Tacoma/South Sound organization named Small Business honor

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2014 Washington Veteran Small Business Champion is the Tacoma/South Sound chapter of SCORE, a nonprofit whose volunteers provide free mentoring to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.

SEATTLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2014 Washington Veteran Small Business Champion is the Tacoma/South Sound chapter of SCORE, a nonprofit whose volunteers provide free mentoring to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.

The SBA Veteran Small Business Champion Award honors those who have fulfilled a commitment to advancing small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“The skills veterans acquire from service can be directly translated into owning and operating a business,” said Nancy Porzio, SBA Seattle district director. “Without the help of the Tacoma/South Sound chapter of SCORE, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many transitioning service members through our Boots to Business program.”

The SBA Boots to Business initiative is a two-step training program that ensures every transitioning service member has access to the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local small business resources, and launch their small business.

Tacoma/South Sound SCORE has led seven workshops to more than 360 veterans at Joint Base Lewis-McChord transitioning from service member to business owner through the SBA Boots to Business program.

The chapter is scheduled to conduct eight more workshops during the remainder of 2014.

“Joint Base Lewis McChord is located in the heart of the Tacoma/South Sound SCORE chapter,” said Dave Binz, Tacoma SCORE president. “Leading these workshops is very rewarding.”

The SBA 2014 Washington Veteran Small Business Champion will be recognized at a local awards ceremony event May 8 in conjunction with National Small Business Week May 12-16.

“National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the impact small business has on our country,” said SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings. “It’s a chance to celebrate the dedicated, hard-working small business owners who are making a difference in their communities.”

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation.