Small Business Boot Camp Gives Veterans Expert Advice on Entrepreneurship

Military veterans with an interest in business are invited to explore the rewards of business ownership at the 13th annual Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on November 12, sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Governors State University (“SBDC at GSU”). This full-day workshop and networking event provides practical guidance for business owners on a wide variety of topics from experts, many of them veterans themselves. The SBDC at GSU offers the program free of charge to veterans. Non-veterans are also welcome for a registration fee of $50.

The 2015 SBDC at GSU Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp continues a legacy of supporting veterans as they act in the private sector as current or future business owners. Presentations will include a Keynote Address from State Senator Tom Cullerton, as well as many business owners and professionals who will share their personal experience and advice. Topics will include:

• Finding the Right Franchise for You (Laurie Burge, FranChoice)
• Pricing Right (Tom Gray, Business Techniques Institute)
• Business Plan: Why Bother? (Jerry Janousek, Phoenix Business Solutions, Inc.)
• Legal Challenges (Michael Schlesinger, John Marshall Law School)
• Tools and Resources for Veterans (Kevin Smith, Governors State University)
• International Trade (Mary Ma, International Trade Center at Governors State University)
• Veteran Business Advantages (Jeffrey Ficaro, Standard Bank)
• Government Contracting 101 (Rita Haake, PTAC at College of DuPage)
• Social Media for Your Business (Stephanie Shostok, Sharn Enterprises, Inc.)

Attendees will also be able to build business connections at a speed networking session, luncheon, and dessert reception.

“Our Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is designed to provide real-world perspective in an interactive setting,” notes Priscilla Cordero, Director of the SBDC at GSU. “Participants can choose from a number of different breakout sessions, creating a personalized experience. The combination of education and networking makes this event an outstanding opportunity.”

The Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp takes place from 8:00am to 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Center for Performing Arts of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park, Illinois. It is offered free of charge to veterans thanks to the generous support of sponsors First Midwest Bank, Standard Bank & Trust Co., MB Financial Bank, and Old Plank Trail Community Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank. For more information about events and programs at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at GSU, call 708 534 4929.

Photo Caption: The Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on November 12, sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Governors State University, will present workshops and networking opportunities for veterans and other entrepreneurs.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Governors State University (SBDC at GSU) is a collaboration between Governors State University, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Our mission is to create an environment that nurtures entrepreneurship throughout the region. SBDC at GSU programs develop, finance, grow, and improve the business community through high quality professional services and training, and facilitate public and private partnerships to support all aspects of entrepreneurial development. For information on the SBDC at GSU, call 708 534 4929 or visit www.govst.edu.