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Program offers help for vets seeking to start small businesses

Times Leader - 4/13/2018

April 13--WILKES-BARRE -- Allen Raczkowski wants to create the world's largest youth wrestling facility in Wilkes-Barre and the U.S. Army veteran is looking for ideas on where to seek help.

That's why Raczkowski and 19 other military veterans attended Thursday's "Operation Boots to Business" program at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce's THINK Center.

The day-long event was sponsored by the Chamber, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Lindsey Bezick, vice president at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, said the program was part of the Chamber's Connect Program. She said the information provided to the veterans will help them on their path to opening a business.

"And we will follow up with all of the veterans to provide help and answer any question they might have," Bezick said. "All of their names and information will placed in our database."

Raczkowski said he has already secured space at 237 Old River Road for his wrestling training center -- the Altered Beasts Wrestling Academy -- and he hopes to be able to have the building renovated in time for an October opening.

"Over the last 10 to 15 years there has been a decline in the number of champion wrestlers from this area," Raczkowski said. "We hope to be able to provide the top level training for young people who want to learn how to wrestle."

SBA program

Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense'sTransition Assistance Program (TAP). The program provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.

Shannon Degiglio, Lender Relations & Economic Development Specialist for SBA, said Thursday's program was the first Boots to Business event in the Wilkes-Barre area. She said there is no cost to the veterans for the program that is designed to help active duty veterans and retiring military members pursue entrepreneurship as they transfer to civilian life.

Degiglio said Boots to Business is regarded as one way to combat the high unemployment rate seen among returning veterans as compared to the rest of the population. Last year, Degiglio said the veteran unemployment rate was at 9 percent -- down from the previous year by nearly a full percent, according to Reuters.

"Veterans tend to make excellent business owners," Degiglio said. "They are able to apply the skill sets they learn in the military and transfer them to business ownership."

Degiglio said veterans have the determination, discipline and a never-give-up attitude needed to be successful in business.

"Veterans are used to getting up early to go to work," Degiglio said. "That is a key trait for a successful businessperson."

Elizabeth Lewis drove to Wilkes-Barre from Philadelphia to the program. Lewis, a chef at a shelter for women and children, said she wants to open a high-end pastry shop that specializes in take-out orders and has a eat-in pastry bar.

"I wanted to come here and be with people who share the same things I want," Lewis said. "I want to learn everything I can to open my business and be successful."

What they discussed

Thursday's topics included:

--Introduction to the entrepreneurial experience

--Right idea? Basics of opportunity recognition

--Picking the correct legal entity

--Markets and your competitive space

--Government contracting

--The economics of small business start-up

--Business planning

--Financing your venture

--Moving forward: Resources to support you

Jim Spagnola, Luzerne County Director of Veterans Affairs, said he attended the program to gather information for veterans thinking about starting a small business.

"We get questions about all veterans' issues, including starting a business," Spagnola said. "I'm here to see how we can better serve the veterans of Luzerne County.

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