FROM THE SBA -

We are pleased to share with you updates related to the upcoming transfer of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), effective January 1, 2023.

The Administrator recently announced the official name for the certification program at the SBA will be called the Veteran Small Business Certification program. The new name emphasizes the SBA’s commitment to the veteran community and to properly certifying veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal contracts.

The Veteran Small Business Certification program is scheduled to officially begin operations and accept new applications in January 2023.

Administrator Guzman also shared much-anticipated news that she intends to grant a one-time, one-year extension to current veteran-owned small businesses verified by the VA as of the transfer date on January 1, 2023. More details on the extension can be found in the press release: https://www.sba.gov/article/2022/nov/03/administrator-guzman-announces-path-forward-veteran-small-business-certification-program

Along with the recertification extension, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act grants a one-year grace period for self-certified SDVOSBs until January 1, 2024. Find out more about this extension in the press release: https://www.sba.gov/article/2022/nov/03/administrator-guzman-announces-path-forward-veteran-small-business-certification-program

Until the SBA opens the VSBC program in January 2023, the recommended next step for uncertified veteran-owned small businesses is to self-certify so that you have federal contracting opportunities through all federal agencies, aside from the VA, until 2024.

Join us for a public update on the SBA’s Veterans Small Business Certification program on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 1 PM to 2 PM ET. Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marching-to-vosb-certification-tickets-459111774677

In the meantime, please continue to direct any questions to our SBA HQs mailbox – cvetransfer@sba.gov.

eMerge Americas is a superbly designed and curated conference drawing over 20K attendees from around the world. More than 100 companies will be selected to participate in the global Startup Showcase on April 20-21 (2023), and 5 of them will be Mil/Vet/Spo led.

Selected startups will have a chance to win over $400,000 in investment in a mega-pitch competition, get their own exhibition booth for both days, access to the world’s leading tech investors, corporate partners, and much more.

The top 5 Mil/Vet/Spo startups will be selected.  Those interested must email pitch decks by November 21st. If selected, they will be fast-tracked and placed on the showcase list.

Further details:

• Qualifications (see here)
• Exhibit booth for both days (free)
• Conference Passes for 3 team members (free)
• Access to all conference programming (free)
• Travel & Lodging is at the startups' expense
• For further questions, email 

NASA Office of Small Business Programs - Kennedy Space Center Virtual Outreach

Tuesday, November 1 1030A

Equity in Procurement: Women-Owned Small Business

Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) play a pivotal role in supporting NASA’s missions. Learn about recent SBA changes to the WOSB program, including the recent NAICS Code update. Listen in as our speakers share tips, tools, and resources on navigating the world of federal contracting. Guests include the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce®, and NASA Office of Small Business Programs.

We look forward to your participation! This webinar is open to all, regardless of socioeconomic category.

Log-in information will be sent with the Eventbrite confirmation. If you have questions regarding this topic, email them in advance to ksc-smallbusiness@mail.nasa.gov and type, “OSBP - KSC Virtual Outreach Question" in the subject line.

Register Here

AVET Project, a FAVOB non-profit member is working to address military death by suicide. 

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THEM TODAY

AVET Project Veterans Educational Cruise to the Bahamas this Veterans Day Nov 11-14, 2022 to help our military families THRIVE

We NEED YOUR HELP to cover the cost of $1100 for 2 adults or $1282 for 2 adults one child. Prices subject to change

oct 21 cruise spartan sponsors.pdf 

Welcome 8(a) Military Veterans, The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates, connects, and empowers service member (including National Guard and Reserve), veteran, and military spouse entrepreneurs and business owners – past, present, and future – during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW).

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey SBA can help you with: • Transition assistance • Entrepreneurial training • Disaster assistance • Access to capital • Federal government contracting opportunities in your local area The SBA is focused on supporting the strength and resiliency of the veteran small-business community through COVID-19 relief programs, as well as other resources and guidance to help you adapt and meet new demands.

This year we have a Virtual 8(a) Veteran Exclusive Event that will be specifically geared for our future and existing North and South Florida District Office’s 8(a) Veteran Owned Businesses. WHEN: Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Time: 9:00 am – 11:30 am Location: Online Microsoft Teams – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sba-south-and-north-florida-virtual-8a-nvsbw-event-tickets-450937705817

 AGENDA: INTRO FOR ATTENDING VETERAN BUSINESSES PANEL OF SUCCESS STORIES/LESSONS LEARNED IN 8(a) PROGRAM DISCUSSION OF JOINT VENTURES & MENTOR PROTÉGÉ LESSONS LEARNED NETWORKING BREAK OUT SESSIONS Please RSVP no later than, NOV 1, 2022, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Natalie Hall, Economic Development Specialist via email at mailto:Natalie.hall@sba.gov  or Ronald Brunner, Business Opportunity Specialist, via e-mail at mailto:ronald.brunner@sba.gov

Owning a Veteran-Owned Small Business Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Wondering what it takes and how you can prepare? Enroll in Boots to Business Reboot.

About Boots to Business Reboot Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate. During Reboot, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. The program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors. Participants that complete an in-person or online B2B Reboot course can elect to further their study through one of many B2B online courses, offered at no cost to Service members, Veterans and military spouses.

If you’ve already attended an in-person or online B2B Reboot course, visit https://sbavets.force.com/ to sign up for one of the online B2B follow-on courses.

The SBA North & South Florida District Offices Presents: NVSBW Virtual Event - Theme: Marching Toward #VetBiz Success November 2, 2022 - 10am – 11:30AM EDT In support to National Veterans Small Business Week

Please join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as we celebrate, connect, and empower service members including Veterans of all eras, Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and military spouse entrepreneurs and business owners – past, present, and future. This FREE virtual event will provide valuable information from SBA and our partners, on the programs and services that are available, to help you launch or grow your veteran owned small business. You will also hear from our Resource Partner the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), on how they can provide you with free business mentoring and counseling and other business support. Plus, if you are you looking to accelerate your success in the federal marketplace, then you don’t want to miss out on hearing the information on the Veteran’s Institute for Procurement (VIP) program to learn how! Don’t forget to register to save your virtual seat!

Click here to register: For questions or more information, place contact Natalie Hall at natalie.hall@sba.gov or Ronald Brunner at ronald.brunner@sba.gov All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities if requested at least two weeks in advance, contact Natalie Hall at natalie.hall@sba.go

_{FAVOB is a member of US Coalition of Veteran Chambers to create opportunities for our members nation wide.}

_{This workshop will explore an opportunity to join the eMarketplace through the National Diversity Veteran Small Business eMarketplace AAFES platform to further do business with local military installation cardholders. The Air Force 1st Look Program is changing the way DoD does business to bring more revenue back to the States by asking military installations to keep their spending local.}

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/do-more-business-with-military-installations-tickets-439406214817

To Benefit:  National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS)
Mission: To Eliminate Homelessness Among Veterans in Central Florida. 
Providing street level outreach, homelessness prevention, and supportive services for homeless, at-risk, and low-income Veterans and their families since 2008.

https://runsignup.com/homestretch5k

Cost:

5^th Annual Homestretch 5k November 13, 2022 in the Eau Gallie Art District

Military/ Active Vet $25 (Race Day $30)
Team $25
Virtual $35

Sponsorship Levels:
Gold $1,750
Logo on back of shirt, acknowledgements on website, social
media tags and posts, vendor tent, and VIP runners pack
(4 entries/4 shirts)

Silver $1,000
Logo on back of shirt, acknowledgements on website, social
media tags and posts, vendor tent, 2 race entries and 2 shirts

Bronze $500
Logo on back of shirt

Dog Tag $250
Knowing you helped a Veteran in need

Participant Perks:
– Cool Tech Race Shirt (1st 400 runners)
– Finisher and Placer Medals

Hope all of our FAVOB members and families are safe and sound.  Now on to the business of recovery.  The following information is provided by the FL Dept of Economic Opportunity.  

Business Damage Assessment Survey
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Division of Emergency Management have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to gather information about how Hurricane Ian is impacting local businesses. This survey will assess and inform recovery resources needed in impacted communities.

Business Disaster Assistance Resources
Enterprise Florida has launched a Disaster Assistance Resources Page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.

Florida Disaster Fund
First Lady Casey DeSantis has announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support Florida’s communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To contribute, please visit http://www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

Private Sector and Tourism Coordination Call
The Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT) provides daily conference calls at 1:30 p.m., Eastern Time, for private sector and industry partners.

• Updates provided by SERT: Meteorology, Fuels, Communications, Transportation, Energy
• Business & Industry Updates: Supply Chain Issues, Closed Locations and Adjusted Hours, Employee Evacuations, Business Priorities, Concerns and Challenges

Call-in Information: 

• Number: 888-585-9008
• Participant Code: 753 329 128