While serving in Afghanistan, Army Aviators Jim McDonough and John Cappadoro agreed that their post-Army careers would involve owning their own business. A few years in they realized they were quickly growing themselves out of business, and turned to the Alabama SBDC at Troy University for help. They developed a 180-day short term plan and a long range plan, corrected their cash flow issues, and today enjoy a booming business that employs 15 veterans and counting.

With a passion for agriculture and nearly a decade of farming and logistics under her belt, military veteran Erica Moeller's goal is to grow The Roaming Root Market into an aggregation and distribution company that would allow local farmers to sell their produce and products throughout the year. In turn, businesses, restaurants, organizations, and local-foodies alike would enjoy their favorite fresh produce during the cold winter months.

Contract won by Nemean Solutions LLC after earning SBA 8(a) and SDVOSB certification with SBDC help

Two generations of veterans own and operate Barnhill Orchards farm and market in Lonoke. ASBTDC's Timothy Lee helped fellow veteran Ekko Barnhill implement e-commerce and expand the 30-year-old business's online presence, making sales flourish despite COVID-19. The new online store and drive-thru launched at the start of strawberry season. "The whole change in sales setup has been great. We've had an overwhelming response. We at least doubled our business this year from last year," she said.

The Monterey County Military and Veteran's Affairs Office adjusted their usual outreach efforts thanks to #COVID19 and the Cal Coastal SBDC was a proud participant in their First Annual Veteran's Resource Fair on November 10.