Veteran Business Outreach Center | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
The Veteran Business Outreach Center had its grand opening on Nov. 13, providing many opportunities for veterans and military families to start their own businesses.
About the event
Members of several organizations, including the US Small Business Administration and Economic and Community Development Institute, joined together at Wright State University’s Veteran and Military Center to celebrate the grand opening of the VBOC.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “The [VBOC] program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and family members interested in starting or growing a small business.”
The event began with networking, allowing people from different organizations to meet and talk about what they want to see from the VBOC moving forward.
After everyone had a chance to chat, there was a program of speakers to talk about the goals of the VBOC and everyone had an opportunity to take a tour of the new center.
Small businesses
One of the biggest resources of the VBOC is the support it provides veterans while they start their own businesses.
Nicole Liatos, the vice chair of the Women’s Business Center, explained some of the specific ways the VBOC helps them get a start.
“The most important resources we offer are training, coaching and access to capital for them to actually start their businesses,” Liatos said.
The purpose of the VBOC is to help support veterans and military families. Having access to an income and understanding how to run a business is crucial to helping families get back on their feet.
Geri Aglipay, the regional administrator of the US Small Business Administration, shared the importance of helping veterans start their businesses.
“Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. We want to make sure the needs of veterans are met, and their businesses help do that. Because of these programs, 5% of small businesses in the US are veteran-owned,” Aglipay said.
Supporting veterans
Many different organizations are running across the country to offer support to veterans, but having one in Ohio will make a huge difference.
Mark Williams, the director of the Office of Veteran Business Development, discussed the need for the new center.
“Before the VBOC opened, the closest center was in Michigan. Every area should have its own resources, and having local flavor here helping these families is important,” Williams said.
The center will offer business classes and financial education to ensure the start-up of the businesses goes smoothly. In addition to helping veterans start their businesses, the VBOC also offers counseling for both veterans and their families.
“I am the daughter of a veteran. Seeing these families get the support they need and helping the veterans who have risked their lives for us, it’s very heartwarming,” Aglipay said.
Opening the VBOC was a great way to celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week. If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, be sure to stop by Allyn Hall and see the new center.
