Veterans who want to start or grow a business have a new resource in Harford County and can learn more at a meet-and-greet on April 19.
The new Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Havre de Grace provides business and entrepreneurial support services to active-duty personnel, veterans, service members transitioning out of the military, reservists, and military spouses.
“We welcome the VBOC here in Harford County to provide additional supports for veterans who want to start or expand a business,” County Executive Barry Glassman said. “Our service men and women have made great sacrifices in service to our country, and we are proud to help pave their way to successful business ownership.”
According to a County press release:
The VBOC is open to eligible Harford County residents by appointment only. Services offered include training, counseling, mentorship, referrals, and educational opportunities, like the Boots to Business program: a training course that gives veterans and their spouses an overview of the steps to business ownership. Virtual Boots to Business courses are held at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
VBOC is a national Small Business Administration (SBA) program, and is funded in Harford County as part of a five-year, $2 million grant awarded to the University of Maryland by SBA to extend resources to aspiring veteran entrepreneurs throughout the Mid-Atlantic using local resource partners. The program will be facilitated locally by the Harford County Office of Community & Economic Development.
The Harford County Office of Community & Economic Development will hold a meet-and-greet and ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19 to commemorate the launch of Harford’s VBOC’s program. To register, please contact Bonnie Barresi at bebarresi@harfordcountymd.gov or 410-638- 3338.
