Get help for your small business - Civilian Jobs, Military to Civilian transitions, Jobs for Veterans - Navy Times

Get help for your small business

The federal government is launching a program to help veterans start their own businesses.

Operation Boots to Business will provide training, counseling and other services, according to the Small Business Administration. The program will include an introductory course in entrepreneurship, to be given at military bases around the country.

It will start in four locations: Quantico, Va.; Cherry Point, N.C.; Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and Twentynine Palms, Calif. The SBA says the program will be expanded across the nation during the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

Veterans also can get training and advice at organizations around the country sponsored by the SBA, including Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Centers. Veterans interested in finding these centers should visit the SBA’s website. Help is also available in person and online through SCORE, the organization that offers free advice from business owners and executives. SCORE volunteers can be located online.

The SBA says 9 percent of small businesses are owned by veterans.