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MARCH 2024 MILITARY-CONNECTED SMALL BUSINESS NEWSLETTER

As the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource for Veterans, The UTA Veterans Business Outreach Center (UTAVBOC) is a one-stop shop to assist Veterans, Reservist, National Guard, Active Duty Personnel and Military Spouses in starting and growing their businesses through education, training, advising and entrepreneurial development services. Our monthly newsletter provides you with valuable and up-to-date information on military-connected entrepreneur events, resources and services to assist in your entrepreneurial endeavors!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Upcoming Events

The “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course is the foundational piece of Boots to Business (B2B). Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. Find a class near you!

Transforming Businesses through Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities March 7, 2024, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Arlington, TX This in-person symposium provides a forum for industry professionals and academics to exchange information and knowledge in the area of analytics and AI. This all-day event will feature tech talks and engaging panels with prominent industry experts, an exciting tech workshop, a student analytics competition and a networking happy hour. Register here.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Simplify SEO + Content: AI for Business Growth March 21, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM CST This workshop is designed for those who want to elevate their digital marketing without getting bogged down in complexity. We're here to break down how AI can streamline and enhance your SEO and content strategies, making them more effective and less time-consuming. Whether you're aiming to boost your online visibility or seeking to make your marketing efforts more efficient, this webinar will provide you with the insights and tools you need to succeed in today's digital landscape.

Setting Up Your Business Social Media from Scratch March 8, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST If you’re looking to get started with social media, learning how a business account differs from a personal account, when and what you should post, and developing a social media strategy that drives engagement, this social media group session is for you! During this session, you will be grouped with a social media expert and discuss how to select the right social media channels for your business, the ins and outs of selling and conversions through social media, the posting frequency that makes the most sense, and the type of content that will most resonate with your audience. Register here- search the platform for the course.

Marketing Plan for Beginners March 18, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CST If you want to increase visibility or reach more new customers, this session is for you! During this session, you will work with an expert and learn how to better communicate the story of your business, who your potential customers are (and where to find them), and where to focus your marketing efforts. Your expert will walk you through a simple, question-and-answer guide to building a concise, actionable marketing plan. Register here- search the platform for the course.

Website Review & User Experience March 27, 2024, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM CST Are you looking to drive more traffic to your site? Or are you having trouble converting visitors to customers? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this session is for you! During this session, you will work with an expert to gain an understanding of strategies for getting more people to see and engage with your website. Register here- search the platform for the course.

IMPORTANT UPDATES for your small business

National Veterans Small Business Coalition has launched VetFed Consult- free consultations for ALL GovCon Professionals SBA launches enhanced Lender Match Tool small businesses to connect to capital through SBA’s network of approved banks and private lenders DOD Small Business Training Week- April 29-May 3 Looking to Export? Free Global Gateway Course for service members, veterans and spouses. Save with Super-Early Bird Discounts for Business Beyond the Battlefield 2024 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is Growing Businesses with $10K Grants Founders First Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program- Business grants, funder matchmaking and fund readiness program  American Dream Awards provide $1K grants, media coverage and other perks. USDA ReConnect Loan & Grant Program Veteran Loan Fund- Connecting Veterans with Capital Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant 60 Grants and Loans to Benefit Your Business

UTAVBOC's partnership with Govology provides no-cost, online support for small businesses pursuing government contracting opportunities by connecting them with trusted knowledge, resources, experts, and support so that they may learn, prepare, connect, and win. Be unstoppable with Govology's weekly webinars, 150+ on-demand courses, and cohort programs from experienced industry professionals. Save $675 and access this content for FREE as a client of UTAVBOC. REQUEST FREE ACCESS

Vision The Veterans Business Outreach Center University of Texas Arlington (UTAVBOC) is the premier resource for education, training and inspiration to empower the military connected community to build profitable businesses that add value to the member, their local community and the nation.

Motto/Slogan Business Beyond the Battlefield The University of Texas at Arlington is the nation’s top public university for military service members and veterans and No. 2 among all universities, according to the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list.

UTA RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

UTA Military and Veteran Services Veterans Upward Bound VetSuccess on Campus Maverick Veterans Veterans Edge Peer Mentorship Program The Maverick Battalion Veterans Business Outreach Center EpicMavs Certificate in Entrepreneurship Connect with UTA Veterans!