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APSU hosting industry summit for veterans wanting to open a small business

summit(Posted Jan. 31, 2019)

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – This February, the Veteran Business Outreach Center, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), the Austin Peay State University Division of External Affairs and the APSU Office of Career Services will join forces to help military-connected individuals interested in opening their own businesses. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 22, the three entities will host the APSU Industry Summit for Veterans: Boots to Business Reboot at 416 College St.

“On a weekly basis I am given the opportunity to engage with veterans who are starting new businesses in this community,” Lorneth Peters, TSBDC director, said. “This event is an extension of what we do on a weekly basis. Ensuring the men and women who served our country are equipped with the information needed to be successful entrepreneurs is the aim of the event.”

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans and spouses are eligible to participate.

The program begins with the “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course, where 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. After completing the introductory course, participants can elect to further their study through one of many B2B online courses.

During the APSU summit, participants will be informed about the steps and activities associated with entrepreneurial ventures. They will also hear about community resources available for veterans starting new businesses.

For information on the summit or to register, visit apsub2b.eventbrite.com or contact Peters at 931-221-1370 or petersL@apsu.edu.