Owning your own business and growing it successfully takes a certain character and set of skills not everyone possesses.
Interestingly, military experience gives veterans the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as business owners. It takes more than writing a business plan and getting start-up funding.
Owning a business and managing it through the ups and downs of market changes takes the fortitude to follow a plan, deviate as necessary when changes dictate, and get back on course. Being able to visualize the end game, the steps it will take to get there, and the commitment to keep going are critical components for success.
Understanding the difference between leading and doing are also important. Entrepreneurs need to work on their business at the same time they are working in the business. The ability to direct others while giving them enough leeway to innovate and be challenged is an important skill that many veterans learn as they move up the ranks in the military.
These same skills can be applied to running a business.
On May 16, the Yavapai College SBDC is partnering with the SBA, SCORE and the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) to host a one-day free workshop called Boots To Business Reboot. It will be held on the Yavapai College Prescott campus in Building 3, Room 119, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
While it is open to the public, this training is designed for veterans and their families who are interested in starting a business or looking for additional support in growing their veteran-owned business. Members of all service branches including the National Guard and Reserve are eligible to participate. Mark your calendar to participate!
During this one-day training program, attendees will get an overview of business ownership, learn the components of a business plan and learn about market opportunities and data tools, as well as public and private resources available to assist them.
They will also learn about the series of online courses the SBA and its partners teach, which are free for veterans and military families.
Register online at bit.ly/SBAVetReboot. QCBN
For more information or questions about the program, please email admin@arizonavboc.org or call: 480-431-4171. For questions about registering for the event, contact Katherine Anderson at Katherine.anderson@yc.edu or (928) 776-2008.
The Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College serves the entire county with no cost one-on-one confidential counseling and training to help small business owners start, grow and sustain their business for the long term. Last year, the SBDC helped entrepreneurs contribute more than $4 million in capital formation, more than $4 million in sales growth, and create 101 new jobs. To schedule an appointment, visit www.yc.edu/sbdc or call (928) 717-7232.
By Jeri Denniston
Jeri Denniston is a certified business advisor and the SBDC director at Yavapai College.