Can't we come up with a better program for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs?

2015-06-03T15:41:50-04:00

This ad keeps popping up in my Facebook newsfeed. And, I noticed that they disabled the comments after I called them out on the fact that the program does NOT help servicemembers create a business plan.

The two-day class put on at military bases through grants to local economic development organizations (SBDCs, SCORE chapters, WBCs, and VBOCs) is outstanding. However, the eight-week class put on through Syracuse University is a complete waste of servicemembers' time and taxpayers' money.

Participants spend eight weeks taking general business classes delivered in a traditional college course format. However, they receive no academic credit. And, at the end of it (after they've been lead to believe they will be creating a business plan the whole time), they're told to "Review your homework assignments, use the nuts and bolts, work with business counselor, and let's start putting the business plan together." (This is an actual statement from the last homework assignment.)

With so many business plan books, web sites, and open online courses out there where you can learn to put together a business plan at your own pace, it is absolutely appalling that the federal government is wasting millions of dollars. And, what's worse is that the program managers continue to make false promises to veterans -- leading them to believe that they will put together a business plan if they enroll in this track when they really will not.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-06-03T15:42:43-04:00

Sure we can. Vet orgs should be leading the way

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jun 3 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-06-03T15:59:19-04:00

Found out about this through a fellow RP member who runs it
http://vetlaunched.com/

How to start a business for Veterans | VetLaunched.com

VetLaunched.com is a place where veterans can get access to start-up content and tools to create, build and grow their businesses.

Response by SSgt Laurie Sayles made Jun 3 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-06-03T16:21:08-04:00

Well ... I have some thoughts as well regarding all of these entites grabbing ahold to the monies for Veterans, which is the hot topic for upward movement; however, like you I believe the programs fall short. Not enough 'seasoned' veterans at the table for the discussions and training.

Response by HN Israel Soto Alicea made Jul 18 at 2015 12:54 AM

2015-07-18T00:54:28-04:00

Imagine a group of non-governmental for-profit companies coming together with 1 non-profit company to merge a massive social enterprise that will teach our Military-Affiliated members how to build a business model, business plan, revenue model, and help fund his/her business through the funds of impact investors? This elite group will share it's profits within the military communities to turn the 99% into the 1%. Just imagine.....(http://www.bootsondeckinc.com)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-07-30T22:42:31-04:00

There are numerous excellent programs out there for the Veteran entrepreneur and most of them are free. Contact me at http://veteranslist.us and I can point you to one that would fit your needs.