SBA seeks funding proposals to provide entrepreneurship training for service members, military spouses and veterans
January 20, 2017
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is inviting funding proposals from non-profit organizations, state, local and tribal government agencies, and institutions of higher learning to provide “Boots to Business” entrepreneurship training to service members, military spouses, and veterans.
The funding competition, offered by SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), will enable delivery of the global Boots to Business program. The program provides entrepreneurial education and training to military service members and spouses (including members of the Reserve and National Guard) via the U.S. Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
“More than 50,000 active duty service members and military spouses have completed Boots to Business and are leading the charge to create the next great generation of veteran entrepreneurs,” said Barbara Carson, Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Veterans Business Development.
The South Carolina District Office conducted 30 Boots to Business workshops for fiscal year 2016. As a result of this program, businesses were created. For example, Brad Webber was a participant in the program. He and his wife, Annette, opened their Super Cuts location on April 27, 2016. Brad said, “The process of researching, finding, and renovating a location took much longer than he initially expected. Their store is located in the Five Points section of Columbia, which is in close proximity to the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, Allen University and numerous of other small businesses. Presently, they employ five hair stylists and have become actively involved in the community. Brad and Annette are retired Army veterans.
Eligible, interested parties should submit their proposal for Program Announcement No.B2B-2017-01 at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=291244 by 11:59 EST on February 17, 2017. For more information, contact John Lira at [email protected].
SBA anticipates awarding between one and four cooperative agreements from this grant announcement. A maximum of $2.5 million in funding is available annually for up to five years. The initial award is for 12 months. At the end of the initial grant period, SBA has the option to continue the grant annually, up to an additional four years.
Among other criteria, successful applicants will have a demonstrated history of providing quality entrepreneurship and/or business management training to transitioning service members or veterans.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012, has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
