Learn business ownership fundamentals with a schedule, peer group, and curriculum tailored to military spouses. Sign up for SBA's Pathway to Business class at https://sba.my.site.com/s/milspouse or learn more about SBA resources for military spouse entrepreneurs at https://www.sba.gov/milspouse

See how veterans and military spouses are helping lead America’s manufacturing resurgence by turning ideas into thriving businesses with support from the SBA. View the full video: https://youtu.be/SbWmtWkDLmo?si=aaWna804Fye5D9Hf

Learn how veteran-owned DAP Construction Management grew with help through SBA contracting assistance programs. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/contracting *Text transcript:* --- Scene 1: 00:00 What traits do military veterans and successful small business owners have in common? • Subscene: 00:06 Dedication, commitment, leadership, strategic thinking, • Subscene: 00:10 adaptability, team collaboration, and a willingness to seek answers—just to name a few. Scene 2: 00:14 Alicia Hernandez is a veteran who embodies all these characteristics. • Subscene: 00:20 Since founding DAP Construction Management, LLC in 2009, it has earned $40+ million in revenue through general construction services and management contracts in 14 states. Scene 3: 00:28 How did Alicia achieve her success? She persevered! Scene 4: 00:32 Alicia was a Captain in the Army and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor during Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War. Scene 5: 00:39 In civilian life, she worked for an 8(a)-certified construction firm looking to open an office in Arizona. • Subscene: 00:45 After seeking assistance from the SBA District Office in Phoenix, she discovered how she could set out on her own. Scene 6: 00:53 SBA staff encouraged Alicia to pursue her own business dreams. With their assistance and mentorship, she confidently formed DAP Construction Management. Scene 7: 01:00 DAP qualifies as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, and 8(a)-certified firm. • Subscene: 01:06 It’s also dedicated to providing employment for combat service-disabled veterans. Scene 8: 01:12 Alicia established a lasting relationship with SBA and continues to look to the Arizona staff for assistance in contracting and building the business. • Subscene: 01:19 She also has a close relationship with the local Procurement Technical Assistance Center which partners with SBA to help businesses better compete for federal contracts. Scene 9: 01:26 She credits SBA with helping her navigate through business start-up; bonding restrictions and limitations; regulatory requirements and compliance; • Subscene: 01:33 training and leadership courses; client, large, and small subcontractor exposure; business development tools; payment protection; and financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scene 10: 01:40 For example, Alicia received $147,000 in funds through the PPP loan program to support her business during the pandemic. Scene 11: 01:46 Alicia credits SBA’s support with helping DAP flourish and expand to a national presence. • Subscene: 01:51 She routinely participates in the SBA District Office’s monthly workshops and joint SBA/GSA “Industry Days,” • Subscene: 01:54 where contractors are asked to pitch their capabilities to contracting agencies. Scene 12: 01:58 DAP is currently working on contracts in Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Texas, and California, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Davis Monthan, Cannon, and Luke Air Force bases; and the General Services Administration. Scene 13: 02:05 Alicia says her success is due to her persistence and tenacity, as well as diversifying and understanding her clients and employees. Scene 14: 02:12 Her advice to others? “View your SBA as a free, trusted advisor and wealth manager.” Scene 15: 02:18 To learn more about the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, visit SBA.gov. Scene 16: 02:21 [SBA logo] All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. This video does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.   Scene 9: 01:01 This ensures you are ready to do business with the government before obtaining certifications. Scene 10: 01:07 Can you identify the federal agencies that purchase what you sell? • Subscene: 01:13 You can see what agencies are purchasing by searching SAM.gov. Scene 11: 01:18 After searching SAM.gov, can you identify work that you currently do that the government might be interested in? Scene 12: 01:23 Do you have a DUNS number? Selected a NAICS code? Are you registered in SAM? • Subscene: 01:30 If not, you will need to obtain a DUNS and register in SAM (at SAM.gov). Scene 13: 01:35 Step 2: Is your business eligible to participate in the HUBZone program? Scene 14: 01:39 If everything is on track, the next step is to confirm you meet the HUBZone program qualifications. Scene 15: 01:45 A HUBZone firm must be a small business according to SBA size standards. Scene 16: 01:49 The firm also must be at least 51 percent owned by U.S. citizens… • Subscene: 01:54 …or be a business owned by: Scene 17: 02:02 In addition, the firm’s principal office must be located in a HUBZone. Scene 18: 02:07 Find your business on the HUBZone map at www.sba.gov/hubzone. Scene 19: 02:13 Finally, the firm must have at least 35 percent of its employees living in a HUBZone.

Do you dream of owning your own small business? We can help. The U.S. Small Business Administration is the only federal agency dedicated to helping small businesses start, grow, expand, or recover after a disaster. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov #smallbusiness #smallbiz #business #entreprenuership #entrepreneurs

For decades, SBA has celebrated National #SmallBusinessWeek, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, the celebration took place May 4-10, where SBA officially recognized their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy. Watch some of the key moments! Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

When you're running a business, have empathy and a passion for service. Then it's not about selling, it's about serving the community and taking care of one another. Inspiring words of advice by Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of @CoastalWindowsExteriorsBeverly. She is the Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year! #SmallBusinessWeek 🎉 #TinyMicInterviews 🎤

Louis Auletta and Michael Auletta are the father-son duo leading Bauer, Inc., a Connecticut-based manufacturer of aerospace test systems and specialized-support equipment. Bauer began exporting 50 years ago, but ramped up international efforts in recent years with the help of SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program grants and Export Working Capital Program loans. Over the last decade, Bauer earned $20,000 in STEP grant funds that opened new markets by defraying the cost of attending aerospace trade shows abroad. Bauer also secured EWCP financing that enabled them to extend payment terms to customers where otherwise they would not have been able to be competitive. SBA’s funding plays an important role in Bauer’s export activities in more than 80 countries. Today, international trade sales represent 35% of overall sales and directly support 35 jobs. The Aulettas support export promotion throughout Connecticut by advising and mentoring other small businesses.

Every year, the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to businesses owned by veterans. Certification for the Veteran Small Business Certification program with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/vetcert Register for #VetCert: https://veterans.certify.sba.gov