Next in series of seminars to be held Sept. 20th
SAN JUAN, PR – The Puerto Rico Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration invites veterans and other members of the military to attend its next economic development seminar tailored specifically for them on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in Caguas.
“Helping our service men and women move forward has always been a priority for the SBA,” said SBA Deputy District Director María de los Ángeles de Jesús. “Our commitment is as strong as ever to further advance business opportunities for this very important sector of our community.”
Part of SBA’s mission is to provide assistance to veterans and service-disabled veterans who return home to start, resume, or further grow their businesses. Over the past several years, the SBA has set out on an island-wide campaign to educate the military community about the wealth of information and resources available to help start and expand a small business. There are over 100,000 veterans in Puerto Rico.
“While we may never be able to fully repay members of the Armed Forces or their families for the sacrifices they have made, we can help them reach their full economic potential and fulfill their dreams of small business ownership,” de Jesús said.
During this month’s seminar, attendees will have the chance to learn about SBA counseling and technical assistance resources, business development and federal contracting opportunities, vocational rehabilitation and transition assistance benefits, credit, and SBA financial assistance programs such as Patriot Express --a streamlined loan product with an enhanced guaranty and interest rate characteristics-- and the Military Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
The seminar, which is free of charge, will be held at FEMA Distribution Center Caribbean, San Juan Industrial Park, Rd. #1, Quebrada Arenas Ward, in Caguas. To register, please call (787) 766-5572.
For more information on SBA’s programs and services for veterans, visit http://www.sba.gov/vets
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