PENNSYLVANIA — The grants aim to support thousands of transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses in starting and growing their businesses. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded more than $1 million to organizations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico to establish new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs).

The centers support veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. The funding will enhance training and counseling services for small business owners in these areas beginning September 1.

The VBOC program will now expand from 28 to 31 locations, fully servicing all 50 states and additional territories.

The grant awardees are Economic and Community Development Institute, Inc. in Columbus, OH; Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA; and Corporación para el Financiamiento Empresarial del Comercio y de las Comunidades (COFECC) in San Juan, PR.

For more information or to find a VBOC near you, visit www.sba.gov/vboc. To learn more about SBA’s programs for veterans, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.