Navigating Business Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Given the vast offering of resources and programs for small business, it can be challenging to decrypt which program will meet the needs of veteran entrepreneurs and business owners. Veteran entrepreneurs often face unique challenges such as transitioning from military to civilian life, accessing capital, and translating military experience to small business skills.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers a wide scope of services and our network has a strong referral system in place to support your business all-inclusively. The network operates within a vast environment of small business resources. A Regional Director can assist you with identifying your needs and aligning you with the resources that may best fit your priorities. The program can support you from ideation to succession planning across all industries.

When you are in idea mode, it is easy to get overwhelmed and it can halt your progress. As a business advisor, I listen to your ideas and immediately start organizing the steps you will need to explore the idea further. As you share, I also listen for your strengths and passions. It is my goal to help you put your best assets to work as you plan your business launch or outline your next steps. The more confident you feel, the more successful you will be.

If you are planning to expand an existing business, I can help you outline your expansion plan, capital needs, and staffing considerations. Sessions are very dynamic and literally adapt to whatever your current needs are. Each step of the way, I ensure you feel supported and encouraged to keep making progress toward your goals.

Programs that Meet Needs

Small business resources include specific tools and services that help veterans achieve small business goals. Some of Wyoming’s resources include financial assistance; such as loans and grants, business counseling and mentorship programs, market research, and access to technology innovation assistance. Advisors provide individual business advising to create a business plan or navigate legal requirements, as well as many other areas of small business planning and management.

The following are just a few of several organizations dedicated to supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

• The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Funded by the SBA and the Wyoming Business Council, the SBDC is a technical advising organization that provides no-cost, confidential small business advising.

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development offers programs like Boots to Business and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.

The Big Sky Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) office serves Wyoming veteran entrepreneurs and businesses.

• SCORE

Wyoming SCORE offers free business mentoring and education to veteran entrepreneurs, helping you translate your military skills into business success.

• Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP)

Managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VEP provides resources and guidance for veterans looking to start or grow your businesses.

These and several other organizations offer a range of services, from mentorship and training to access, funding and networking opportunities, to government contracting support. Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your chances of success in today’s dynamic economy.

As a Veteran, you bring valuable skills such as leadership, strategic planning, and resilience, which can drive your businesses toward success. The Wyoming SBDC Network and our partners provide tailored resources and mentorship that can help you overcome any obstacles you are facing, and help you thrive.

Action Steps

Accessing services is as easy as making a call or registering online at www.WyomingSBDC.org. You will receive an expedient response from an advisor to set up an appointment. The initial appointment is typically a discovery call to gather some preliminary information on your plan, your ideas, and your passions. This sets the stage for the follow-up meetings.

Our services are offered at no-cost to Wyoming entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you are in the ideation stage, I will explore your ideas and help you analyze feasibility, timeline, and cost to launch and sustain. If you are already in business and need training, 1:1 support, or funding, I can make the necessary connections and offer you meaningful referrals to resource partners.

Thank you for your service.

Author Bio:

Devan is an entrepreneur and teacher. Devan launched her consulting career in the public-school system, specifically Special Education. For the past 10 years she operated her own small business, providing consultation and enrichment to families and early educators. Her work with the SBDC began in April 2021, advising small business startups through the first important steps of their journey. Outside of work, Devan loves camping and working outdoors. She enjoys a strong cup of coffee to start the day and a thick steak to celebrate a successful week.

For no-cost and confidential business advising, we encourage you to contact a Wyoming SBDC Advisor: Contact – Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network (wyomingsbdc.org).