JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Finding a new career after serving in the military can be a daunting task, but for some separating active-duty members and veterans, starting and growing a business can be a pathway to success.
A workshop offered on a regular basis at Joint Base San Antonio Military & Family Readiness Centers gives participants a head start on their entrepreneurial pursuits.
“Boots to Business is a two-day workshop that’s all about starting a business from the ground up,” said Brian Kenefick, JBSA-Randolph M&FRC community readiness consultant. “It provides active-duty members and veterans with the information they need to begin that process.”
The next Boots to Business workshop is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7-8 at the JBSA-Randolph M&FRC, 555 F Street West, building 693.
The workshop, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, addresses the issues faced by individuals who wish to start a business, Kenefick said.
“Participants in the workshop learn about developing a business plan, securing funding, identifying a location and handling employee benefits,” he said. “It covers all those topics and more, as well as government contract opportunities.”
In addition to SBA representatives, the workshop features speakers from organizations such as the SCORE Association, formerly known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives. SCORE offers a network of volunteer business mentors who provide free answers to business questions.
The workshop will address the many different types of businesses that provide opportunities for success, including franchises, and what avenues to avoid, Kenefick said.
Success stories will also be told, he said.
“There will be veterans who have gone through it before and have been successful,” Kenefick said.
After completing the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to obtain the equivalent of a master of business administration degree through an intensive eight-week online business course that covers the principles of accounting, finance, market analysis, business operations and sales.
Boots to Business is an extension of the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2011. The act, which was passed to help transitioning service members and veterans, aims to reduce veterans’ unemployment and help them attain meaningful jobs.
For more information, call the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC at 221-2705, the JBSA-Lackland M&FRC at 671-3722 or the JBSA-Randolph M&FRC at 652-5321.