The Boots to Business (B2B) program is an entrepreneurial education and training initiative offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It’s designed to help transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses explore business ownership and develop the skills needed to start and grow a small business. The program is free and available at over 180 military installations worldwide, with no cost to participants.
Key Components of Boots to Business
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship:
- A two-day, in-person course providing an overview of business ownership.
- Covers business fundamentals, such as developing business concepts, creating a business plan, and launching a product.
- Taught by SBA subject matter experts and partners, including SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs).
- Open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.
- Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR):
- A similar course for veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses who have already transitioned to civilian life or lack access to a military installation.
- Offered off-installation or online, covering the same entrepreneurial fundamentals.
- Follow-on Courses:
- Boots to Business Revenue Readiness (B2B RR): A six-week online course in partnership with Mississippi State University, focusing on refining business models and developing actionable business plans. It includes twice-weekly virtual sessions and assignments. As of November 2023, over 3,000 participants had graduated from this course.
- Military Spouse Pathway to Business: A specialized course for military spouses, covering market research, economics, legal considerations, and finances.
Program Highlights
- Eligibility: Open to transitioning service members, veterans of any era, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. Civilians with base access may also participate in some cases.
- Global Reach: Delivered at over 180 military installations worldwide, with online options for broader accessibility.
- Resources: Participants gain access to SBA resources, including startup capital guidance, technical assistance, and contracting opportunities, as well as connections to local business communities.
- Milestone: As of January 2024, the program had trained over 200,000 participants since its full rollout in 2014, following a pilot in 2012.
How to Participate
- For B2B: Contact the Transition Service Manager at your military installation’s TAP office to register. You can find your TAP office via militaryinstallations.dod.mil or check upcoming class dates at boots2business.org/calendar.
- For B2BR: Register through the SBA’s website or VBOCs (e.g., sbavets.force.com/s/reboot-course-information).
- Contact Info: Email boots-to-business@sba.gov or call 202-205-VET1 (202-205-8381) for more details.
Additional Notes
- No Direct Grants: The B2B program itself does not provide grants, but some states, like Indiana, offer grants (e.g., $10,000) to veterans who complete the program and develop a business plan. Check with your state or local authorities for similar opportunities.
- Veteran Entrepreneurship: Veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans, and about 2.4 million U.S. small businesses (nearly 1 in 10) are veteran-owned, highlighting the program’s relevance.
- Feedback: Participant experiences vary. Some find the program valuable for learning business plan basics, while others note it focuses on information available online and doesn’t directly assist with funding.
- SEO and Marketing: Post-program, participants are encouraged to explore strategies like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to market their businesses effectively, as covered in the business plan section of the course.
For more information, visit sba.gov/veterans or boots2business.org. If you’re considering starting a business, this program can provide a solid foundation, but be prepared to seek additional resources for funding and mentorship.
