A casual look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Devan Costa-Cargill, Wyoming SBDC Network Regional Director for Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie Counties

With so many small business resources and programs available, it can be difficult to determine which program will meet the needs of seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners. Seasoned entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, such as transitioning from military to civilian life, accessing capital, and translating their military experience into small business skills.

Wyoming’s SBDC network offers a wide range of services and its network has a strong referral system to support businesses comprehensively. The network operates in a large small business resource environment. A regional manager can help veteran-owned businesses identify their needs and align them with resources that best match their priorities. The program can support them from ideation to succession planning across all sectors.

When you’re in idea mode, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and this can halt your progress. As a business advisor, I listen to ideas and immediately begin organizing the steps you will need to further explore the idea. As you share, I also listen to your strengths and passions. My goal is to help you leverage your best assets as you plan to launch your business or determine your next steps. The more confident you feel, the more successful you will be.

If you are considering expanding an existing business, I can help you define your expansion plan, capital needs and staffing considerations. The sessions are very dynamic and literally adapt to your current needs. At every step, I make sure you feel supported and encouraged to continue progressing towards your goals.

Programs that meet needs

Small business resources include specific tools and services that help veterans achieve their goals. Some of Wyoming’s resources include financial assistance, such as loans and grants; business consulting and mentoring programs; market research; and access to support for technological innovation. Advisors provide individual business advice in creating a business plan or meeting legal requirements, as well as in many other areas of small business planning and management.

Here are some of the many organizations dedicated to supporting seasoned entrepreneurs:

— THE Wyoming SBDC Network provides business expertise to help Wyoming residents think through, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with public funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

— American SBAs Office of Veterans Affairs Development offers programs like Boots to Business and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans.

— THE Big Sky Veterans Business Outreach Center The office serves Wyoming’s seasoned entrepreneurs and businesses.

— SCORE Wyoming provides free business mentoring and training to seasoned entrepreneurs, helping them translate their military skills into business success.

— Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal provides resources and advice to veterans looking to start or grow their business.

These organizations and several others offer a range of services, from mentoring and training, to access, funding and networking opportunities, to public procurement support. Leveraging these resources can significantly improve a small business’ chances of succeeding in today’s dynamic economy.

Veterans bring valuable skills, such as leadership, strategic planning and resilience, that can lead their businesses to success. The Wyoming SBDC Network and its partners provide tailored resources and mentoring that can help veterans overcome any obstacles they face and help them thrive.

Action steps

Accessing services is as simple as making a call or registering online at www.wyomingsbdc.org. The seasoned small business owner will receive a quick response from an advisor to schedule an appointment. The initial meeting is typically a discovery call to gather preliminary information about a small business owner’s project, ideas and passions. This sets the stage for follow-up meetings.

Services are provided free of charge to Wyoming entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you are in the ideation stage, I will explore your ideas and help you analyze the feasibility, timeline, and costs of launching and sustaining. If you are already in business and need training, one-on-one support or financing, I can make the necessary connections and provide you with meaningful referrals to resource partners.

For free, confidential business advice, contact a Wyoming SBDC Advisor at
www.wyomingsbdc.org/contact/.