Louisiana secures federal grant for new veteran business center

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and The Boot have secured nearly $175,000 in annual federal funding for the next five years to establish a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Louisiana. The funding, provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of a $4.9 million nationwide investment, will support the expansion of the VBOC network in Louisiana, Alaska, and Florida.

The Boot will operate the new center, which aims to provide entrepreneurship training, counseling, and technical assistance at no cost. Target recipients include veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and eligible family members.

Services offered through the center will include business plan development, access-to-capital assistance, government contracting guidance, financial planning, and marketing support. The center also intends to facilitate the SBA’s ‘Boots to Business’ program and provide veteran business certification support.