UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Small Business Development Center will conduct a free, two-part workshop for veterans and members of the United States military who want to start their own business. The training will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Nov. 9, in The 329 Building at Innovation Park.
Day one of the workshop will focus on the first steps to launching a business, including idea foundation, writing a business plan, market landscape, economics and accounting. The second day will include reviewing participants’ business plans to financing their startups.
Michael Ryan, business consultant for the Penn State SBDC, said becoming an entrepreneur is a natural next step for servicemen and servicewomen.
“Veterans and active members of the military have been trained to be leaders, can focus on developing and executing a plan of action, and are able to persevere through challenging times. All of these characteristics are important traits in an entrepreneur,” Ryan said. “This training program was developed to provide veterans and their spouses or partners with the tools they need to work through the business planning process.”
Day two of the workshop will also feature a panel of U.S. military veterans who have already become entrepreneurs and are ready to share their advice with others. Tim Cook served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years before starting his first business, Monarch Martial Arts Academy, in State College. As a panelist, he will talk about his experience opening the academy nine years ago with his wife, Cat.
“I’m hoping to share what we wish we knew before opening our doors,” Cook said. “I’m going to be honest about the countless hours needed to devote to making your business grow and that if you have a family, why (it is key for) everyone to be on board with your goals.”
For more information or to register for the event, go to sbdc.psu.edu/events/vets. Space is limited, and preregistration is required.