Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

VBOC at Nebraska Enterprise Fund is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Regional Boots to Business

Boots to Business (B2B) 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 course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate.

Boots to Business Reboot

Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) is a one-day training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and knowledge of the components of a business plan, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private resources.

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Serving Nebraska & Iowa

We are honored to be one of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) providing business development services in Nebraska and Iowa to men and women who are:

  • Active-duty service members, including Guard and Reserve
  • Veterans
  • Family members of the above

For more information, please email us and ask about our VBOC office at nef@nebbiz.org

Nebraska Startup Resources

 

Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED)

The DED offers various programs and resources for entrepreneurs, including veterans. They can provide information on funding opportunities, business planning, and connections to other business development organizations in the state. https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/

Small Business Administration (SBA) Nebraska District Office

The SBA offers a range of services for veterans, including business training, access to capital through loan programs, and contracting opportunities. The Nebraska District Office can provide guidance and support for veterans starting or growing their businesses. https://www.sba.gov/district/nebraska

SCORE Nebraska

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides free mentoring and counseling services to entrepreneurs. They have a network of experienced business professionals who can offer guidance on various aspects of starting and running a business. https://www.score.org/omaha?utm_source=google-business-profile&utm_medium=organic-soci&utm_campaign=main-website-cta

Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC)

The NBDC offers consulting, training, and research services to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. They have offices throughout the state and can provide guidance specifically tailored to veteran-owned businesses. https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/index.php

Nebraska Angel Capital Association

The Nebraska Angel Capital Association is an organization that connects investors with early-stage startups. While not exclusive to veterans, they can provide opportunities for funding and mentorship for veteran-owned businesses. https://www.nebraskaangels.org/

Invest Nebraska

Invest Nebraska is a non-profit organization in Nebraska that supports and invests in high-growth startups. Their mission is to advance the state’s economy by providing capital and expertise to entrepreneurs. They primarily focus on early-stage and growth-stage companies and offer different types of investments, including equity financing and convertible debt. In addition to funding, they provide support and guidance to entrepreneurs through business development resources, strategic planning, and access to a network of mentors and industry experts. Invest Nebraska plays a vital role in fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth in Nebraska’s startup ecosystem. https://www.investnebraska.com/

Iowa Startup Resources

 

Veterans in Agriculture

This program by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides resources and support to veterans interested in pursuing agricultural ventures. They offer workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to agricultural education programs. https://veteransinagriculture.org/

Iowa Center for Economic Success - Women's Business Center

While not exclusively for veterans, the Iowa Center for Economic Success offers support to women entrepreneurs, including veterans. They provide training, counseling, access to capital, and networking opportunities to help start and grow businesses. https://theiowacenter.org/services/ticwbc/

Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The SBDC offers free, confidential business counseling and assistance to entrepreneurs. They provide guidance on business planning, market research, access to capital, and other resources that can be beneficial to veteran-owned startups. https://iowasbdc.org/

SCORE Iowa

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides free mentoring and counseling services to entrepreneurs. SCORE Iowa has experienced business professionals who can offer guidance on various aspects of starting and running a business, including veterans looking to start their own ventures. https://www.score.org/eastcentraliowa

Iowa Innovation Corporation (IIC)

The IIC is a non-profit organization that supports economic development and innovation in Iowa. While not specifically focused on veterans, they provide resources, connections, and assistance to startups in various industries. They can offer guidance on accessing funding, connecting with mentors, and navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iowa. https://www.sbir.gov/node/1249197

Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

The IEDA offers programs and resources to support business growth and development in Iowa. They provide information on funding opportunities, business planning assistance, and connections to other business development organizations in the state. While not exclusive to veterans, they can be a valuable resource for all entrepreneurs. https://www.iowaeda.com/

Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship

Iowa State University’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship provides entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. While not specifically focused on veterans, they offer programs that can benefit all aspiring entrepreneurs. https://www.isupjcenter.org/

Programming

The VBOC provides programs and services that help start or grow your business, including:

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Ty Williams

Ty Williams

Director of VBOC (Nebraska & Iowa)

Ty Williams is dedicated to supporting and empowering veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors. As the Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Ty plays a crucial role in providing resources, training, and guidance to help veterans successfully launch and grow their businesses. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce, Ty is committed to helping them harness their skills and experiences to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Emmalee Scheibe

Emmalee Scheibe

VBOC Communications Specialist (Nebraska & Iowa)

Emmalee Scheibe is passionate about communicating with veterans in the community and sharing their entrepreneurial success stories. As the Communications Specialist of the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Emmalee spreads awareness on the resources and guidance available for veterans who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

Contact VBOC Today

Get the support you have been looking for. Business Mentoring • Training • Funding

We can answer all your questions

2112 N. 30th St. Suite 103
Omaha, NE 68111
Phone: 402-685-5500
E-mail: tyw@nebbiz.org

If you are a member of the media, please send us an email to receive NEF media updates (nef@nebbiz.org).