On October 13, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a funding opportunity to add 12 new organizations to the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program. The VBOC program, which currently operates via cooperative agreements in 22 locations nationwide, provides workshops, training, counseling, and other services to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. County government agencies in Alaska, Central California, Colorado, Kentucky, Nebraska, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Florida are eligible to apply for this funding to become part of VBOC by the deadline of November 23, 2022.

Grantees will receive awards of up to $400,000 for a base project period of 12 months to work with SBA district offices and Transition Service Managers at military installations to conduct Boots to Business classes for transitioning service members and their spouses. They will also provide counseling, technical assistance, financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments, and mentoring services. Additional information about the funding opportunity, including specific coverage areas and instructions on how to apply, can be found here.

County government agencies with a history of providing quality entrepreneurship or business management training to aspiring entrepreneurs or existing small business owners in the veterans and military community can take advantage of these SBA investments to enhance these resources and services. NACo will continue to monitor federal funding opportunities that support economic wellbeing for veterans and transitioning service members.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Counties take action to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans
• NACo Blog: DoD releases plan to strengthen economic security of military families
• NACo Blog: House committee passes critical legislation supporting County Veteran Service Officers