SBA Veteran Small Business Week Roundtable Discussions

Are you a veteran owned business or a small business exporter?

Join the SBA for two roundtable events on October 31st. “Translating Military Skills to Business Success” and “A World of Sales Opportunities and Growth”.

You will be registered for both roundtables, attend both or just one.

Starting at 12:30pm “Translating Military Skills to Business Success”

• Keynote speaker retired US Army Colonel Bill Benson, Executive Director of Boots 2 Roots. Colonel (R) Bill Benson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in bridging the gap between military service and civilian careers. He will share his insights on the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to the business world and offer strategies for success.

The roundtable will also include:

• Veteran Small Business Owner Panel: Hear directly from fellow veterans who have successfully translated their military skills into thriving businesses.
• Q&A Session: Have burning questions about your transition from military service to entrepreneurship? Our panelists and speakers are here to answer them. Engage in a candid and informative discussion to gain valuable insights.

Whether you’re already a veteran business owner or just starting to explore entrepreneurship, this roundtable discussion is your opportunity to connect with a supportive community, access valuable resources, and gain the knowledge needed to translate your military skills into business success.

2:00pm to 3:00pm Networking Hour.

• Representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE Maine, Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Women’s Business Center (WBC) be available to provide information on resources and support available to entrepreneurs and business owners. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the keynote speakers and panelists from both roundtables.

Starting at 3:00pm: “A World of Sales Opportunities and Growth”

• Founder of NaviTrade and a Trade Credit & Political Risk Program broker, Brent Hoots helps companies to better manage and execute their international and domestic transactions. As a Board Member of the Maine District Export Council, Brent will discuss how to mitigate risks and grow sales in overseas markets.

The roundtable will also include:

• Small Business Exporter Panel: Hear from Maine small business owners that are currently exporting goods around the world. Learn about their journeys, the obstacles they overcame, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
• Q&A Session: Have questions about pivoting your business to begin exporting or growing and expanding on the international trade success you are already seeing? Our panelists and speakers are here to answer them. Engage in a candid and informative discussion to gain valuable insights.

Small businesses at any stage of your export venture or looking for new markets to expand upon your domestic success, this roundtable discussion is your opportunity to connect with a supportive community, access valuable resources, and gain the knowledge needed to take your business to a whole new world.

Location: U.S. Custom House, 312 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101