The SBA Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is a national network of thirty-one locations around the country serving as a one-stop shop for transitioning or active duty service members, veterans, National Guard or reserves, and military spouses.
VBOCs provide the Boots to Business transition assistance program as well as business training and workshops, mentoring, government contracts guidance, and resource referrals
VBOC serves MD, DC, DE, and Northern VA and aims to serve as the connective tissue that links programs, services, and resources throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, striving to create a comprehensive network of support opportunities for service members, veterans, military retirees, military/veteran spouses & dependents, National Guard members, reservists, and otherwise military-connected entrepreneurs.
VBOC offers training opportunities, counseling and mentoring in-person and online, and referrals to partners and programs at no cost to veterans.
- To access the schedule of upcoming classes, please visit the SBA Training Portal
- Visit the VBOC website for additional information, and receive current updates on training, resources, events and more!
- We encourage you to follow the VBOC LinkedIn Page where valuable information is provided.
Empowering more of our veterans with the tools they need to become successful small business owners will provide a boost to the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem across Maryland.
VBOC Programs
Taking one of the following courses will provide an initial introduction to the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. These courses are facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors.
- Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program is available to transitioning Service members, including National Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses. B2B is a free, two-day course that provides participants with an introduction to entrepreneurship. The curriculum includes an overview of business fundamentals, key considerations when starting a business, and techniques for evaluating and developing business concepts. The VBOC strongly encourages eligible individuals to participate in this program.
- Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) extends the B2B training beyond military installations. This program is designed for veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses who may not have access to on-base training. B2BR offers the same foundational entrepreneurship education virtually or in a community-based setting.
- The Military Spouse Pathway to Business program is tailored specifically for military spouses. It provides free entrepreneurship training designed specifically for the unique lifestyle of military spouses. Training is offered both in person, online and on demand to accommodate varied schedules and needs.
Use Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) to…
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Find an entrepreneurship program
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). For more information about the Boots to Business program and SBA’s Office of Veteran Business Development online.
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Get business advice for my venture
In addition to the Boots to Business programs, SBA’s (VBOCs) offer a wide range of workshops, training sessions, and counseling services. VBOCs provide free one-on-one consultations for veterans seeking guidance on starting or growing a business. These consultations help identify and assess the strengths and weaknesses of your business plan, increasing your chances of success. VBOCs can also connect you with SBA’s extensive resource partner network, community organizations, lenders, or other SBA programs. Each client has the opportunity to work directly with a dedicated business counselor for tailored support.
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Launch my venture
Boots to Business Revenue Readiness: After completing one of the previous courses, participants are now eligible to take the B2B follow on course. B2B Revenue Readiness is an online course, delivered through a partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU). This course is offered at no cost to Service members, Veterans and military spouses. It is a six-week live online classroom program that prepares participants to take their business idea from concept to an executable business model and plan in a relatively short time frame. This course is delivered through an interactive live online classroom led by experienced small business owners. B2B Revenue Readiness consists of live instructor-led sessions. Each session meets every Tuesday and Thursday, for one hour, for six weeks, with corresponding assignments that you will complete to build your business plan. Participants will receive individualized feedback on assignments from experienced business professionals. The ideal participant has identified their business idea and is ready to move forward to develop a written plan. Find more information online about the B2B Revenue Readiness program.
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Learn about entrepreneurship
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program is available to transitioning Service members, including National Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses. B2B is a free, two-day course that provides participants with an introduction to
entrepreneurship. The curriculum includes an overview of business fundamentals, key considerations when starting a business, and techniques for evaluating and developing business concepts.