SBA Puerto Rico to host seminar for vets
The Puerto Rico Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration invites veterans and other members of the military to its next entrepreneurial development seminar on Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at SBA’s facilities in Hato Rey.
“The SBA is committed to helping our service men and women and their spouses start and grow successful small businesses,” said SBA Deputy District Director María de los Ángeles de Jesús. “We look forward to continue supporting them in their roles as entrepreneurs, by providing them with the tools and resources they need.”
There are more than 100,000 veterans in Puerto Rico. Part of SBA’s mission is to facilitate access to services and resources available for veterans and service-disabled veterans who return home to start, resume, or further develop their businesses.
At the seminar, SBA officials will address attendees on federal contracting opportunities and loan guaranty programs like Patriot Express — a streamlined loan product with enhanced guaranty and interest rate characteristics — and the Military Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
“Last fiscal year we approved [more than] $2 million in loans to veterans and other members of the military community in Puerto Rico, and we hope to increase that number this year to further foster job creation and our island’s economic development,” de Jesús said.
Also at the seminar, SBA resource partners, such as the Puerto Rico Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Women’s Business Institute, will provide orientation on training, counseling and technical assistance programs.
