LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — In a notable initiative to support veterans, the Arkansas Venture Center's Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator program is providing crucial assistance to veterans looking to transition their military skills into successful business ventures. Founded with the intention of aiding those who have served, this program stands out for its dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit among veterans.
One such veteran is Veronica Tice, who served in the Air Force for over two decades. She started her own company, TiceCon, in 2022, focusing on providing goods and services to various federal and local government agencies. Tice's journey exemplifies the potential of veterans to excel in the business world. "They give us a lot of training, licensing information, how to do business with the federal government, and special certifications that you can get with the federal government," she explains, highlighting the program's importance in demystifying the federal contracting process.
With today being Veterans Day, this story resonates deeply, showcasing how service and determination can lead to success long after military service. Tice joined the VOSBA (Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator) program roughly a year after launching her business, and she credits it with providing her the confidence and knowledge to navigate federal contracts effectively. "They gave us all the basic information, and the how-to on how to apply for certifications,” Tice notes, referring to the essential skills taught through the workshop.
Josh Nguyen, the program manager at the Venture Center, mentions that the initiative aims to empower veterans with tools and knowledge relevant to running a business. The free 12-week program covers a wide array of topics, from high-level business structure to niche subjects pertinent to veteran-owned small businesses. This comprehensive approach is crucial, as veterans often have the discipline and drive honed through military service but may lack specific knowledge about the business landscape.
Tice specifically praises the ongoing support provided by the Venture Center, which continues even as her business grows. Staying connected is vital for her, as the entrepreneurial journey can be fraught with challenges. "Programs like this are critical and very important for those people transitioning out of the military," she emphasizes. Her experience demonstrates the potential for veterans to thrive when equipped with the right resources.
Applications for the next session of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator are currently open until early December, with the program kicking off in 2026. This initiative signifies a shift in how communities can better support veterans, offering free resources that align with their unique skills and capabilities. As more veterans like Tice turn to entrepreneurship, such programs not only can help stimulate local economies but also cultivate a robust community of veteran business owners.
In celebrating Veterans Day, it is clear that initiatives like this highlight the strengths of those who defended our country. By enabling veterans to leverage their military experience into successful business endeavors, we are promoting an important transition that benefits both the individuals and the broader community.
The emergence of programs like the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator indicates a growing recognition of the value veterans bring to the entrepreneurial landscape. Their unique skills and resilience are assets in business, and support structures such as these can be instrumental in facilitating successful transitions. With a growing movement toward fostering veteran entrepreneurship, it is essential to monitor how these programs evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the community they serve, ensuring a pathway for sustained success among our veterans.