Small business summit for veterans

‘Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs' on Sept. 28 to help connect veterans' businesses with government and nonprofits

[September 22, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- If you are an Illinois veteran who owns your own business or possesses the skills and determination to start one, then the "Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs" event in Bartonville is for you.

The summit will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at American Legion Post 979, 4501 Airport Road in Bartonville.

The event is an opportunity for veterans to learn about procurement opportunities with the state of Illinois, federal and local government agencies. In addition, many not-for-profit organizations and local government agencies that provide assistance to small business owners will be attendance, including Governors State University's Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp, the International Franchise Association and the Small Business Development Center.

Hosted by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and Illinois Central Management Services, this free program will also help veterans become certified as veteran-owned business in Illinois and be eligible for the 3 percent goal of all state contracts and services.

To RSVP for the event, call 312-814-1272 or email [e-mail].

For more information about the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and other initiatives for veterans, visit www.veterans.illinois.gov.

[Text from Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]