The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. The SBA has 16 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).
Services Provided by the Centers
Pre-Business Plan Workshops
VBOCs conduct entrepreneurial development workshops dealing specifically with the major issues of self-employment. An important segment of these workshops entails the usage of the Internet as a tool for developing and expanding businesses. Each client is afforded the opportunity to work directly with a business counselor.
Concept Assessments
VBOCs assist clients in assessing their entrepreneurial needs and requirements.
Business Plan Preparations
VBOCs assist clients in developing and maintaining a five-year business plan. The business plan includes such elements as the legal form if the business, equipment requirements and cost, organizational structure, a strategic plan, market analysis, and a financial plan. Financial plans include financial projections, budget projections, and funding requirements.
Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis
VBOCs provide assistance in identifying and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the business plan to increase the probability of success. The results of the analysis are utilized to revise the strategic planning portion of the business plan.
Entrepreneurial Training and Counseling
VBOCs, working with other SBA resource partners, target entrepreneurial training projects and counseling sessions tailored specifically to address the needs and concerns of the service-disabled veteran entrepreneur.
Mentorship
VBOCs conduct, as appropriate, on-site visits with clients to ensure adherence to their business plans. Additionally, VBOCs review monthly financial statements to determine whether a revision of the business plan is warranted or that desired results are being attained.
Other Business Developmental Related Services
VBOCs also provide assistance and training in such areas as international trade, franchising, Internet marketing, accounting, etc.
Center Locations and Areas of Coverage
Region I
Northeast Veterans Business Resource Center
Region II
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York SUNY @ Farmingdale SBDC
The New Jersey Veterans Business Outreach Center - Rutgers Business School
Region III
Hampton Roads Veterans Business Outreach Center/Old Dominion University
Region IV
The University of West Florida in Pensacola
The Veterans Business Outreach Center @Fayetteville State University
Region V
VetBiz Central, Inc
Region VI
The University of Texas - Pan American
Veterans Enterprise Training Program
Louisiana Veterans Business Outreach Center
Region VII
Veterans Advocacy Foundation, Inc.
Region VIII
Rocky Boys Veteran’s Association
Region IX
Vietnam Veterans of California – VBOC
Guam Veterans Business Outreach Center
Region X
Seattle Business Assistance Center
Veteran
