UTA extends support for military-connected entrepreneurs
The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business has received a $1.7 million Small Business Administration (SBA) grant to establish two Nevada Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs).
Patrick E. Alcorn, senior director of UTA’s VBOC and a veteran, said this critical funding will provide resources and staffing to support the military entrepreneur community in Nevada.
“I am excited that we will be partnering with other SBA Resource Partners—including the Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and the Women’s Business Center—to have a stronger presence and local focus for the state of Nevada,” Alcorn said. “I am very eager to see the impact of providing local technical assistance and support to military-connected entrepreneurs in Nevada and what a local team can do to take the VBOC to the next level of support for small businesses in the military community.”
Nevada VBOC will have two offices, one at the University of Nevada–Reno and one at Co-Operate Blackfire in Las Vegas.
UT Arlington’s College of Business has demonstrated a firm commitment to addressing challenges that aspiring and existing veteran and military spouse small business owners face in accessing critical training and counseling services, Alcorn said. The College of Business will oversee the Nevada locations with two remote employees, one at each site.
UTA’s VBOC is a four-time recipient of the SBA Veterans Business Champion of the Year Award. Dedicated to supporting the veteran communities in Arkansas, Oklahoma and North Texas, UTA VBOC remains committed to providing outstanding counseling, entrepreneurial development, and funding opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing small businesses.