Proudly Serving Nebraska & Iowa

Welcome to Veterans Business Outreach Center

WHO WE ARE

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is designed to proudly 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. VBOC at Nebraska Enterprise Fund is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

What We Do

Boots to Business

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses. Classes are at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Must have base access.

Boots to Business | Reboot

Boots to Business | Reboot provides assistance to anyone interested in exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan.

These are hybrid sessions.

Services & Programs

VBOC provides entrepreneurial development support to transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and others with military affiliations who are interested in starting or growing a small business. Services include personalized One-on-One Business Training and Counseling, offering assistance with:

Establishing an LLC
Financial projections
Business plan reviews
Securing business loans
Obtaining Veteran Business Certifications

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our team is passionate about supporting veteran entrepreneurs and ensuring their success in the business landscape.

Eswari Kalugasalam

VBOC NE & IA Director

Eswari Kalugasalam is the Director of Veterans Business Outreach Center – Nebraska and Iowa. Prior to joining VBOC, she was the international trade and marketing consultant serving statewide clients at Nebraska Business Development Center. She is also an active SCORE mentor. 

Eswari has more than 20 years of experience in business, marketing and strategic communications and has worked with clients and organizations across diverse sectors, regions and countries, helping them tap new markets and opportunities.

Eswari holds an Executive MBA from University of Nebraska Omaha and a Law degree from the University of London, UK.

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Emmalee Scheibe

Communications Specialist

Emmalee Scheibe is the Communications Specialist for the Veterans Business Outreach Center – Nebraska and Iowa. With over seven years of journalism and four years of marketing experience, she is passionate about connecting audiences and sharing impactful stories in the nonprofit sector. She uses her expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and media strategy to promote the VBOC program and support veteran-owned businesses.

Emmalee also volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Nebraska. In her free time, she enjoys time with her dog, Jersey, and her nieces and nephews. She is also the President of the Ralston Library Foundation Board.

Emmalee holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media and Journalism with a minor in Sport Management.

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Robert Kolley

Business Advisor

Robert Kolley is currently a Business Advisor at the Veterans Business Outreach Center – Nebraska and Iowa, where he guides veteran entrepreneurs in business planning and growth. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he brings expertise in leadership, customer service, and operational efficiency, along with over five years of banking experience.

In his free time, Robert enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is also the General Manager of the Omaha Stockmen, a semi-professional football team, where he has been involved for the past three years and helps coach the defensive line. He also serves on the board of YNPN (Young Nonprofit Professionals Network).

Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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What Our Clients Say

Thank you for helping me get the grant. This would not have happened without your expertise. Especially when they rejected my first application. I cannot tell you how grateful I am.

Nathan McInis, Nate’s Auto LLC

The VBOC team provided invaluable assistance from understanding grant requirements to reviewing my application. They also helped to navigate post Covid business challenges. I was able to secure the grant and I am grateful for VBOC’s commitment to help small business owners who are military connected like mine to the next level.

William Page, DAP Trucking

I want to express my deep gratitude for all the time and effort you've put into the Boots to Business Reboot seminar and your work with the Veteran Business Outreach Center..Before working with you, I wasn't sure if I could continue down this path, but with your guidance, and the invaluable information you've shared, it has given me the confidence to move forward with my business. This process, which could have been overwhelming, has been made enjoyable and much less daunting, thanks to your support.

Jordan Ritter

I feel so much better knowing there’s help at the end of the tunnel.

Sam McCord, MCG BioComposites LLC

I’m grateful for the services provided by the VBOC. Eswari and her team respond quickly and efficiently to provide for our Veterans needs. They provide quality workshops and other training to ensure the success of our retiring Veterans. I am honored to participate in many of those valuable workshops. VBOC is a critical part of our joint efforts serving budding entrepreneurs. As the Score Chapter Chair, I’m grateful for their services. Thanks for a job well done.

Alan Hale, SCORE Chapter Chair