Resources for Veterans Opening a Business

In honor of Veteran’s day, we wanted to say more than thank you. We want to provide you with some value and hope this article is of help. Here are resources for veterans opening a business.

 

During the making of this post, we found that one of the best places to start was the US Department of Veteran Affairs. They provide quite a well thought-out a page of resources for veterans. But we wanted to dig in more and post the ones we saw that could serve our readers best.

If you are still in the idea phase and are not sure if entrepreneurship would be the best thing for you and your idea, we invite you to check out the US Small Business Administration website. Here you will be able to see and learn how to prepare a business plan and even how to figure out how much money you need to get your dream started. The SBA is a useful (and free) tool to get started and to keep handy as your business grows.

VBOC: The Veterans Business Outreach Center is a program dedicated to helping transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase, or grow a business. The program is located nationwide, and you can find your nearest VBOC center here.

OSDBU’s Vets First Verification Program: Once your business is set up, you can apply for the Vet’s First Verification Program. This program will verify your business and will give you priority in competing for federal government contracts

Once your business is up and running and you get your business verification, you can attend events like the NVSBE to bring approved businesses in touch with federal government contracts.

VA SBA Loans: For many businesses, the only way to start or grow is to get a business loan. Luckily, the SBA offers loan options that can help Veterans. The SBA also offers competitive rates and a plethora of resources to ensure your business succeeds, so we recommend you taking the time to check it out.

There are many resources out there for veterans and business owners alike, but we think this can be a great start to help you look into options as a Veteran and business owner.

We want to take this time to thank you for your service.

Posted in Small Business Improvement Tagged with: business, business loans, business owner, business tips, Department of Veterans Affairs, entrepreneur, loans, small business, small business owner, US, Veteran's Day

3 Businesses to Start Now with No Money.

Starting a business can be tough. It requires time, effort and passion like no other. It requires you to have tough skin and not allow small things bother you.

 

But, although all of these qualities can be good, you still need to start and you need money, right? Not necessarily. Starting a business doesn’t always require you have a big amount of money or a business loan. There is some business that requires little to absolutely no money to start. And to be honest, with a little of resourcefulness, you can make your business big while spending less.

 

 

Here are 3 simple businesses to start with no money:

 

1. Start an online business: With the age of social media and the internet, starting a business online it can be as simple as 123. You can sell T-shirts on places like Zazzle or Cafepress (to name a few) and get your own designs going. If you have a passion for graphic design or just have really cool sayings and ideas, this is a sure way to get started and only requires you to open up an account, upload designs, and spread the word.

 

2. Sell your things: Making money doesn’t have to be complicated. You might have things laying around that you no longer need or you know you will never use. You can simply turn to places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or any online marketplace platform to sell up your used or gently used goods. Want to make it a bigger business? Check out garage sales, pick up free stuff (also being offered online) and get going. No money required.

 

3. Sell up your skills: Blogging, writing, or just really good computer skills? Become a professional writer or Virtual Assistant and get paid to use up those skills! You can promote yourself online in places like Fiverr, UpWork, Craigslist and even Facebook Groups (Just be sure to follow the group’s guidelines on this!) Some of this are 100% free to promote and get work while others charge you a minimal fee after you get your first gig.

Remember that being an entrepreneur is already making you be part of the different, the risk takers and the creative. So don’t play down your skills. You can start for free and grow from there. Even migrate to other passions of yours that can be turned to business.

Posted in Small Business Improvement Tagged with: blog, blogging, business, business tips, cafe press, craigslist, ebay, entrepreneur, Facebook, fiverr, freelancer, online business, social media, start a business, start-up, t-shirt, t-shirt printing, tips, upwork, virtual assistant, work from home, writing, zazzle