UTA Veterans Business Outreach Center recognized as best in the nation by U.S. Small Business Administration
Recently, the Veteran Business Outreach Center at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTAVBOC) was acknowledged by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the best VBOC in the country.
UTA is among the most veteran and military-friendly institutions in the nation. With support for veterans through a robust military and veteran services program, along with a variety of benefits, UTA is a clear example of education supporting those who served and continue to serve.
In addition to the many resources UTA offers to support our veterans and service members, UTAVBOC gives veterans the opportunity to transition from their military service to entrepreneurship.
UTAVBOC offers collaborative, hands-on, interactive learning opportunities including classroom instruction, opportunities to work with experienced coaches and mentors, and networking connections. UTAVBOC conducts Boots to Business classes, educating separating members on business ownership through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at military installations throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nevada.
UTAVBOC also works with transitioning veterans, disabled veterans, National Guard, active-duty and reserve component members and their spouses through one-on-one business advising, practical seminars, relevant workshops, and veteran-focused outreach activities. Because of their outstanding performance and economic impact, UTAVBOC was selected by the SBA as the best VBOC in the nation.
“At UTAVBOC, we help veterans add value to the communities where they live and continue to serve as small business owners. For many, there’s a lack of awareness regarding all the resources available to support their entrepreneurial endeavors, so we work to increase that awareness and facilitate access to those resources,” said Patrick Alcorn, UTAVBOC Senior Director. “We provide warm hand-offs to connect them to other resources and help them access those resources; then we inspire them to actually start businesses. Additionally, UTAVBOC hosts the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference as an annual reunion for the military connected entrepreneur ecosystem.”
Members of UTAVBOC pose with attendees of the 2024 Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference. (Courtesy Photo)
UTAVBOC was highlighted as the best VBOC program out of 32 programs nationwide. Selection was based on a variety of factors including the number of participants trained, number of businesses launched, number of counseling sessions provided, amount of capital infused, and more.
“We are not only measured based on how well we provide services to veterans, but also how much economic impact we facilitate in the marketplace,” said Alcorn. “Veteran-owned businesses nationally generate almost $1.4 trillion in gross domestic product and hire more than 4 million employees worldwide. Earning this award means we’re the best at delivering services to empower veterans to grow the economy.”
This recognition helps UTAVBOC continue its mission to increase awareness of entrepreneurial development services, facilitate access to entrepreneurial development in collaboration with SBA resource partners, and inspire action that leads to business formation and economic freedom.
“It’s nice to be recognized by the SBA, and it helps us highlight veteran entrepreneurs and their impact,” said Ashten Simmons, UTAVBOC Director of Special Programs. “No matter what, award or not, we’re still going to do what we do because our heart is for veteran entrepreneurs.”
While UTAVBOC is veteran-focused, anyone who needs assistance or information about business ownership or entrepreneurial endeavors is welcome to reach out to the office for more information regarding the SBA Resource Partner Network.
“As a university resource, we are available to any students who are interested in self-employment or entrepreneurship. We have business development tools and resources that students could and should be taking advantage of,” said Alcorn. “We’re part of the primary federal government organization that is tasked with supporting small businesses, and we’re open to anyone who wants to succeed in business.”
For more information about UTAVBOC, visit their website at https://vboc.uta.edu/