ARE YOU INTERESTED IN STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND/OR LEARNING MORE ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Don’t miss the 9th Annual HCC Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Symposium. This free event is open to all Veterans, active duty service members, spouses, and business partners. Meet with entrepreneurs, community business leaders, in a fun filled day of learning, networking, idea exchange, and empowerment. The VETS event culminates with a Financial Pitch competition for $12,000 in cash prizes. Learn more and register here https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/inlabhcc/inlabhcc-veterans/veterans-entrepreneurship-training-symposium-vets

Are you ready for the only LIVE in-person National Veteran Small Business Event this year?! The National Veteran Small Business Coalition is hosting their annual Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS21) from 2-5 November 2021 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. Don’t miss this annual convening of over 400 attendees made up of veteran owned small businesses, Federal agencies, and prime contractors. Activities will include awards, exhibits, training, networking, and match-making - check out the full agenda here. We also had a great discussion about NVBSC and VETS21 during one of our recent FAVOB Virtual Town Halls - check out the video here.

It is still not too late to register and Florida residents/companies can get 25% off of the registration with code VETS21FL - register here!

While NVSBC has a focus on Federal procurement opportunities for SDVOSB/VOSBs, VETS21 will offer connections and information that any small business can use in order to grow and scale quickly. FAVOB will have a booth at VETS21 and we encourage you to attend and stop by when visiting the exhibitors area. Let's grow together!

National Veterans Small Business Week 1-5 November 2021

Learn More: www.sba.gov/nvsbw 

 

SBA Programs for Veterans Looking to Start or Grow their Business  #NVSBW 

Time Management Tips  -  November 2  11am 

This class covers the programs and services the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers to veterans to help start and grow a business. Although the SBA is usually associated with loans, this overview will run through the SBA Loan Programs as well as our other programs and services including Counseling, Export Assistance, Government Contracting, Surety Bonds, and Disaster Assistance. Some of these services are for all businesses, while others are specifically for veterans. Presented by South Florida SBA. 

Webinar - SBA Programs for Veterans looking to start or grow their business Tickets, Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite 

 

Federal Contracting for Veterans & Service Disabled Veterans  #NVSBW  -  November 4  11am 

The Federal Government spent $ 20.6 billion on Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOSB) contracts in 2018. This class provides an overview of the SDVOSB Federal Contracting Program as well as Veteran Owned Small Business eligibility requirements. 

The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the SDVOSB program. Joining the disabled veterans’ business program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for. Presented by South Florida SBA. 

Federal Contracting for Veterans & Service Disabled Veterans Tickets, Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite 

 

Overcoming Career Setbacks - Soft Skills to Enhance Your Small Business 

Business  #NVSBW  -  November 4  12pm Noon 

At some point in our careers (working for a company or being our own boss), we will most likely experience a set-back, whether it’s a promotion we didn’t get, an exam we didn’t pass, that perfect job that slipped away from us, or a client that went to another business. Learn tips to: 
• Understand the types of set-backs that occur in the business world; 
• Learn to accept the reality of the situations; 
• See how to analyze the halt of progress; and 
• Develop resiliency and progress from failures and disappointments to achieve success.  

Presented by the Florida Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) 

Meeting Registration - Zoom 

 

SBA Southeast Region National Veterans Small Business Week Event (NVSBW) 

This year’s virtual event will be packed with information which will take the guess work out of launching or growing a Veteran Owned Small Business. SBA will share information on the latest programs and services, plus hear a message from each of SBA’s Resource Partners. The event will also include a panel of Vetrepreneurs, that will share details on how their business has survived using strength and resilience. 

SBA Southeast Region National Veterans Small Business Week Event (NVSBW) Tickets, Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite 

 

Cottage Food Law Updates  #NVSBW  -  November 5  12pm 

 The updated legislation increases the gross sales for cottage food operations from $50,000 per year to $250,000 per year; • It places those operations under state regulation and exempts them from certain food and building permit requirements; • Prohibits local governments from prohibiting cottage food operations or regulating cottage food products by cottage food operations; • Allows for internet sales, in-person delivery, sale at venues (such as farmers markets) or by mail; • Disallows food items to be sold wholesale. Presented by Florida Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). 

Meeting Registration - Zoom 

 

SBA Workshop:  SBA Resources for Veterans   #NVSBW -  November 10  1-4pm 

This presentation addresses the role of the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development in maximizing the availability, applicability, and usability of small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their dependents or survivors. OVBD is SBA’s liaison with the military veteran’s business community; provides policy analysis and reporting; and is an Ombudsman for veteran entrepreneurs. OVBD has a number of programs and services to assist aspiring and existing veteran entrepreneurs such as training, counseling, and mentorship, and oversight of Federal procurement programs for Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Presented by North Florida SBA. 

Registration (gotowebinar.com) 

Upcoming SBA Webinars – November 2021

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Money Smart - Build Credit Webinar

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10am to 12pm EST

This module will help the business owner understand how the personal and business credit reporting landscape relates to their business . Identify what goes into personal and business credit scores Learn how to establish and build strong personal and business credit histories Understand how lenders and others may use your personal and business credit information.

 

Register (floridasbdc.org)

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2021 Year-End Tax Planning for Your Business

Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 1pm to 2pm EDT

In the final quarter of this challenging year, there is still time to take actions that can favorably impact your bottom line and your tax bill for 2021. These measures relate to your employees, your customers, your equipment, and your operations. They reflect big changes made by the American Rescue Plan Act and other legislation (including extension of the Paycheck Protection Program), as well IRS pronouncements. Whether you work with a CPA or go it alone, learn which tax breaks apply to you and how to nail them down now before time runs out.

2021 Year-End Tax Planning for Your Business - 1500273 (webcasts.com)

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Introduction to QuickBooks

Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 1pm to 2pm EST

Learn how to implement and use QuickBooks Online efficiently and effectively to get to know your numbers, organize your business finances, and improve your cash flow. In this workshop, we will cover both basic and intermediate features and QuickBooks updates that will save you time and money. We will reveal common mistakes and frequently asked questions.

 

Register (floridasbdc.org)

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SBA Resources for Veterans

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 1pm to 4pm EST

This presentation addresses the role of the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development in maximizing the availability, applicability and usability of small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their dependents or survivors. OVBD is SBA’s liaison with the military veteran’s business community; provides policy analysis and reporting; and is as an Ombudsman for veteran entrepreneurs. OVBD has a number of programs and services to assist aspiring and existing veteran entrepreneurs such as training, counseling and mentorship, and oversight of Federal procurement programs for Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.

https://clients.floridasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=500410083

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Thinking About Buying A Franchise, Now What?

Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 1pm to 2pm EDT

Franchising is more than just fast food and retail stores and many individuals are realizing that franchise ownership could be the pathway to the American Dream. Register today for this interactive workshop led by the industry’s most trusted leader in matching entrepreneurs with business opportunities, FranNet. You’ll learn about: ·        What it takes to succeed ·        Qualities of a good franchise system ·        Solidifying your financial plan ·        Questions to ask franchisors and franchisees ·        How to overcome roadblocks All attendees will receive FranNet's Crossroads booklet, a 30-page eguide to navigating the road to franchise ownership. Not sure if franchising is for you? Join us to learn more! https://readytalk.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1502338&tp_key=a007a3ac08&sti=scoreeventpage   -----------------

Cash Flow Management

Wednesday November 17, 2021 from 10am to 12pm EDT

Good cash flow management is critical for the success of your business. This workshop will describe the purpose of cash flow management. It will assist you in determining a business’s cash flow cycle to make accurate cash flow projections.

https://clients.floridasbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=520410020

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Navigating Your Small Business through Financial Milestones

 

Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 1pm to 2pm EDT

Small Businesses face different financial challenges throughout each life stage of their business. From initial startup investments to deciding when is the right time to hire employees, business owners are constantly evaluating the impact of financial decisions. Join financial expert from U.S. Bank, Nadine Seivert, as she discusses these topics with Deluxe’s Amanda Brinkman. Topics include: ·       Understanding your comprehensive business costs ·       Understanding the difference between variable and fixed costs ·       How to know when you’re ready to expand ·       When it makes sense to hire someone vs. bring in industry expertise ·       Understanding your numbers as it relates to your business model ·       Evaluating your supply chain, along with roles and responsibilities ·       How to make sure you’re ready for online demand ·       How to broaden your selling channels to drive more revenue https://readytalk.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1503740&tp_key=9a343aff53&sti=scoreeventpage   ----------------- Branding Your Business and Connecting With Customers   Monday, November 22, 2021 from 12pm to 1pm EDT   Whether you’ve been in business or starting one, you need to know how and what a brand means to your business. This class will break down what a brand is and how to build your own. We’ll also go over different ways on how to create brand awareness and use it to connect with your customers   https://clients.floridasbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=10410198

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Work Smarter, Not Harder - How to Systematically DO the Highest Value Activities in Your Business

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 1pm to 2pm EDT

Everyone knows they’re supposed to work “smarter” not harder, but how do you actually get yourself to do this with an overfull to-do list that goes on for pages?
In the face of competing demands for your time and attention we’ll bottom line the way to actually DO “working smarter”, not theoretically, but practically speaking, from an “in the trenches” perspective. Join this webinar, presented by Wall Street Journal bestselling author of SCALE David Finkel, to learn tangible ways to implement this strategy into your business and make a difference today.

https://readytalk.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1505286&tp_key=5009229758&sti=scoreeventpage

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) in collaboration with the Office of Procurement (OP) and Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) will host a virtual NASA HBCU/MSI Technology Infusion Road Tour. This collaboration provides an open platform for HBCU and MSI representatives to learn about OSTEM's Minority Serving Institutions Sustainability Initiative, Agency acquisition opportunities, product service lines and Vendor Database, STMD's Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) opportunities, as well as research opportunities, grants, fellowships and contracts within each of the four Mission Directorates.

By participating in group sessions with various NASA program and technical personnel, in addition to large prime contractors, attendees will gain insight and strategies to pursue procurement and technical opportunities. Presenters will discuss lessons learned and their success stories. In addition, there will be virtual networking sessions with participating federal government representatives, NASA Center Technology Transition Leads and NASA prime contractors to introduce and build networking opportunities to follow up on information shared at this event.

Event highlights include:

• Finding opportunities within the NASA Mission Directorates.
• Overview of the Minority University Research & Education Project (MUREP) & MUREP Sustainability Initiative.
• Overview of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs.
• HBCU/MSI initiatives and opportunities with the Federal Government.
• NASA procurement overview.
• University capability presentations.
• Tips for Success: Building and maintaining relationships with prime contractors.
• Understanding the importance of your capability statement.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nasa-hbcumsi-technology-infusion-road-tour-tickets-169304033923

The City of Palm Bay Procurement Department invites you to a virtual training session providing an overview of how to do business with the City.

Topics include:

• What is Procurement and What Do We Do in the City?

• Overview of the City’s Procurement Requirements

• Responding to Invitations for Bid & Requests for Quotes

• Responding to Requests for Proposals

• Vendorlink Registration tutorial

When: November 9, 2021, 10 am to 11 am

Where: Virtually using Microsoft Teams To receive an invitation to this virtual TEAMS meeting so you can listen and view the webinar.

Please send an e-mail to procurement@pbfl.org. Further instructions for logging in to the webinar will be in your invitation.

The Tampa Chapter of Contractors Closers & Connections is hosting a business luncheon on Tuesday, 9 November, at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC in honor of Veterans Day. Active duty military and veterans can attend at no cost. Guest Speaker will be SgtMaj Matt Parrish from US Special Operations Command.

Start time is 11:30 am and attire is business or service dress uniform. Address for the Bryan Glazer JCC is 522 N Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. To register, send an email to cccnetworktampa@gmail.com or call 813-953-1056. There were still over 100 available seats for military/veterans at the time of this posting. We anticipate that a number of FAVOB members will attend and encourage everyone to invite others to the event. There are also still some sponsorship opportunities available for those interested.

VBA partnered with Stars and Stripes to create a special edition insert for the publication called “The Veterans Benefits Guide.” The print and digital publication, which highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning service members and their families, is available now.

The digital version of the Veterans Benefits Guide is available here: Veterans Benefits Guide | Stars and Stripes.

What you can expect

The Veterans Benefits Guide answers most of the commonly asked questions for a variety of benefits and services, including:

• Compensation
• Life insurance
• Pension and fiduciary services
• Education and training programs
• Economic development and employment
• Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance
• Mental health resources

In addition, the articles include links to helpful resources, such as program eligibility information, yearly benefit program reports, application directions, VBA contact information and much more.

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/95660/veterans-benefits-guide-now-available/?utm_source=VetResources&utm_medium=email&utm_id=VetResources+Oct+13+2021

The NASA Small Business Opportunities Virtual Expo 2021 with industry-specific networking rooms* is sponsored by the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). This year the Expo will host an overview of the Artemis program to include technical and contractor panels and afternoon industry-specific networking rooms. This virtual event will be from 10 am - 5 pm (EDT) on 7 October 2021.

A virtual program and exhibitor guide will be provided to all registered attendees. Register at this link NASA Small Business Opportunities Virtual Expo 2021 Registration, Thu, Oct 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Who Should Attend?

• Small Businesses who want to do business with NASA.
• Socio-economic Categories: WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB.
• Small Businesses who want to meet and network with NASA Prime Contractors.
• Large Contractors seeking teaming opportunities with Small Businesses.
• Construction companies interested in learning more about NASA contract opportunities.

EVENT DETAILS:

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information or questions, please email smallbusiness@nasa.gov or call 202-358-2088.

*The Government reserves the right to relocate, reschedule or cancel the event.

There are many great entrepreneur support programs available for veterans and military spouses in Florida. One of those is provided through the InLab at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. The InLab is an innovative center that provides several areas of service to the community, one of which is Operation Startup. Through a unique partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF, the InLab offers a free veteran entrepreneurship program called STRIVE. STRIVE assists veterans, and their family members, turn their ideas into a business. Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to apply for grants, seed funding and participate in pitch competitions that award $12,000 in funding.

The program is six weeks and the deadline to apply for the next cohort is September 17. Veterans, and their family members, can learn more about the program at https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/inlabhcc/inlabhcc-veterans/strive or by attending one of the open house events below.

August 28 Open House: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strive-open-house-virtual-through-zoom-tickets-164520293627

September 7 Open House: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strive-open-house-virtual-through-zoom-tickets-164521491209

The STRIVE program is provided virtually (so you can attend from any location) and there will be some limited in person seats for those in the Tampa area.