Seminar topic: franchising opportunities for veterans

Many military personnel become small-business owners instead of joining corporate America when they return to the civilian work force.

The Small Business Administration wants to make sure they are prepared for that transition.

The SBA, in cooperation with the Crater Small Business Development Center and New Visions, New Ventures, is holding a four-hour free seminar today at Fort Lee on franchising opportunities for veterans. The program starts at 10 a.m.

"This is part of our veteran outreach to help them get into small business so they can live the American dream of owning their own business," said Ron Bew, the SBA's Richmond district director. "There are franchising opportunities that reduce the risk of going into business for yourself."

One speaker will be a board member of the Vet-Fran initiative of the International Franchise Association, who will talk about franchising opportunities and issues.

The SBA's Bob McLoone will talk about how the agency can help veterans with financing and other training and counseling to start a small business or to buy a franchise. Veterans at the seminar can learn about the Patriot Express loan initiative designed to assist veterans, military personnel and their spouses in starting and growing their small businesses.

The seminar is the SBA's first program in Virginia on franchising opportunities for veterans. SBA is considering repeating the program at other bases in the state.

The program is geared for veterans and military personnel, but Bew said anyone interested in buying a franchise or starting a small business can attend. For details, visit http://www.sba.gov/va or call McLoone or Andy Keller at 771-2400.

-- Gregory J. Gilligan