July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

SMC’s Small Business Center Launches Entrepreneurial Training Program For Military Veterans:

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Santa Monica College and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched Vetrepreneur Bootcamp: Forces to Franchises.

The free entrepreneurial training program guides military veterans through how to start a business, how to apply for an SBA loan, and franchise business opportunities available.

Forces to Franchises is an eight-week, five-session program that capitalizes on the intersection of veterans’ leadership skills and the structure of the franchise business. 

The SBA reports that veterans are 45% more likely to become entrepreneurs than their civilian counterparts. Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that veterans make good franchisees because they are willing to operate within the guidelines of the established business model, and they are effective at leading a team and making the right decisions to further their business.

Forces to Franchises is structured as a series of workshops that will educate veterans on the steps they need to take to successfully launch and fund a business, particularly a franchise business. The goal of Forces to Franchises is to have every participant complete a business plan that can be included in a loan application package. Ultimately, the program seeks to increase the number of qualified veterans’ loan applicants in the business community.

Forces to Franchises will run February 7 through April 4, 2014. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2013.

This is a cohort program limited to a maximum of 30 participants, so early sign-up is strongly encouraged. Visit smcsbdc.org/vetrepreneur-bootcamp to apply for the program and for more information.

Forces to Franchises is sponsored by Wilshire State Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, East West Bank, ed2go, Commonwealth Business Bank, Chase Bank, Business Finance Capital, and Boston Private Bank & Trust Company.

The SBDC’s mission is to help emerging entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership, and to assist existing businesses to better compete in the multifaceted and ever-changing local, national, and global economies.

The SBDC offers free business consulting and low-cost training workshops on a wide variety of business topics, including business start-up, loan packaging and referrals, marketing and social media, web development/e-commerce, retail, drafting a business plan, government contracting, green business, and more.

For more information about the SMC SBDC and its programs, see smcsbdc.org or call 310.434.3566.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...