America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Army Veteran’s Business Battles Bullying

October 23, 2015
UTSA-Success-Success-Army-Vet-Battles-BullyingSuccess Story: Texas

“The (UTSA SBDC) staff are experts in leveraging business acumen and providing resources, advice and access to avenues that help small-business owners start and grow their business. I highly recommend them to any veteran starting their own business.” – Tim Porter, Founder & CEO, Appddiction Studio

Tim Porter planned on a long career in the military, quickly moving up the Army ranks for nearly 10 years. But one instant changed everything. Stationed at Camp Casey in South Korea in 1998, a bomb exploded in Porter’s hands during a training exercise.

Over the next 15 years, Porter would enter the information technology field and climb the ladder much like he had in the military. With the help of friends, reading books and watching tutorials, he taught himself how to develop apps. (more…)

Doing Things the Right Way – Air Force Veterans Build a Business

September 25, 2015
Montana - Electric City CoffeeSuccess Story: Montana

“The one thing that came out of our work with the Great Falls SBDC was our logo branding. We never even considered branding. Now, we’re renting cars and buying billboards with a simple, highly recognizable indication of who we are.” – Thad Reiste, co-owner of Electric City Coffee

After retiring from the Air Force, Thad and Heidi chose to return to Great Falls, Montana, go to work for an existing business, learn from the ground up and then buy it. They purchased The Daily Grind (recipes and equipment), relocated it, rebranded and made their shop more than just a coffee shop. They created a food experience. (more…)

25-Year Serviceman Grows Business and Community, While Serving Fellow Veterans

July 27, 2015
Louisiana SBDC Success StorySuccess Story: Louisiana

“If you’re looking for real business growth, I encourage you to attend the LSBDC seminars and bring a pen, paper and an open mind.” – Troy Downs, Owner of Downs Enterprise

Impact of working with the Louisiana SBDC: Downs Enterprise offers consulting, logistics and other business services. It has assisted in starting and managing over 25 successful businesses, created over 50 jobs, and counseled over 100 people through the various products Downs Enterprise has to offer. During the course of all of these achievements, Troy Downs has found a way to extend a helping hand to veterans in the community. And because of his business and community impact and success, the LSBDC nominated Downs Enterprise for the 2015 Veterans Business Outreach Centers Excellence in Service Award, which was presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration at an awards reception held at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion in May.

Read the whole story, and learn more about Downs Enterprise and the Louisiana SBDC.

America’s Veterans – From Boots to Start-Up

May 26, 2015

Veterans - Boots To Business

America’s SBDC network has been serving the Veteran small business community for years. SBDCs around the country offer specialized training and programs to help our nation’s heroes start and grow their own businesses.  America’s SBDC network also supports SBA’s Boots to Business program in 36 states and has helped nearly 2,000 Veteran entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership.

Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The curriculum continuum includes steps for evaluating business concepts, the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance. The program is available free at participating installations to service members and their dependents transitioning or retiring from the U.S. military.  (more…)

Veteran-Owned Missouri SBTDC Client Manufactures Eco-Friendly Vinyl Products

May 11, 2015
Missouri ThistleSuccess Story: Missouri
  • Cole County University of Missouri Extension SBTDC
  • SBDC Counselors: Business Development Specialist Chris Thompson, International Trade Specialist Jackie Rasmussen
  • Client: Missouri Thistle, Inc. – SBDC client since 2013

“We’ve been able to get training on government contracting, prospecting for foreign markets and, with the help of the SBTDC, work on our accounting systems and business planning.” – Rachel Martens, Thistle manager of sales and legal

Impact of working with MO SBTDC: As a result of MO SBTDC assistance, Thistle is moving to expand production space with a building addition; plans to build a 14,400-square-foot warehouse this summer; add to its office and production staff; and attract more domestic and international customers.

Read the whole story, and learn more about the Missouri SBTDC and Missouri Thistle, Inc.