Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals, while introducing resources to support you in business development.

The Boots to Business Reboot for Farmers and Ranchers, in partnership with the USDA, is designed specifically for those with an interest in developing an agriculture-based business. This free one-day, virtual session from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT on Monday, Sept. 30, will feature speakers from across the USDA, farmer veteran business owners, SBA resource partners and industry experts from across the country.

The industry-specific curriculum aids those interested in exploring agriculture-based business ownership by leading participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. Participants are introduced to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business concepts and resources available to access start-up capital, technical assistance, contracting opportunities, and more. Topics will include:

• What is Entrepreneurship?
• Evaluating a Business Opportunity?
• Doing Your Market Research — Who is Buying What You are Growing/Raising?
• Selecting The Correct Legal Structure for Your Farm/Ranch
• The Economics of Agriculture
• Business Planning — From Idea to Roadmap
• Financing Your Venture — Short Term and Long Range
• SBA/USDA Resources for You

Active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate. Online attendance is free. Visit the Boots to Business registration page, where you can sign up to receive the event link.

The Boots to Business session is held quarterly online — the next session will be in November 2024.

Register