Flash Emergency Management LLC. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and last year’s recipient, Sharon Kelley, owner of P Cubed Consulting LLC will participate in the presentation.
This event is hosted by the Stafford County Economic Development Authority and the University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development.
The University of Mary Washington Small Business Development Center (UMW SBDC) can assist you in starting or growing your veteran-owned small business Our services are free and confidential. We can assist you to:
- establish your business entity
- write your business plan
- develop marketing strategies
- apply for business loans
- register for federal and state procurement opportunities,
- apply for applicable business certifications.
To register to be a UMW SBDC client, go to www.virginiasbdc.org and click Advising.