TOP STORY >> Boots to Business

By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Boots to Business program is for those who want entrepreneurial education and training for exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities.

The program is typically introduced during the transition assistance program as a post-service career option for service members and their spouses, however, people can take advantage of the program prior to TAP.  

The two-day course focuses on the many opportunities and challenges of business ownership.

“The greatest thing most people get from taking the two-day course is a greater understanding of the resources available to them,” said Edward Haddock, Northwest Arkansas U.S. Small Business Administration senior area manager. “These help in evaluating their business ideas and an overview of the entrepreneurial process from experienced business coaches and trainers.”

Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Witt, a 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of cargo movements, learned about starting up her own business.

“The class provided so much information on all the ins and outs to starting up your own business,” said Witt. “It was an eye-opener for me to see how small business loans actually work.”

The next classes are slated for June 29-30 and again Sept. 28-29, 2015. For questions or to sign up for the classes, call the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 501-987-6801 and check the Boots to Business website; www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness

“I would highly recommend this class to anyone who has a desire to start up their own business,” said Witt. “There are a lot of details for just the general person, who hasn’t had the opportunity to sit down for hours on end, to research the whole process of starting/owning your own business.”