Online, Interactive Tools Support Veterans and Entrepreneurs in Today's Job Market
New York State Small Business Development Center Releases Updated EntreSkills Programs

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 23, 2012) -- The Office of Entrepreneurial Education (oe2) of the New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has released two new online tools to assist entrepreneurs in business plan building. One tool is specifically aimed at veterans.

“The content and functionality of the curricula have been completely rewritten and programmed to meet the changing needs of aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as veterans returning to college following military service,” said Brian Hutzley, vice chancellor for financial services & chief financial officer of the State University of New York, which hosts the 24 SBDC centers on college campuses throughout the state. “These new versions will better equip our veterans and future business leaders with the skills they need to be successful in today’s job market.”

EntreSkills for Veterans and EntreSkills for Entrepreneurs offer unique business plan builder components. As participants complete the chapters and respond to questions posed, the data will be automatically captured, compiled into a business plan, and available for review, modification and use.

In addition, SBDC recently incorporated client videos into the EntreSkills for Veterans program. Each video incorporates real-life client experiences into a specific EntreSkills for Veterans chapter further enhancing the learning experience. Participating clients include A Plus Moving Services, Inc., Niagara Falls, N.Y.; WebHouse, Rockville Centre, N.Y.; W.L. Concepts & Production, LLC, Uniondale, N.Y.; and ERRA Surgical Supplies, Pleasantville, N.Y.

SBDC Executive Director James King said, “We couldn’t be more pleased with the release of the new and improved EntreSkills programs. The enriched content, video clips, supplemental activities and Web resources offer a focused approach to entrepreneurship. The ability to work with these programs remotely is especially valuable while collaborating with one of our many business advisors.”

About the Office of Entrepreneurial Education
The Office of Entrepreneurial Education (oe2) provides a variety of educational products and services to promote interest in entrepreneurship. The oe2 program provides training for teachers, veterans and clients interested in teaching or studying the curriculum through the use of webinar technology.

About SBDC
The SBDC, administered by the University at Albany, has 24 regional service centers located throughout the New York State on SUNY, City University of New York (CUNY) and private university campuses. Since inception in 1984, the SBDC has provided small business advisement services to more than 324,000 New Yorkers. The SBDC also provides training and business research to existing business owners and entrepreneurs. SBDC clients have invested over $4.4 billion in NY, impacting 151,000 jobs.

The SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, local communities and host campuses. As a result of this leveraged support, the SBDC staff provides confidential one-on-one business advisement services at no direct cost to the citizens and entrepreneurs of New York.


Newer Story Return To List Older Story