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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.

5 Reasons Why Veterans Make Excellent Entrepreneurs

November 10, 2014
By Pasqualina DeLucia

The week of November 3-7, 2014 marks National Veterans Small Business Week, honoring veteran business owners. According to the Small Business Administration, “Veteran business owners are responsible for nearly one out of every ten small businesses in America, employ nearly six million workers, generate over 1.5 trillion dollars in receipts each year and are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans.” So what exactly makes veterans so well suited for entrepreneurship?

 1. Work Ethic

Entrepreneurs work long, hard hours…especially in the start-up phase. Veterans already possess the mental and physical fortitude as well as the discipline to survive the long days and, equally as important, their families have that same ability. It’s important to have the buy-in and understanding of those around you given that entrepreneurial endeavors require sacrifice. Military families know the level of commitment and support needed better than most.  

2. Risk Tolerance

Starting and maintaining your own business is undeniably risky. There are ways to help mitigate the risks but not completely remove them. Veterans already have the skillset to both mitigate and face risk head-on. Both in military life and in entrepreneur life, the ability to create and execute a thought-out operating strategy is essential (as well as the ability to read the current situation and adjust accordingly…see “agility” below). When it comes to risk assessment, gathering intel and then moving to action, veterans have been conditioned at a high level. (more…)

Talk This Week with Veterans Who Own Businesses

November 7, 2014
By Cindy Bates

I’ve always thought of small-business owners as heroes. They’re the women and men who battle for success despite obstacles, fears, physical challenges and mental exhaustion as they work towards success. As we approach Veterans Day and the end of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), I want to recognize the unique heroism of America’s veterans who own small businesses.

Veteran-owned businesses contribute more than $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy every year and employ nearly 6 million, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During their military service, veteran owners learn to be dynamic leaders and tremendous problem-solvers. Those core skills may account for the fact that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than others. Did you know one in 10 small businesses is veteran-owned? Even the hit TV show “Shark Tank” – which I happen to be a big fan of – is supporting NVSBW by dedicating an episode (Friday, 11/7) exclusively to veteran-owned businesses.  (more…)

Young Veterans Show Strong Interest in Business Ownership, Creating Quality Careers As Earnings Far Outpace Those Of Average Vets

August 4, 2014

boots.jpgIn the third of a series of articles investigating who is buying and selling small businesses in America, BizBuySell identifies how military veterans are faring in the business-for-sale market.

It’s no secret that U.S. military veterans are a force to be reckoned with in the nation’s small business economy. But according to the latest research, both older and younger veterans are emerging as major players in the buying of small companies.To better understand todays’ business-for-sale market, BizBuySell.com recently commissioned a demographic study of individuals engaged in buying or selling a small business. The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 buyers and sellers, highlighted several trends that are shaping today’s market.

One of the trends the survey revealed is that a surprisingly large number of veterans are shopping for small businesses. According to BizBuySell’s study, 13 percent of prospective small business buyers listed themselves as veterans.  (more…)

Success Story: Veteran Business Owner

January 15, 2014

David Otano is owner/operator of Coqui Disposal Services LLC, an 8A and Service Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business providing refuse disposal removal services that was formed in March of 2008. He is president/owner of Coqui Disposal Services, LLC and has been a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) client from initial start-up in February 2008.

David has built his business by successfully submitting proposals on and winning small sub contracts to haul and dispose of trash at Tyndall Air Force Base within months of start- up. VBOC assisted David with preparing a capabilities statement and guiding him through use of his Service Connected Disability Status for proposing on set-aside procurement opportunities in Government contracting.

The discussion of David acquiring 8a company status began as early as October of 2008, as well as discussions on registering with the Veterans Administration through the CvE program in their closed bidding system for Coqui to provide waste disposal services to the Veterans Administration (VA). David is currently working under a $3,000,000, Sub contract to provide waste removal at Tyndall Air Force Base. (more…)