NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Saturday, February 20, 2016, Pathway Women’s Business Center will host Boots to Business: REBOOT, a free business training program designed especially for veterans, National Guard members, reservists and their spouses.
REBOOT will assist participants in understanding the steps, stages and activities relating to launching and growing a business as a post-military career.
“We’re thrilled to launch a program that helps the men and women who have served our country achieve their entrepreneurial goals,” said Amy Bunton, president of Pathway Women’s Business Center. “Those who have served in the military have a harder time finding employment. At the same time, they have a higher rate of success in entrepreneurship. This means there’s tremendous opportunity for both local economies and veterans, especially those who receive tailored training like REBOOT.”
Organized and led by Renee Bobb—a veteran and owner of R.B.I. Enterprise, Inc.—REBOOT will cover the fundamentals of business ownership and leads participants through the key steps to evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. Guest speakers and expert advisors, most of whom are veterans, will share their insights on a wide range of topics including law, accounting, and marketing. These leaders will assist in identifying participants’ professional strengths, assess which areas of business best leverage those strengths and create a plan of action for each individual.
“Unlike some programs offered to veterans, REBOOT is organized and lead by veterans for veterans so there will be shared perspectives and language between instructors and attendees,” said Bobb. “We have designed REBOOT to leverage military skills—like accuracy, creative thinking under pressure, and taking and giving orders—and adapt them to the business world, while also teaching additional professional skills.”
The program will introduce participants to key small business resource networks, which include the Small Business Association (SBA), Pathway Lending and Pathway Women’s Business Center, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center. Participants will hear from economic development specialists to learn about financial options available to entrepreneurs who are veterans.
After completing REBOOT, participants will have the tools and knowledge needed to identify a business opportunity, draft a full business plan, connect with local resources and launch their small business.
To apply to attend REBOOT, visit http://www.pathwaywbc.org/event/boots-to-business-reboot-2/. The registration deadline is Feb. 18.