What is the Veterans Business Outreach Center Program?
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business. SBA has 31 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.
There are VBOCs all over the country!
Click below to find one nearest you!
How can the VBOC program help my small business?
SBA's VBOCs offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities in your area. VBOCs can also help you navigate SBA’s extensive resource partner network and refer you to a community partner, lender, or SBA program.
Transition assistance programs
VBOCs work closely with SBA district offices and Transition Service Managers at military installations to conduct Boots to Business(Link is external) classes for service members and military spouses. VBOCs also help conduct B2B Reboot(Link is external) classes off installations for veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses.
Pre-business plan workshops and preparation
VBOCs conduct entrepreneurial development workshops dealing specifically with the major issues of self-employment. Each client is afforded the opportunity to work directly with a business counselor.
VBOCs assist clients in developing and maintaining a business plan. The business plan includes such elements as the legal form of the business, equipment requirements and cost, organizational structure, a strategic plan, market analysis, and a financial plan. VBOCs provide assistance in identifying and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the business plan to increase the probability of success.
Mentorship
VBOCs conduct, as appropriate, on-site visits with clients to ensure adherence to their business plans. Additionally, VBOCs review monthly financial statements to determine whether a revision of the business plan is warranted or that desired results are being attained.
Other business developmental-related services
VBOCs also provide assistance and training in such areas as manufacturing, international trade, franchising, internet marketing, accounting, and more.
To learn more about SBA's resources for veterans, visit sba.gov/veterans.