VBOC has taken on increased travel responsibilities by participating in Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) events through Region IV at YRRP events in:

YRRP Charlotte, NC 188 deploying soldiers and 149 family members 13APRIL

YRRP Naples, FL 214 deploying soldiers and 65 family members 20APRIL

YRRP Louisville KY 400 deploying soldiers and 75 family members 26APRIL

YRRP St. Pete FL 219 deploying soldiers and 228 family members 05MAY

YRRP Atlanta, GA 81 deploying soldiers 05MAY

YRRP Greensboro, NC 66 soldiers 19MAY

YRRP Morristown, TN 113 soldiers, 60 family members 19MAY

YRRP Memphis, TN 150 deploying soldiers50 family members 23JUNE

VBOC has delivered services to 1431 soldiers 693 family members

 

 

 

Since 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped Veterans start, manage and grow small business. Today, we provide specific programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, and Reserve and National Guard Members, and we offer a full range of entrepreneurial support programs to every American, including Veterans. Our job is to help you successfully transition from world's finest warrior to world's finest small business owner.

On August 17, 1999, Congress passed Public Law 106-50, The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999. PL 106-50 is the most important

entrepreneurial legislation for Veterans since the original 1944 G.I. Bill. This law established the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development, under the guidance and direction of the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, to conduct outreach, be the source of policy and program development for the government, and to act as an Ombudsman for veterans within the Administration.

In addition, this law created the National Veterans Business Development Corporation, set goals for federal procurement for Service-Disabled Veterans and Veterans, established the Military Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan, initiated new research into the success of Veterans in Small Business, and brought focus to Veterans in the full range of SBA Capital, Entrepreneurial, and Government Contracting programs.

SBA has established the Veterans Business Outreach Centers, special loans and Surety Bonding programs for Veterans and Reservists, government procurement programs for Veterans, Veterans Business Development Officers in every District Office, and special outreach, counseling and training at more than 1,500 Small Business Development Centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you receive training to help you run a small business?

Entrepreneurship Training

You can now receive benefits for approved

courses offered by

• Any Small Business Development Center

(SBDC), administered by the federal

Small Business Administration, or

• The National Veterans Business

Development Corporation (also known as

“The Veterans Corporation”), a federally

chartered non-profit organization.

These courses provide entrepreneurship

training to help you start or enhance a small

business. They’re generally offered three

hours a week. Since this is usually less than

half-time training, you would generally receive

payment of tuition and fees only, not to exceed

the half-time rate, or the quarter-time rate if

you’re training at one quarter time or less.

See www.gibill.va.gov for rates based on

training times.

For more information on the SBDCs, check:

www.sba.gov or http://www.sba.gov/content/veterans-business-outreach-centers

Opportunities for American Veterans
 



   
   

How do I qualify for VBOC services?

All U.S. military veterans (including Active Duty) qualify for VBOC services. This is the website of VBOC Region IV, which serves the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee

If you are in another state, please consult the list of VBOC locations to determine which regional office to contact.

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Why must I submit a Request for Counseling form before I can receive help?

First, the VBOC is legally required to get your written consent to receive counseling, training, and advice. This means that we cannot provide you with any assistance until you have submitted the ERFC. If you contact us and have not submitted the form, we can only give you general information, nothing specific to your situation.
The Request For Counseling also serves as our Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreements (provided for your security).   

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Are there grants available to open a business?

Currently, the VBOC is unaware of specific grants for veterans, or anyone for that matter, to open a for-profit business.
Typically, grants go to non-profit social service, larger research and educational institutions. However, the VBOC advises that those veterans interested in grants search the Internet (www.grants.gov) and other financial publications for information.  ***Please be aware of and research thoroughly the legitimacy of all organizations stating they can “get” you a grant (these are usually scams!).
If the VBOC becomes aware of legitimate grants available, this information will certainly be posted.

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Does the VBOC lend money to open a small business?

No.
The VBOC is not a lending institution and therefore, does not lend money to small businesses. A veteran will have to obtain financing through a bank, other financial institution, or other means.

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What is the SBA?

The United States Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides technical, financial, and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and expand their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees, and disaster loans, the SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses.

The SBA does not give loans to start businesses, they only guarantee the loan to the bank (if you qualify).  You must first apply to a bank that provides SBA guarantees.
You can find out more by going to SBA.gov.

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Is the VBOC a part of the Veterans Administration? No.  We are an independent specialized program of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network granted by the Small Business Administration to serve veterans in our eight state region with starting or expanding their businesses.  If you have questions regarding benefits or disability claims please go to www.va.gov to find a VA office nearest you.
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Does the V.A. provide loans for veterans to start businesses?

No. The SBA provides loan guarantee options to veterans starting businesses.  You must apply to an SBA lender.

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Does the VBOC share my information with anyone? No.  The Request For Counseling form is a non-disclosure statement that assures that we will not share your information with any outside commercial entities.
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Can the VBOC assist/intervene with Government Contracting issues?
    • No.  We have no standing (nor authority) in the contracting process (see Federal Acquisition Register Part 33).  You must seek the guidance of a trained Government Procurement Agent or qualified attorney. 
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