5 Resources for Veterans Starting Businesses in New Mexico

​One of the advantages of military service is that there are many resources offered by the government and other entities to help you thrive after you have completed your service. If you are a veteran who is interested in starting a business in New Mexico, there are a variety of programs to help you to achieve success, such as these five.
 
1. New Mexico Veterans Business Advocates
This community organization helps veterans and their businesses. Resources include networking opportunities, special programs with partner organizations, and assistance securing contracts with government entities.
 
This is an excellent example of how veteran networks can help to empower people to thrive in the business world. There are a lot of opportunities for veterans who want to start businesses. However, even learning about programs can be difficult if you have no one to guide you.
 
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2. New Mexico Veterans’ Business Outreach Center
The Veterans’ Business Outreach Center is a program intended to help New Mexican veterans access business training, counseling, and referrals. The services offered by the VBOC can help with the full entrepreneurial journey from guidance during conception to mentorship during operation.
 
You can get guidance on complex topics such as forming a limited liability company. This can be a useful business entity for taxation and liability. However, the rules vary by state. Seeking New Mexico-specific help from a formation service means you can avoid pricey attorney costs.
 
3. VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
At the federal level, there are many programs aimed at getting veteran-owned businesses involved in various contracts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. The purpose of this office is to get small businesses and those owned by traditionally disadvantaged groups involved with the VA. This includes helping veteran-owned businesses involved.
 
4. SBA Office of Veteran Business Development
Similarly, the Small Business Administration offers many resources and programs to help businesses get started. Within the agency, the Office of Veteran Business Development focuses on providing resources for veterans. The office can help veterans access various resources, especially those offered by the federal government. Plus, it is an ombudsman for veteran entrepreneurs.
 
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established small business owner, this is a valuable resource to take advantage of. The SBA is particularly known for offering loans to small businesses, with special loan options available to veterans.
 
5. SCORE and Other Mentorship Programs
Finally, veterans should consider getting involved with programs such as SCORE. Mentorship can be valuable for entrepreneurs, especially those who are starting a business for the first time. This can be a great way to expand your network, learn about running a better business, and bounce ideas off someone with more experience.
 
There tend to be a lot of other organizations in most communities that want to help veterans. For example, Goodwill New Mexico helps veterans find employment, including with veteran-owned businesses. Simply networking with local leaders can be a great way to discover new opportunities in your area.
 
Take the First Steps Toward Your Business Success Today
Running a business can be a rewarding experience. Take advantage of the programs and resources intended for veterans like you. They exist to empower those who have served the country in the military.

Author: Kelli Brewer Deploycare.org

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