Legion seminar will boost vets from 'Boots to Business'

Legion seminar will boost vets from 'Boots to Business'

In conjunction with its 97th National Convention in Baltimore, The American Legion will host a “Boots to Business: Reboot” two-day entrepreneurial course for veterans from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

Specifically designed for veterans and spouses, the course was created by the Legion in collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University.

Offered free of charge, the curriculum includes an introduction to entrepreneurship and skills training, plus detailed information on resources and support programs designed specifically to aid veterans working with the federal government. Business conceptualization, business plan formulation, financial planning, start-up funding, marketing and related topics will also be explored.

“Entrepreneurship is the answer for many veterans who are ready to work for themselves,” said Denise Rohan, chairman of the Legion’s National Veterans Employment & Education Commission.

"According to the SBA, veterans are more likely than non-veterans to start their own small businesses. In fact, one out of 10 small businesses across the United States is veteran owned. Collectively, they generated over $1 trillion in sales.”

Upon completion of the course, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify business opportunities, draft business plans and launch their enterprises. Access to an eight-week online Foundations of Entrepreneurship course offered by IVMF will also be provided to those who complete the Legion’s two-day seminar. Completion of the eight-week online course will require approximately 10 hours of study each week to walk participants through the fundamentals of developing a business plan.

“Together with the SBA and other resource partners, The American Legion is always looking for ways to expose veterans to entrepreneurship, so that some of these folks can start their own small businesses, create jobs and get the nation’s economy back on track,” Rohan said.

Veterans and spouses interested in enrolling in the Legion’s free entrepreneurship training program can register online.