VETERANS BUSINESS & BENEFITS EVENT PLANNED

Boise â?? Former members of the United States military are invited to attend a Veterans Business and Benefits Conference scheduled for Saturday, March 26th at the Hatch Ballroom in the Student Union Building at Boise State University. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is co-sponsoring the seminar entitled â??Opening Doors for Americaâ??s Heroes.â?? All veterans and active duty personnel are eligible to apply for services through the seminar. Planners say the conference is aimed at providing veterans and active duty military personnel with valuable information on starting and operating a successful small business. Special attention is being given to financing, marketing, selling to government and other contractors, and finding the right franchise fit for business. A trade show featuring displays and advice from service providers is also being included as part of the event, which is also sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Idaho Business Network. Crapo says veterans play an important role in the establishment of small business following a career in the military. â??Small business is the backbone of the American economy and the cornerstone of Idaho communities,â?? Crapo said. â??As veterans move from the military into the private sector, they have the potential to be a tremendous economic engine if given the right tools. Veterans have served our nation and demonstrated that they believe in hard work. This seminar is specifically targeted towards helping them understand if starting a small business is right for them and showing them how to take the first concrete steps in that direction.â?? The morning session on the 26th will begin with an 8:00 a.m. registration period, followed by workshops lasting until 4:45 p.m. Interested participants may inquire about details by calling (208) 426-3875 or by logging onto the Idaho SBDC web site at: www.idahosbdc.org. Participating agencies include the Veterans Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho Commerce & Labor, American Legion, Vets Center, SBA, ESGR, Idaho SBDC, SCORE, IDVS, Idaho Business Network and Idaho Senator Mike Crapoâ??s Offices. # # #