Military veterans with an interest in business are invited to explore the rewards of business ownership at the 13th Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Governors State University (GSU) in University Park.
The event is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at GSU. The 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.
“Our Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is designed to provide real-world perspective in an interactive setting,” said 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 SBDC at GSU offers the program free of charge to veterans; non-veterans are also welcome for a registration fee of $50.
Speakers will include State Sen. Thomas Cullerton, and a number of 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, The John Marshall Law School)
- Certifications for Veterans (Kevin Smith, GSU)
- International Trade (Mary Ma, International Trade Center at GSU)
- 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.
The event will take place in the GSU Center for Performing Arts. For more information, call 708-534-4929.