Veterans resources

Veterans and service members who want to be business owners or already own a company can get help from a variety of sources. Here are some:

Federal agencies. The government has programs to teach business basics and provide counseling to service members, veterans and spouses. Resources include Boots to Business courses held in locations ranging from aircraft carriers to college campuses, and Veterans

Business

Outreach Centers, whose services include training and mentorship. You can find information at websites for the Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov.

State help. Some states offer counseling or financial assistance. Check the website for your state to see what’s available. Corporate help. Many franchise companies give veterans a discount on the fees they charge to buy a franchise location. Some corporations offer mentorship to veterans, including those who are starting companies; American Corporate Partners, an association of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, helps veterans get a year-long mentorship. Visit www.acp-usa.org. Educational assistance. Many colleges and universities, including those that house SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Centers, offer courses and counseling. The Institute for Veterans and Military Families offers classes and training and networking programs. Visit https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/ our-programs. Not-for-profit organizations. A search of the internet will turn up a number of groups that help veterans. SCORE, which offers free counseling to small businesses, has a program aimed at veterans. Visit www.score.org.