VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Have you dreamed of owning your own business? If so, the Airman and Family Readiness Center offers a program that can turn your dreams to a reality.
One class offered is Boots to Business, which is a course that helps individuals explore their options in business management.
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program. The two-day course is offered quarterly for Airmen and spouses; the next available class is April 11 to 12, 2019.
“Running a business is not always easy,” said Linda Crowder, 30th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. “We offer this program to anyone interested so they can better prepare to own and manage their business. Everyone needs a plan when taking the next steps towards their future, and for some, entrepreneurship is a great option.”
According to the Small Business Administration, the statistic that more than half of new businesses fail during the first year isn't necessarily true. The SBA states that only 30% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 50% during the first five years and 66% during the first 10. None the less, it’s clear that running a business can be challenging and people need a variety of tools to make their businesses succeed.
“During this course, I learned the significance of researching and planning for my potential business as well as different agencies to help get a business off the ground,” said Staff Sgt. Caity Casey, 30th Logistic Readiness Squadron operator records and licensing non-commissioned officer in charge.
Boots to Business is one of the many courses that the A&FRC offers to help Airmen and their spouses explore the possible options for their future career.
“This course was vital,” said Casey, who plans on opening a transition home for veterans separating from the military. “It was great to get all potential entrepreneurs together to cross-talk about information, even outside the course material.”
For more information on the Boots to Business course, contact the A&FRC at (805)606-0039.