Below, we’ll discuss what Boots to Business is; how it works; who qualifies for it; provide details on the Boots to Business Reboot course; and answer some frequently asked questions about the program.
What Is Boots to Business?
Boots to Business is a free education and training course administered by the SBA as a component of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Its purpose is to help provide transitioning service members and their spouses with the business knowledge necessary to pursue entrepreneurship in their shift to civilian life. The course also offers information about the many resources available to veterans and how they can access them. The B2B program is offered at more than 180 military installations globally.
How Boots to Business Works
There are three parts to the B2B program: In addition to the core coursework, there is Boots to Business Revenue Readiness, a six-week online course provided by Mississippi State University. Participants are eligible to sign up for the program after finishing the B2B or Boots to Business Reboot courses. The Revenue Readiness curriculum focuses on guiding individuals in developing business ideas into actionable business models. The online program includes two interactive, instructor-led classes a week and relevant coursework.
How To Apply for Boots to Business
To sign up for the B2B Introduction to Entrepreneurship, those interested should reach out to the Transition Service Manager of their local military installation who is in charge of facilitating the program. Individuals also need to set up an online account with their full name, email address, and service status. Participants can use the online account to access additional class information. Similarly, those who would like to take the Revenue Readiness classes must set up an account online with their basic personal information. Participants must also sign up through the Mississippi State University website, which provides individuals with step-by-step details on how to register.
Who Qualifies for Boots to Business?
Boots to Business is a free program created intentionally for transitioning service members and their spouses, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Individuals of all pay grades, enlisted and officer, are able to participate. Eligible individuals range from service members transitioning from their initial service engagements to participants retiring after a long career of service.
Boots to Business Reboot
The Boots to Business Reboot program is aimed to assist service members who have already made the transition to their civilian life. The one- or two-day session takes place off military installation or online, and is very similar to the foundational B2B course offered to transitioning individuals. The Reboot program is also free of charge and open to veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. To register for the Boots to Business Reboot classes, individuals must sign up for an online account and provide general personal information. Through the online portal, participants can enroll in a specific course and access class information.
