Welcome to the SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program provides entrepreneurial development services such as Boots to Business/Reboot, counseling, and referrals for eligible Veterans owning or considering starting a small business.
On this website you will find information on a variety of training events and how to register for Boots to Business/Reboot and workshops on topic such as government contracting.
Our mission is to help create, develop and retain Veteran-owned small business!
Connect with a Business Consultant
Set up an appointment today with a Business Consultant to accelerate your growth!Manage a Successful Business
We’re here to help Veterans start or expand their business vision.
Get started today and email us at [email protected]!
Training & Events
Free local workshops & events to support and help start and grow your small business.Learn about our training workshops & events
Workshops and events to grow your business including Government Contracting in a Day and Meet the Buyers.
Boots to Business
An entrepreneurial training program designed for transitioning service members and military spouses.Curriculum Includes:
Evaluating business concepts, understanding business plan concepts, accessing start-up capital and additional technical assistance to launch your business.
Boots to Business Reboot
An entrepreneurial training program designed for Veterans of all eras, Guard, Reserve and military-connected family members.Curriculum Includes:
Identifying business opportunities, learning market research techniques, understanding business plan concepts and connecting with local small business resources to launch your small business.
AI SERVICES CHALLENGE
Turn your AI or analytics ideas into an actionable business plan. Selected veteran-led companies will participate in expert-led deep-dive sessions to accelerate growth and may be eligible for up to $50,000 in solution development services.
Application deadline is March 26, 2026.
APRIL 6 & 7, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PT
MARKETING ESSENTIALS: ADVANCED TRAINING
for Veteran Owned Businesses
Have you attended the Marketing Fundamentals: Basic Training class and are still wondering how to best market your Veteran Owned Business?
Marketing Essentials builds on the concepts presented in the Marketing Fundamentals workshop to dive deeper into the some of the most effective marketing opportunities available to small business owners including branding, customer relationship management, advertising, digital marketing, search engine marketing, and content marketing.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT
Are You Ready for
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING?
Are you a Veteran business owner interested in government contracting and ready to learn the steps to get started?
This webinar will help you evaluate your business, educate you on government contracting processes and requirements, provide you with marketing tools and resources, help you determine if the government market is a fit for your business, and get you started on the first steps.
This course is designed for individuals with a very minimal understanding of government contracting.
Facilitated by Mike Sabellico, Senior Procurement Advisor, San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX Accelerator
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT
Women Veterans Giving
MELISSA WASHINGTON SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
Ready to take your business to the next level? The $5,000 Melissa Washington Small Business Award is accepting applications from May 1 through July 31, 2026. Whether you’re a fresh startup or looking to scale, this grant is designed specifically for your service and your vision.
MARKETING FUNDAMENTALS: BASIC TRAINING
for Veteran Owned Businesses
Have you wondered what marketing is? How to get started? How it can help your Veteran owned business?
Are you aware of the fundamental 4 Ps? Do you want to learn more about why research is needed or how customer service fits in all of this?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, please join us for the SoCal VBOC’s Marketing Fundamentals for Veteran Owned Businesses.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT
ECOMMERCE
How to Sell Your Product or Service Online
Learn the basics for selling your product or service online. This workshop will introduce you to Shopify and Amazon, basics of website development, additional resources for launching and much more!
You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your own product or service. We do not get into drop shipping products that are not your own brand. Not in business yet? Bring your ideas to the workshop and see if selling online is for you.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT