NEBRASKA – The U.S. Small Business Administration  (SBA) announced the opening of a new Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Omaha, Nebraska. This comprehensive center serves the veteran communities of Nebraska and Iowa, fostering small business growth and entrepreneurial success.

This new VBOC stands as a testament to the SBA’s commitment towards veteran entrepreneurship. Providing essential resources such as mentoring, training, and business plan workshops, the VBOC seeks to empower veterans, active-duty service members, and their families as they embark on their business journey.

“The Veterans Business Outreach Center in Omaha is a critical step in our mission to support the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Tim Green, Acting Associate Administrator of the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). “Veterans are a vital part of our economy, bringing a unique set of skills, experience, and leadership that translates exceptionally well to entrepreneurship.”

Green’s sentiment was echoed by Mindy Brissey, SBA Region VII Regional Administrator. “Veteran-owned businesses in Nebraska and Iowa have consistently shown their capacity for innovation and growth. This new VBOC is our commitment to providing them with the necessary resources and support. We’re excited to see the entrepreneurial spirit of our veterans flourish even further with this initiative.”

The VBOC is not only an investment in the veteran community but also in the economic health of the states of Nebraska and Iowa. “With the opening of this Veterans Business Outreach Center, we are strengthening the economic fabric of our community,” said Timothy Mittan, SBA Nebraska District Director. “This new VBOC is a commitment that we will continue to invest in our veterans, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in the business world.”

The opening of the new VBOC in Omaha strengthens the network of centers across the United States and territories, continuing the SBA’s mission to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns. This new addition confirms the ongoing commitment to our nation’s veterans and their integral role in economic development.

For more information about the new Veterans Business Outreach Center and the services offered, visit www.sba.gov/vboc.

To thank service members this Memorial Day and Independence Day, Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering a 10% discount to active military service members, veterans and first responders now through July 4, 2023. The discount will be applied to the entire purchase, both in-store and online. More information can be found here: www.academy.com/military-and-first-responders. 

To use the discount online, verify your military or first responder status with the id.me buttons on the Shopping Cart page. Once verified, copy and paste the promo code into the promo code section on the Shopping Cart page for single-use redemption. To use the discount in-store, simply present your military or first responder ID at checkout. 

Academy is proud to show its thanks and appreciation for all active military, veterans and first responders for all they do to protect our nation and serve in our local communities.

Trauma-informed classes help military members develop resiliencyDENVER (April 24) – Comeback Yoga, the original Colorado organization serving veterans and their supporters through yoga, is excited to host Battle Buddy Month for active-duty military personnel and veterans during the month of May. Each class participant is invited to bring a buddy to class during May, and earn points toward prizes at the end of the month. 

All military members know how important a battle buddy is, though they know them through different names: Shipmate, Wingman, Liberty Buddy. Battle Buddies ensure every member of the military always has one person in their corner, in and out of combat. Comeback Yoga wants veterans and military members to share the experience of free, accessible, trauma-informed yoga classes with a buddy who would benefit from the skills students gain on the mat.

“Battle Buddy month is a way for students to really share what they get out of Comeback Yoga. Veterans, active duty and their supporters all receive the benefits of free yoga classes taught by our highly trained teachers, and we think it’s an exciting time to spread the awareness of what yoga is capable of,” said Kelly Wulf Executive Director at Comeback Yoga. “Regardless of the branch of service, battle buddies ensure every member of the military always has one person in their corner. We bring that same concept to yoga: we’re always in your corner.” 

Battle Buddy month is the perfect time for new students to try Comeback Yoga and spend time with old friends and make some new ones. Whether a new student or someone who has been practicing with Comeback Yoga for a long time, students are encouraged to bring a friend to a class as many times as they can throughout the month. Each class shared earns the student duo a point, and the pair with the most points at the end of the month win a Comeback Yoga prize pack. Students who have participated in Comeback Yoga’s classes know how much they can help develop resiliency in response to their life experience that may include post-traumatic stress. 

Attend Battle Buddy Month’s Kick Off class on May 1 online and in person at The River Yoga – Golden Triangle from 2-3 p.m. MDT. Learn more about Comeback Yoga’s class schedule and mission at www.comebackyoga.org.