Services and Support
Your Gateway to Veteran Business Success
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Penn State empowers service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses to succeed in business. We provide tailored training, workshops, and one-on-one coaching on business planning, marketing, financing, and more. VBOC at Penn State serves as a gateway to SBA’s resource partner ecosystem, offering connections to certifications, networking, and community resources. Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life, launching a new venture, or expanding your business, we’re here to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
Programs To Get You Started
Boots to Business
Boots to Business is a training program provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This program is available to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses at military installations worldwide. Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help.
Learn more about the Boots to Business program.
2025 Program Dates at Carlisle Barracks:
March 26-27, April 30-May 1, August 27-28, November 12-13
Reserve your spot today.
Boots to Business Reboot
Boots to Business Reboot, brought to you by the SBA and its resource partners, makes the Boots to Business course available in local communities. This extends access to veterans from all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses.
Learn more about the Boots to Business Reboot program.
Upcoming Program Date – TO BE ANNOUNCED
Additional Services to Support Your Journey
Pathway to Business
The Pathway to Business course introduces military spouses to the key elements of entrepreneurship at no cost. In this virtual course provided by SBA, military spouses are introduced to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business topics.
Learn more about the Military Spouse Pathway to Business Program
Revenue Readiness
Boots to Business Revenue Readiness (B2B RR) is a free online training program offered by Mississippi State University. After completing the “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course, participants can elect to further their study through the B2B RR online course.
Learn more about B2B Revenue Readiness
Business Counseling
Service members, veterans, and military spouses can receive tailored business counseling from the VBOC both in-person and online. Advisors from across all backgrounds are available to meet with you and recommend resources for your business.
Request counseling support
Workshops and Trainings
Various workshops and online training programs are hosted throughout the year. Through these workshops, clients can receive support to help prepare for every facet of business ownership. Topics can include business planning, financing, marketing, human resources, hiring, and more.
Lean about our upcoming trainings
Certifications
Federal programs allocate a portion of contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses. Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses can gain access to federal sole-source and set-aside contracts through certification via the VetCert portal.
Learn more about certifications
Access to Capital
Qualified transitioning or active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses may be able to gain access to capital at any stage of business through various SBA-backed loan programs offered through your local vendor.
Learn more about SBA Lending Programs
An Ecosystem of Support
The VBOC at Penn State serves as the gateway to a network of resource partners across Pennsylvania, including SBDCs, SCORE chapters, LaunchBox and Innovation Network, Women’s Business Centers, and more. These collaborations ensure service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses receive comprehensive support in training, funding, and business development, leveraging the expertise of multiple organizations to provide tailored assistance for entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania.
Questions on how to get started?
Veterans Crisis Line
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line.