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Arkansas Military Veterans…Take Charge of Your Lives…Start Your Own Business

If you are a military veteran, disabled veteran, currently in the Arkansas National Guard or a reservist and have ever thought of owning your own business then we have a program for you!   On May 8th in Jacksonville, AR the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host a day long Veterans Business Boot Camp to help you launch a successful venture.

by Herb Lawrence, Arkansas State University Small Business and Technology Development Center

A recent study by the U.S. Small Business Administration found that one of the most significant predictors of small business success was that the owner had prior military service.   Veteran owned small businesses make up 9% of all businesses in the United States and have a much higher survival rate than their civilian counterparts.

Why? Because military veterans are able to:

• Making sense of chaos: Veterans know how to make sense of chaos and how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty.  Successful entrepreneurs have to  make sense of chaos by making the best possible decisions every day, with limited information, limited resources and limited time.
• Seizing the initiative:  Military service requires  strong creative thinking skills, problem solving approach to missions, and an ability to learn new technologies.  All of these skills are essential for success as an entrepreneur as well.
• Building relationships: Military veterans know how to work together as part of a team, they know how to quickly adapt to changing situations and work with people with different personalities and different working styles.
• Staying dedicated: Being in the military is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s a big commitment. People join the military not just to get a paycheck, but to be part of something larger than themselves.  To be a successful entrepreneur requires a sense of mission. The best entrepreneurs aren’t in it just for the money, they’re trying to build something, create something, or solve a problem better than anyone else.

So, do you have what it takes to start and grow a successful small business in Arkansas?  You don’t have to go it alone!

On Tuesday, May 8th the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host a one-day Veterans Business Boot Camp at the Jacksonville Community Center for military veterans, currently serving national guard and reservists who want to own their own business.  Using the book “Business Plan in a Day” by Rhonda Abrams, veterans will learn how to develop a realistic business plan to start or expand their small business.

This event will be a unique opportunity to work with professionals from the ASBTDC, experienced in helping entrepreneurs launch new ventures.  If you have ever thought about starting your own business, grab your seat today!

The boot camp event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m. Registration fee, which includes lunch, is $50. Payment at the door will be accepted, but advanced registration is required.  Each veteran attending may bring his/her spouse at no additional charge if both persons pre-register.

Veterans: Critical to the Strength of our Nation

Registration is available at arkansasveteran.com or by calling (501) 683-7700 or toll-free (800) 862-2040. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance. Contact Shannon Roberts, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204 or (501) 683-7700.

In addition to the day-long training session Following the boot camp, Arkansas veterans wanting further assistance with writing a business plan can apply for step-by-step coaching through ASBTDC’s new Veterans Small Business Mentoring Program.    

For more information about the event see our Arkansas Veteran Business Boot Camp press release.  Or call me, Herb Lawrence, at (870) 972-3517 and I will be happy to fill you in on the details.

Don’t just dream about becoming an entrepreneur…take the first step by joining us Tuesday, May 8th and put your military skills to work for your civilian career.

Tagged as: veteran owned small business