D-M participates in Operation Boots to Business

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sivan Veazie
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., --  Service members attended an Operation Boots to Business seminar during a transition assistance program at the base library, May 21-22.

Operation Boots to Business is a program that was designed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is a U.S.government agency that provides support to military veterans, entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA's mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters.

"Boots to Business is a reality check," said Joy Hopper, 355th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "Everybody has a dream of owning their own business, but after sitting in this seminar for two days, it makes it more realistic for them."

This program is an interactive two-day seminar where service members and Department of Defense civilian employees are introduced to business ownership during a transition assistance program.

TAP was established to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life by offering job-search assistance and related services.

"After getting out of the military some years ago I found myself not knowing what to do next," said James Pipper, SBA Veteran's Business of Development Officer for Arizona. "Now, after learning about all the resources that are out there, I'm extremely proud to be in a position to help my brothers and sisters still in uniform and to serve the 700,000 Veterans who call Arizona 'home'."