Our Mission

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Mississippi State University (MSU) mission is to create America's next generation of veteran and military spouse small business owners. The VBOC at MSU's focus is to contribute to the success of members of the U.S. military community including transitioning service members, veterans, reservists, national guard members, and military spouses with programs and services to start, grow, and expand their small business. The VBOC at MSU serves veterans and military spouses in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business enterprise.

There are 31 VBOCs around the country (sba.gov/vboc), with the VBOC at MSU established in 2015. The VBOC at MSU serves active duty transitioning service members as well as guard, reserve, veterans of all eras and military spouses in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

On this website you will find a link to sign up for business counseling and information on a variety of training events and how to register for Boots to Business and Boots to Business | Reboot and workshops on topics such as entrepreneurship, financing (Become Lender Ready), Government Contracting, and Social Media. More training and resources can be found at SBA.gov. 

VBOC map

VBOC at MSU Director Discussing the Program!

America's Seed Fund Week

America's Seed Fund Week

America's Seed Fund Week is a free, virtual event that connects entrepreneurs with the country's largest source of early-stage research and development (R&D) funding.

What Is America's Seed Fund? America's Seed Fund awards over $5 billion annually in non-dilutive funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Small businesses use this critical funding to develop their technologies and get them to market.

What Happens at America's Seed Fund Week?

  • Hear from federal and private sector leaders on the importance of continued technology innovation
  • Learn how to navigate SBIR/STTR opportunities and apply for funding
  • Meet with SBIR/STTR federal agency representatives
  • Connect with Federal and State Technology (FAST) organizations and find other support resources
  • Build relationships with fellow innovators

Who Should Attend?

  • Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Small Businesses based in the United States that are building technologies and bringing them to market
  • Startup Accelerators, Business Incubators, University Entrepreneur Organizations, and other entrepreneur support organizations
  • Representatives from Federal Agencies, State and Local Government, and other members across innovation networks that support small businesses
Accessibility and Inclusion: All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance of this event. Contact Sharon.Hoffmeyer@sba.gov.

Register Here

Make Onshoring Great Again Portal

Connect with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers.

This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA. American-made isn’t just a label. It’s a commitment to quality, security, and strength.

Visit Portal

Have you been affected by a recent natural disaster?

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Training Events
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Boots to Business | Reboot
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Request Free Business Counseling