About Boots To Business
The Entrepreneurship Track of the Transition Assistance Program
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a training track within the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The curriculum provides valuable assistance to transitioning Service members exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading them through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. In addition, participants are introduced to SBA resources available to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance.
A Three Part Program
The Entrepreneurship Track Overview
An informational video shown during the core TAP course introduces entrepreneurship as a post-service career option.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship Two-Day Course
A two-day course offered as a TAP training track course for those interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges of business ownership. Subject matter experts and practitioners from SBA and its network of partners teach the course at over 165 military installations worldwide. Participants learn business fundamentals and techniques for evaluating the feasibility of their business concepts.
Foundations of Entrepreneurship Course
After completing the Introduction to Entrepreneurship class, transitioning Service members and their spouses can elect to further their study through an instructor guided high-touch eight-week online course taught by professors from a consortium of accredited universities led by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. By dedicating a minimum of 10 hours per week to connected and independent study, participants work through the fundamentals of developing an actionable business plan.
After completing Boots to Business, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, and launch their enterprise.
Innovative Delivery & Partnership
To deliver Boots to Business and support transitioning Service members and veterans, SBA collaborates with its Resource Partners (Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE), the Department of Defense and other federal agencies and local military installations. SBA also partners with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University on program curriculum development, course materials and instruction.
Beyond Boots to Business, SBA’s network of partners offers continued training and technical assistance to more than 100,000 veterans every year in all areas of business ownership with an emphasis on access to capital and federal contracting opportunities.
Boots to Business is a worldwide program. The standardized curriculum enhanced by the tailored approach and expertise of the instructors from SBA’s partner network ensures that every transitioning Service member has access to training and the resources they need in their local communities to start and operate small businesses, achieve post-service career success, and strengthen the Nation’s economy.
Learn more at: https://sbavets.force.com/s/