VA conference for veteran business owners to be held in New Orleans

8/5/2011

New Orleans will be the host of the next National Veterans' Small Business Conference and Expo, hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. The conference will bring business experts, program managers and lecturers together to provide resources for veteran-owned businesses and interested entrepreneurs.

Held from August 15-18, the event will highlight such small business subjects as applying for and obtaining commercial funding, business plans and processes, navigating federal and state government contracts, law and licensing and the VA verification process.

"This conference offers a new approach to providing veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses the access and tools they need to thrive in the federal marketplace," noted Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

More than 400 booths will be set up for participating organizations, and VetGovPartner will be offering networking advice and opportunities as well a chance for participants to meet and share knowledge and success stories.

Shinsiki himself will be speaking at the conference, in addition to Frank Kendall, principal deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition. VA officers will be on hand to answer questions on VA benefits and the GI bill. Attendees will find a wealth of information and resources at the event, from small business advice to everyday veterans' issues.