Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs Training Conference

Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Southwestern Illinois College
2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221
Liberal Arts Complex - Conference Room 2313/2311
Belleville, IL 62221 

REGISTRATION is FREE. Please register above, under the “Ticket Information” section, by providing your name, phone number, email address and other pertinent details. For general questions, contact Julissa Carrasco at the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at (312) 814-7204 or Julissa.carrasco@illinois.gov

Join the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Central Management Services and SBA for this informative training seminar on how veterans and service members can start and manage a business. SBA staff will present on topics related to veterans' access to capital.

Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs (MV2E) is an Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and Central Management Services (CMS) joint-led initiative that provides veterans and service members with up-to-date information, resources and assistance in becoming a successful business owner.

The MV2E training seminar on Tuesday, April 29th is specifically designed for (1) military veterans seeking to launch their own business and (2) existing veteran-owned businesses looking to expand their operations.

The seminar is a free, one-of-a-kind opportunity for veteran entrepreneurs and business owners to access expert training as to what it takes to start and grow a successful business. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from one of three tracts based on where their business is in the entrepreneurial process (i.e. concept, start-up, or established). In doing so, attendees will gain customized assistance in a number of critical areas, including:

• How to develop your business concept;
• How to create an effective business model;
• How to secure a customer base;
• How to obtain government contracts;
• How to access private lending/capital;
• How to utilize mentorship;
• How to address legal challenges;
• And other key steps in the entrepreneurial process.

AGENDA

8:45 a.m. - Welcome Remarks and Tract Selection

9:30 a.m. - Breakout Sessions Begin

Breakout Sessions #1

Initial Business Concepts

What does it take to start and manage a successful business?  What are the first steps?  This track is designed for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs at the initial stages of the business process. Participants receive training from entrepreneurial experts who can help provide initial direction and planning tips, provide information on the modern aspects of starting a business, and help entrepreneurs launch their ideas into action.

Breakout Session Block #2

Strengthening Your Business Structure

This track is geared toward helping fledgling businesses grow. This includes training to help them identify new opportunities for government business/contracts, financing/capital, and marketing expansion. A key chief goal is to share the insights as to how businesses can secure government contacts; at the state level, participants learn about the Veteran Owned Business (VOB).

Breakout Session Block #3

Scaling Your Business

Whether a veteran’s business is well established or still at the beginning stages this track primarily focuses on providing general information that every small business owner should be aware of. Ultimately, this information should help veteran-owned businesses grow independently, expanding upon earlier successes.

1:00 p.m. - Networking Period and Closing Remarks