1401 E. Court St.
RTC 3118
Flint, MI 48503
VetBizCentral
MICHIGAN - OHIO - INDIANA
Veterans Helping Veterans
Assisting Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Members in the formation and expansion of their businesses.
Entrepreneurial Training
Education
Mentoring
Counseling
Procurement
Webinars
SBA MDO Celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week
VBOC Grand Reopening- - Flint, MI
♦ Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, President of Mott Community College
♦ Matt Sherwood, Executive Director of VetBizCentral
♦ Constance Logan, SBA MDO DD
♦ U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee, 5th District of Michigan
DETROIT – On Thursday, November 8, the U.S. Small Business Administration Michigan District Office and VetBizCentral hosted a grand opening for the new Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), located at the Mott Community College Regional Technology Center.
♦ Matt Sherwood, Executive Director of VetBizCentral
The center, funded by the SBA, provides business counseling and services for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses within a three-state radius, covering Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
♦ Edward L. Ronders, Founder of VetBizCentral &
Director of Veteran Affairs for Lapeer County
♦ Matt Sherwood, Executive Director of VetBizCentral
♦ Constance Logan, SBA MDO DD
♦ U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee, 5th District of Michigan
The grand opening took place during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), November 5 through November 9, 2018. During the week, events are held nationwide, celebrating veteran entrepreneurs and bringing awareness to resources and programs available to the military and veteran community.
During the grand opening, the public was welcome to take a tour of the VBOC’s facilities and resources.
Trump Donates Salary for Vet Entrepreneurship
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday donated his second quarter salary to a new Small Business Administration initiative to help veteran entrepreneurs, the second time this year he has given money to federal veterans initiatives, according to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced the donation at a White House briefing on Wednesday. Linda McMahon, head of the Small Business Administration, accepted the $100,000 check, saying the funds “would be put to good use.”
Agency officials plan to use the money to launch a new seven-month training program for transitioning troops looking at starting their own businesses. The program will be based on the existing Emerging Leaders Initiative, but tailored to veteran-specific needs.
SBA’s Michigan District Director Constance Payne Logan to be recognized by Walker’s Legacy in Washington, D.C.
DETROIT – Walker's Legacy will recognize the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Michigan District Director Constance Logan at its second annual Women in Economic Development and Civic Leadership Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 13, 2018
Walker’s Legacy, a global platform for professional and enterprising multicultural women, will present Logan with its Woman in Economic Development and Civic Leadership Award, which honors champions of policy and programs to advance economic development, entrepreneurship ecosystems and job opportunities within their community.
“We are proud to elevate and celebrate women who work daily to ensure economic and entrepreneurial opportunities,” stated Natalie Madeira Cofield, Founder & CEO of Walker’s Legacy and the Walker’s Legacy Foundation. “We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and are honored to recognize Constance Logan for her the achievements and her embodiment of leadership, determination, and civic leadership.”
For more than 20 years, Logan has served in various roles throughout the U.S. government at the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency and the SBA. Currently, as the SBA’s Michigan district director, she implements the federal agency’s programs and services throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. She also oversees the SBA’s resource partners in the state, including 11 regional Small Business Development Centers, nine SCORE Chapters, three Women’s Business Centers, a Veteran’s Business Outreach Center and seven micro-lenders.
Prior to this role, she led the district’s business development division, overseeing the 8(a) and HUBZone certification programs and served as executive staff member leading small business initiatives for underserved and economically distressed markets. She successfully implemented and directed the Detroit Empowerment Zones’ One Capital Shop Detroit and for three consecutive years led the SBA’s prestigious Emerging Leaders’ program.
The Walker’s Legacy event is being held in partnership with the National League of Cities, African-American Mayors Association and media partner Axios and in tandem with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 2018 annual legislative conferences.
For more information on Constance Logan, contact Hodari Brown at (313) 324-3629 or email Hodari.brown@sba.gov.
For more information on the Walker’s Legacy Women in Economic Development & Civic Leadership Awards luncheon, please visit walkerslegacy.com.
VA and Small Business Administration Team up to Help Veteran Entrepreneurs
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide education and support to Veterans with disabilities interested in self-employment.
VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services entered into an agreement with SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development in early December to provide self-employment guidance, assistance and on-the-job training to Veterans with disabilities.
“Our partnership with the Small Business Administration brings together the best of public and private business resources to help Veterans with disabilities start their business on a firm footing,” said VA Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This program is available to Veterans who want to transition to self-employment and want the guidance and mentorship provided by SBA partners to increase their success.”
Trendway Wins 2018 Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
(Lt.) Matt Sherwood
Executive Director
VetBizCentral (VBOC)
(Rt.) Don Heeringa
Chairman and CEO
Trendway Corporation
HOLAND, MI – Trendway today announced it has been honored by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) as the 2018 SBA Michigan Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year.
Recipients of the award must be owned by a veteran, have 500 or fewer employees, demonstrate long-term business success, and have promoted opportunities for members of the military community.
The 2018 MCSB awards are presented at the annual event to honor small business across the state in Lansing.
“It is an honor to have been nominated and awarded this recognition,” said Don Heeringa, chairman and CEO of Trendway Corporation. “Trendway could not have achieved this level of success without our incredibly talented and passionate employees. It’s their ongoing commitment to customer service and our community that is the core of our company.”
SAVE THE DATES
2018 Event Schedule
2018 will be a record year for NVBDC - with five hosted events, following our popular and successful events in 2017. NVBDC has plans to make each event even better for veteran businesses and corporations alike in the coming year. We hope you will join us in making successful connections along side NVBDC this year.
Mark your calendars!
VIEW EVENT SCHEDULE
Keeping the Promise Business Expo
May 7-9, 2018
San Diego, CA
(In Collaboration with USVBA)
3rd Annual Federal Reserve Matchmaker
July 19, 2018
Chicago, IL
NVBDC Annual Golf Outing
June 29, 2018
Harrison Twp., M
National Veteran Business Matchmaker
& Vets Night Out
September 10-11, 2018
Motor City Casino
Detroit, MI
NVBDC Northeast Veteran Business
Development Conference
November 7, 2018
MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, NY
Dog Tag Inc.
ABOUT DOG TAG INC.
Dog Tag Inc. (DTI) empowers transitioning service-disabled veterans, military spouses, and caregivers to discover personal and professional fulfillment in the civilian world through an innovative five-month business and entrepreneurship-focused fellowship program.
DOG TAG INC. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
DTI’s Fellowship Program combines business and entrepreneurship coursework, ample personal development opportunities, and hands-on rotations throughout Dog Tag Bakery, our small business venture. Over the course of five months, Fellows explore a variety of career paths, learn about and how to utilize available resources, and establish vast personal and professional networks as they develop a strategic plan for achieving personal and professional fulfillment post-service.
MORE INFO
EDUCATION SESSIONS
We couldn't be more proud of our presenters. At times it was standing room only. With so many positive reviews, we are sure our veterans got a lot of valuable information out of the 4 learning sessions. And since nearly all of those enrolled actually showed up to learn, we know it was worth all the planning.
FIVE MONTH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES
Seven (7) courses resulting in a Certificate in Business Administration from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies:
♦ Principles of Management - Business Accounting
♦ Principles of Marketing - Entrepreneurship
♦ Business Policy - Financial Management
♦ Communications in Organizations
♦ Hands-On experience working within different areas of Dog Tag Bakery and Dog Tag Inc.
♦ Learning Lab series with guest speakers discussing lessons learned running a business, workshops on resumes, and specialized courses on telling your story
♦ Networking opportunities with business leaders and members of the veteran service organization community
♦ Soft skills development
SCHEDULE
The Dog Tag Bakery Fellowship program expects Fellows to commit to a five-month, four-day a week schedule, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This allows Fellows to have Fridays and weekends to attend to medical appointments, family commitments, community service commitments, etc.
Classes are admitted twice per year: January & July.
ELEGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
♦ Post 9/11 Military Veteran with service-connected disability, Caregiver, or Spouse
♦ Eager to learn and engage in professional development
♦ Preparing for a career in the civilian workforce
♦ Able to provide own transportation to and from the location in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Ford Motor Company Presented National Veteran Business Development Council’s Founder Award
(l-r) Dan Shipman-Ford, Keith King-NVBDC
Renee Jones-Ford, John Savona-Ford
Kathryn McIntyre-Ford, Richard Miller-NVBDC
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, USA
EINPresswire.com - The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) has presented the Ford Motor Company with its highest award. The “Founders Award” is in recognition of a sponsor’s early and continuous support of both the NVBDC and the certified Service Disabled and Veteran owned businesses (SD/VOBs) they represent. The Ford Motor Company was one of the very first corporations to encourage the NVBDC to develop a National Certification program that would meet corporate standards.
MORE INFO
“When we first started asking corporations about hiring SD/VOBs it was Ford that told us there are very specific certification standards that would have to be created by any Veteran business certification body and if the NVBDC was going to that body, then we would have to be a 501c-3 nonprofit foundation. They introduced us to the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the Great Lakes WBENC people who were kind enough to become our mentors. Ford was there when we did our beta-test of presenting the credential of three Veteran Owned Businesses that we felt met the standards we were taught. They said we got it and go build the organization and they would support us and they have lived up to their promise.
Ford has been and continues to be one of the leading corporations engaging Service Disabled and Veteran Owned Businesses that have been certified by the NVBDC. They were one of the first corporations to capture and track Veteran spend as a part of their total diversity spend. When Ford announced their 2016 $1.1 Billion spend with certified SD/VOBs, or with those whose certification is pending; what we saw is the true value of the NVBDC SD/VOB certification.
Over the past three years, Ford demanded that all SD/VOB suppliers become certified and the amount of the spend with NVBDC certified companies has grown proportionately. We can proudly say that Ford has more than lived up to their promise to support our certified Veteran Businesses and for all of these reasons we are proud to present to the Ford Motor Company our Founders Award”, said Keith King, President of the NVBDC.
Americhem Wins 2017 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
(Lt.) Matt Sherwood
Executive Director
VetBizCentral (VBOC)
(Rt.) Bruce Leslie Whetter
President
Americhem
DETROIT – Americhem Sales Corporation has won top honors by garnering the 2017 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award at an annual event hosted by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB).
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MCSB remains on the forefront of championing small business and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in Michigan. The MCSB's role is to serve as a catalyst for creating an entrepreneurial culture while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award,” said Bruce Leslie Whetter, President of Americhem Sales Corporation, “and I want to thank everybody who made this possible!”
The event was a wonderful way to celebrate Americhem Sales Corporation’s success. Bruce was honored to have his family and coworkers attend the event and be a part of the celebration. According to attendees, it was a most impressive affair with over 750 entrepreneurs and guests present.
“We at the National Veteran Business Development Council are particularly delighted that Americhem is NVBDC-certified and that this designation contributed to such an exciting recognition,” said Keith King, President of the NVBDC. “This underscores another element of just how valuable it is for Veteran-owned businesses to get this certification.”
Recognition For Outstanding Success
Located in Mason, Michigan, Americhem Sales Corporation is a long-established, award winning full line distributor and blender of solvents, oils and industrial fluids. They provide their industrial customers of all sizes with chemical and oil requirements on a 24/7 basis.
The company has state-of-the-art facilities, with storage on-site capability of over one million gallons of product. The company-owned fleet of trucks, tanker trailers and vans provides dependable, on-time delivery of drums, totes and bulk quantities to their customers.
Americhem has won numerous industry awards, including this 2017 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award in Michigan. Matt Sherwood, Executive Director of VetBizCentral, himself the 2017 winner of the National Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of the year as selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration and a member of the NVBDC Advisory board was honored to provide the winning nomination for the 5th year in a row.
Flint-Based VetBizCentral Selected as National SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center
U.S. Small Business Administration
Matt Sherwood
DETROIT – The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that VetBizCentral, an SBA funded Veterans Business Outreach Center based in Flint, Mich., has won the National SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center, Excellence in Service Award for 2017. Matt Sherwood, VetBizCentral’s executive director, will accept the award on behalf of the organization on May 4, 2017 at the 13th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event at The Lansing Center in Lansing. He will also receive the national award at the National Small Business Week awards event on May 1 in Washington, D.C.
MORE INFO
As part of National Small Business Week, the SBA has been recognizing the special impact made by outstanding American entrepreneurs and SBA resource partners since 1963. “Under Matt’s leadership, VetBizCentral has helped veterans and their military families to start and grow businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the national economy,” said Constance Logan, SBA Michigan district director. “Matt and the entire staff are truly deserving of this national recognition.”
VetBizCentral was selected for excellence in providing value to veterans and the veteran small business community by increasing the number of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business was founded by the SBA, the Edward Lowe Foundation, the Michigan Small Business Development Center, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Small Business Association of Michigan, and the Michigan Business Network in a collaborative effort to showcase the economic power of Michigan’s small business.
New Administrator Announced
U.S. Small Business Administration
Linda McMahon
Congratulations Linda McMahon, the 25th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration!
As Administrator of the SBA, McMahon will direct a federal agency with more than 2,000 full-time employees, with a leading role in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs secure financing, technical assistance and training, and federal contracts. SBA also plays a leading role in disaster recovery by making low interest loans.
Contract Professionals Inc
U.S. Veterans Magazine Article
“Colonel Larry Phelps Finds Employment
After Service to Our Nation”
U.S. Veterans Magazine - When the lights click on at the Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI) offices long before 8 a.m., the CPI staff sets to work with one goal in mind; to put veterans to work. A global staffing top secret cleared technical solution company founded by Steve York in 1982, and headquartered in Waterford, Michigan; CPI has spent more than 34 years partnering with companies to provide work to veterans after they have been discharged from the military.
“As a veteran and the CEO of CPI, I feel a deep obligation to ensure that my fellow veterans are given the opportunity to thrive long after their military careers have ended,” said York. “When they succeed in the civilian marketplace, then CPI has done its job.”
DTMB Simplifies Process for Veteran Participation in State Bidding
Now Accepting Nationally Recognized Certification
Lansing, MI — In an effort to assist veteran businesses competing for government contracts, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget will now accept the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC) certification when determining eligibility for the state’s service-disabled veteran-owned business pricing preference.
Veteran-Owned Small Business Award
Contract Professionals of Waterford
Oakland Press Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI), a Veteran Owned global staffing company based in Waterford, was recently awarded the Veteran Owned Small Business Award from the Michigan Small Business Administration. “As a veteran-owned company, CPI has been working to put out processing military personnel and veterans to work for more than 34 years,” said Jim Cowper, president, CPI.
Boots To Business
Wright Patterson AFB, OH
24-25 April 2019
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET
CALL ABRON: 810-767-8387
NEW CLIENT
REQUEST FOR COUNSELING
The U.S. Small Business Administration requires all clients to complete the Request for Counseling (Form 641). This form will act as our Confidentiality and Code of Conduct Agreements. All client information is held in strictest of confidence.
To start the process, please click on the above e-CENTER button to access our electronic Request for Counseling form. After submission, a counselor will contact you shortly.
CVE
Verification Process Training Opportunities
Preparing For Re-Evaluation
1st Tuesday of Each Month
Preparing for Re-Verification Webinar & Town Hall
Designed for firms whose verification will be expiring
Verification Training
3rd Tuesday of Each Month
Pre-Application Webinar & Town Hall
Designed for firms interested in submitting their first CVE Verification application
Staying Verified
4th Tuesday of Each Month
How to stay Verified Webinar & Town Hall
Designed for firms who have been verified in six months
CVE
Center For Verification
Apply here for VOSB or SDVOSB status with the VA
CVE Business Locator
A Nonprofit assisting veterans since 2005, serving Michigan, Ohio and Indiana