Table of Contents
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurship training program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), specifically for military members, spouses, and veterans. The goal is to equip participants with the education needed to launch a business after transitioning out of service.
In fact, military veterans are 45% more likely to launch a business, and about 10% of U.S. small businesses are owned by vets. Want to be the next success story? It starts with Boots to Business.
Find out the different types of programs available, eligibility requirements, and more.
Key Points
• Boots to Business is a two-day course that gives you the basics of launching a business.
• Spouses, veterans, and those already separated can enroll in the Boots to Business Reboot course.
• B2B Revenue Readiness course is a follow-up class that helps you launch your business idea.
• The SBA offers additional resources, including federal contractor trainings and financing opportunities.
How the Boots to Business Program Works
The Boots to Business (B2B) programs are available through local SBA District Offices and other organizations, such as Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and more. Courses are typically held at military installations in the continental U.S., but some programs are at installations beyond North America. Boots to Business is free, and you can choose from two different types of courses.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship Course
Boots to Business (also known as Boots 2 Business) is the program’s flagship course designed for military members transitioning out of service. Participants learn the basics of starting a business, including:
• Evaluating business concepts
• Researching market and competition
• Developing a business plan
• Understanding business concepts
• Identifying resources for start-up capital, technical assistance, and contracting opportunities
• Understanding pricing, legal entities, marketing, sales, and more
Classes are in-person and last two days. You can register through the transition office on your military installation.
Boots to Business Reboot: For Those Without Installation Access
If you’ve already separated, you can take the Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) course, which is an online option with multiple cohorts available to join each month. In addition to the two-day course, you’ll also get follow-up sessions. The Reboot course is also available to military spouses and veterans.
The course curriculum is similar to the introductory class. You’ll get an overview of what it’s like to be a business owner and learn how to create a business plan. There’s also an exercise on identifying opportunities and resources, such as small-business loans and grants for veterans.
B2B Revenue Readiness: The Follow-On Course
After completing the first Boot to Business program, participants can next enroll in the Revenue Readiness course. This six-week live online class helps you take a business idea and create a launch strategy. Classes are led by current small business owners and takes an interactive approach. There are two classes per week, each one lasting an hour.
During those sessions, you’ll learn things like:
• Business models and value propositions
• Customer segments and market research
• Costs and revenue streams
• Business pitches
• Legal considerations
You’ll also write a business plan throughout the course, receive feedback, and give a final presentation.
Who Is Eligible for Boots to Business?
Boots to Business programs are available to the following individuals:
• Active-duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve members
• Veterans
• Spouses of former or current military
The two-day, in-person class is available at participating military institutions. If you’re not at a military installation, you can instead attend the online B2B Reboot class or the Military Spouse Pathway to Business.
Once you’ve completed one of those introductory courses, you can enroll in the B2B Revenue Readiness program through Mississippi State University.
How Boots to Business Fits Into the TAP Program
Boots to Business is a resource available through the military’s Transition Assistance (TAP) Program, which helps service members transition to civilian life. TAP is a collaboration between the following government agencies:
• Department of War
• Department of Labor
• Education Department
• Department of Homeland Security
• Small Business Administration
• Office of Personnel Management
The courses and resources are designed to meet Career Readiness Standards. Boots to Business is an optional course, but there are several online courses you must complete before separating. These include:
• Employment fundamentals
• Financial planning
• Managing your transition
• Military occupational code crosswalk
• Pre-separation brief
• VA benefits and services
You must finish these courses at least one year before you leave the military. Pre-separation counseling is also required.
Additional SBA Resources for Veterans and Service Members
From SBA loans to training opportunities, there are many resources available to former-military entrepreneurs.
Training and Advice
In addition to Boots to Business courses, the SBA also offers training programs designed specifically for women veterans, service-disabled veterans, military spouses, and veterans interested in federal procurement.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) are also helpful resources located across the country. You can sign up for business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship programs, and more.
Financing Opportunities
The SBA offers loans that any business owner (even those who aren’t former military) can apply for. These loans are awarded through direct lenders and backed by the SBA to increase approval odds for those who may not qualify for a startup business loan, a business line of credit, equipment financing, or other types of financing.
Federal Contracting Help
A portion of the federal government’s contracting budget must be awarded to veteran-owned businesses. The SBA has resources to help you get certified and find contractive opportunities.
Recommended: Small Business Loans & Grants for Disabled Veterans
The Takeaway
Former military service members are well-suited as entrepreneurs, and it’s no surprise that such a large portion of the country’s small businesses are veteran-owned. Boots to Business can be a great way to lay the foundation before launching your own idea.
Ready to grow your business? SoFi Small Business Loans can give you fast access to the capital you need. Check your eligibility in minutes.
FAQ
What is the Boots to Business program?
The Boots to Business program is a course designed to teach business basics to military members who are separating from service. There are also course options for those who have already separated, veterans, and military spouses.
Is Boots to Business really free?
Yes, Boots to Business really is free. The foundational program is available on-site at certain military installations, while some of the other courses are offered online.
Who delivers the Boots to Business program?
The Boots to Business program is primarily delivered by SBA District Offices and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Additional program support is provided by Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and universities.
What is Boots to Business Reboot and how does it differ?
Boots to Business Reboot is similar to the flagship program, but it’s for veterans, service members, and spouses of military members who are no longer in the military. Another difference is that in addition to the Introduction to Entrepreneurship class, you can participate in follow-up sessions.
Can military spouses participate in Boots to Business?
Yes, military spouses can participate in Boots to Business, as well as Boots to Business Reboot and the Military Spouse Pathway to Business program. The Small Business Administration offers all of these programs.
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