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Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses

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  • 11/21/2022 12:59 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    On Veterans Day 2022, the National Park Service will unveil a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The Interagency Military Lifetime Pass waives entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites for current military service members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.

    Veterans and their families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle—from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.

    The Military Pass has been expanded to include a pass that does not expire for Veterans and Gold Star Family members. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 authorized a free lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreational lands for eligible Veterans and Gold Star Families. In recent years, they were able to receive annual passes.

    Are you eligible?

    For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserve, and is able to present one of the following forms of valid (unexpired) identification:

    Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.

    The America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency Pass) Program

    The Interagency Pass Program includes a free annual pass for active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Current Military service members must show a valid (unexpired) Department of Defense ID. Dependents of current service members must show a valid (unexpired) DD Form 1173 AD or DEC.

    Other free or discounted passes, including some lifetime passes, are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth grade students, volunteers and senior citizens age 62 years or older.

    How to get your Interagency Pass

    Interagency Passes can be obtained in person while visiting a participating site. Visit Places to Get Interagency Passes for a searchable list and be sure to contact the site before you go, to make sure they are open and have passes in stock. In addition, Military passes, as well as those for seniors and persons with permanent disabilities, are available online through the USGS Online Store with an additional processing fee. Existing passes remain valid. You do not need to obtain a new pass if you already have a Lifetime Senior or Access Pass.

    For more information about eligibility and passes, visit Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

    The participating agencies also offer several fee-free days for everyone throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration. Examples of fee-free days include the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.

    Fee-free days and fee policies vary among the agencies, so it’s best to check the agency website or contact the site you plan to visit in advance of your trip.

    APPLY FOR A VETERAN ID CARD

    APPLY FOR A VETERAN HEALTH IDENTIFICATION CARD (VHIC)


  • 11/15/2022 11:34 AM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    éclat Law’s Foundation for Community Action and the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses (FAVOB) partnered together and raised $2,000 for Community Legal Services, the largest nonprofit legal aid in Florida. The law firm hosted a Veterans for Veterans event that highlighted resources for veterans. Kevin Ross, President of the Community Legal Services Board of Directors, and Founder/Managing Partner at éclat Law stated, “Veterans have served our country and deserve to have access to legal services regardless of their income bracket. With the first week in November being Veteran’s Small Business Week, we appreciated the opportunity to partner with FAVOB and their members.” “Community Legal Services fights for our Veterans every day with legal issues related to income, housing, family, and medical issues. The funds raised at Veterans for Veterans will continue to support these important needs.” stated Jeffrey Harvey, CEO of Community Legal Services, and veteran of the U.S. Army. Stuart Smith, CEO of FAVOB and U.S. Army veteran adds, “We are grateful for éclat Law’s support and for bringing together so many advocates for veterans. We continue to help veterans thrive through FAVOB and our partner organizations.” About éclat Law, LLP: éclat Law is an innovative law firm dedicated to delivering client-focused solutions in the practice areas of civil rights and employment law, complex litigation, business law, and entertainment and arts. Founded by Kevin Ross-Andino in 2015, the éclat team of experienced attorneys and staff is passionate about serving the needs of clients both in and out of the courtroom. https://eclatlaw.com

  • 11/09/2022 12:28 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    If you are interested in listening to the November 8th VOSB Certification program presentation, please click on the tile below. This presentation will only be available for 30 days.

    LOTS of changes to know about if you are interested in certifying your veteran small business.  

    LOTS of information in the presentation and the Q&A.  

    Teams Call 

  • 11/04/2022 9:35 AM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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.


  • 11/02/2022 2:56 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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 


  • 10/31/2022 11:37 AM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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

  • 10/31/2022 11:14 AM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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 

  • 10/27/2022 4:25 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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

  • 10/27/2022 4:24 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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.

  • 10/27/2022 4:21 PM | Stuart Smith (Administrator)

    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

Creating opportunities for Veteran Business Owners to THRIVE.

CONTACTS

Email: ceo@favob.org
Physical Address: 835 Bennett Rd. 
Orlando, FL 32803

Mailing Address: PO Box 540447 
Orlando, FL 32854-0447

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