Looking to start your own small business? A new program at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio can provide you with knowledge that can help you become a successful business owner.
The program, called Boots to Business (B2B) is a free business ownership education and training program offered by the U.S. Snall Business Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program.
B2B is designed to provide service members nearing transition to civilian life, veterans and their spouses with the skills and information needed to pursue a successful business career as a civilian, according to WHIOTV.
“It’s completely free and allows military members and their spouses to have access to tips and tricks about business ownership that are not readily available to just anyone. They get to hear from different instructors from the Small Business Administration who provide their knowledge and mentorship,” said Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant Shonte Gonzalez.
B2B’s two-day long Introduction to Entrepreneurship course informs participants about the basics of creating and owning a business, such as how to develop business concepts, how to create a business plan and teach information on Small Business Administration resources for additional assistance.
B2B program classes are held at the Airman and Family readiness Center three times a year.
After a participant complete the introductory course, they have the option to continue their study for free by enrolling in one of the B2B online courses provided by partnerships with Syracuse University, Mississippi State University and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
Veterans and military service members obtain a lot of useful skills that would benefit them if they wanted to be a successful business owner, Gonzalez said.
“They have been taught so well by the military to be organized, have follow through and the stamina to not give up and keep going. They are used to being on call 24-hours a day. All of these attributes are so helpful when pursuing your own business,” she said.
