LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) The Arkansas Venture Centers Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator program is making significant strides in aiding veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce through entrepreneurship. On this Veterans Day, we examine how programs like this are playing a crucial role in helping veterans turn their military skills into successful business ventures. Veronica Tice, an Air Force veteran, is one of the many beneficiaries of this program. After launching her company, TiceCon, in 2022, she found herself in need of guidance to navigate the complexities of federal and local government contracting. "They give us a lot of training, licensing information, how to do business with the federal government, special certifications that you can get with the federal government, and how to communicate with contracting officers within the federal government. So, yeah, it was super helpful," said Tice, crediting the program with providing her the confidence to move forward. Veronica joined the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator (VOSBA) within a year of starting her business, finding it instrumental in helping her build her network and gain essential knowledge about federal contracts. The structure of the 12-week program offers a great benefit to veterans, teaching key concepts ranging from marketing strategies to specific niche topics relevant for veteran-owned businesses. The program manager at the Venture Center, Josh Nguyen, articulates the initiative's mission succinctly: "They'll learn more about how to structure their business, whether that's high-level topics on marketing or finances, or even niche subjects for veteran-owned small businesses." As veterans often have inherent skills like discipline and determination developed through service, they are often ideally positioned to succeed in entrepreneurship. Further, Tice emphasizes the importance of such programs for veterans transitioning into civilian life. I think programs like this are critical and just very important for those people transitioning out of the military, she noted, highlighting a common sentiment among veterans who seek success in the business realm. Additionally, she maintains her connection with the Venture Center for ongoing support, indicating that this initiative is about fostering a community as much as it is about education. Applications for the next cohort of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator program will remain open until early December, with sessions kicking off in 2026, reinforcing that there is an ongoing commitment to helping veterans succeed in their post-military careers. As more veterans seek investment into entrepreneurship, the demand for such programs may continue to increase. However, while the evidence is anecdotal at this stage, it's evident that veterans possess unique qualities that can make them strong business leaders. Early reports suggest that the entrepreneurial spirit is often further cultivated through programs like VOSBA, assisting veterans not only in starting their businesses but also in understanding the important dynamics of operating a successful company catered to government contracts. Ultimately, supporting programs for veterans in business is not just about providing a one-off training session; it's about creating a sustainable system to empower them for long-term success. As we learn more about how these programs evolve and adapt, it will become increasingly clear what impact they hold for the wider veteran community and the economic landscape as a whole.