 Welcome to DAV's Caffeine Connect. Starting on January 1, self-certification of service disabled veteran owned small businesses is a thing of the past. Moving forward, at the turn of the year, all veteran owned certifications will transfer from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Small Business Administration Center of Verification and Evaluation. Larry Stubblefield is the Associate Administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development at SBA. He's here to talk with us today about this big change in other initiatives and services SBA provides veterans. Larry is a retired Mustang colonel with 30 years of service in the Army. He oversees his office's efforts to develop and implement policies that equip veterans, service members, and military spouse entrepreneurs with counseling and education, access to capital, and contracting opportunities. Thank you for joining us, sir. Thank you, Dan, for that warm introduction. It's really a pleasure being here. I want to talk a little bit about our Office of Veterans Business Developments. So with that, looking for our first slide here. So while the slide is going up, let me just tell you a little bit about our office. We are part of the Small Business Administration, the Office of Veterans Business Development. We're a small office. It's only about 20 of us when we're fully staffed, but we're a mighty office. And I'll tell you a little bit about our mission and what we do for the Veterans Small Business Community. So with that, let's go to the next slide. So in our Office of Veterans Business Development, and for short, we call ourselves OVBD, we serve the next generation of Veterans Small Business Owners. So why is Veterans Small Business a big business? And I'll tell you, of America's 32 and a half million small businesses, close to 2 million of those businesses are owned by veterans. Those businesses produce $1 trillion in annual sales and employ 5 million people and are spread out across a wide variety of business concerns. So in our Office of Veterans Business Development, we empower veterans transitioning service members, and those are service members leaving the military, National Guard, reserve members, and military spouses with the tools and education that they need to either start a business, grow their business, or expand their business, or recover your business after going through a declared natural disaster. So how do we do this in the Office of Veterans Business Development? As indicated here on the screen, we provide business counseling, training, and education. One of our top priorities is helping veteran business owners acquire the needed capital to start or grow or expand their business. And we also help them in terms of contracting opportunities, getting them ready for whether it's a local, state, or federal contractors contracting opportunities. And as I just mentioned, the disaster assistance piece in the event that the business is hit by a natural declared disaster. So let's go to the next slide, please. So I mentioned earlier that OB-BD, there's only 20 of us on staff, but we have a nationwide ecosystem comprised of many of the organizations that you see here on the screen, whether it's our veteran business outreach centers, our small business development centers, the women's business centers, the score chapters. There's 10,000 members in terms of our score chapters. Those are retired senior executives that provide mentoring. And as indicated here on the screen, we have partnerships, if you will, with interagency organizations. And just a number of grantees around the country who help us provide training and support for services able veterans, women veterans, and those who are interested in federal contracting. Federal contracting is one of our top of mind issues with our administrator, and I'll talk a little bit more about what we're doing in terms of enhancing opportunities for veterans in contracting and that contracting space. Here on the slide, we talk about our 68 district offices. So SBA, we're a federal agency. We're all over the country. Our 68 district offices, in every one of those district offices, there's a veterans business development officer who is attuned with the local community and those veterans business owners or those who are interested in business opportunities. The veteran business development officers are there. And they also help us in one of our signature programs, which is Boots to Business. Boots to Business is a two-day workshop that's part of Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program. So if you're a service member to include your spouse and you're leaving the service, as part of the Transition Assistance Program, the service member is offered one of four opportunities that can either take the workshop on employment, they can take the workshop on education, workshop on apprenticeship, or the workshop on entrepreneurship, which is our Boots to Business class. And that's, like I said, a two-day introduction to the basic fundamentals of owning a business. And then if the service member is interested in further support, then that's when we introduce them to a lot of the organizations you see here on the slides to include our veteran business outreach centers. We have 22 veteran business outreach centers known as VBOX located around the country. They cover all 50 states and US territories. We are very excited at OB-BD and at SBA with the fact that in fiscal year 23, we're looking to extend the VBOX program, if you will, grow the VBOX program. We're going to go from 22 veteran business outreach centers to 34 centers. And for the first time ever, we're going to have a center in Alaska. We currently have two in California now. We'll be adding a third center in Central California. We're going to have one in Nevada. We're putting one in Oklahoma, one in Kentucky. We'll have one in Ohio. Pennsylvania is a very large state with a large military presence there. They currently get their support from our VBOX. This is Maryland. We're going to put a VBOX in Pennsylvania. We're going to have one in South Carolina. And we only have one VBOX in Florida. So we're going to add a second veteran business outreach center in Florida. And then we're really proud of the fact that we will have our first ever VBOX in Puerto Rico. So more to follow on the expansion of the VBOX program. But again, that's a very good news story. Our administrator, administrative Guzman, received additional funding from Congress. And she made the VBOX expansion her top priority. So we're very, very proud of our plans to expand that program. So if we go to the next slide. So I mentioned federal contracting. And as it was mentioned during the introduction, the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act mandated that VA certification for a verification, or center, I should say, for verification and evaluation. The CVE is moving over from the VA to SBA. And that's going to be effective 1 January 2023. So we are currently working hand-in-hand with the VA to make that transition. And the reason why we're really excited about the transition is that for the first time ever, all the certification programs will be housed at SBA. So now we're talking about the certification program for services-abled, veteran-owned small businesses, CubZone, 8A, as well as the woman-owned small business program. So we'll have all of the programs together. And we're working in conjunction with bringing over the CVE. We're also working on a unified platform, if you will, where all of the certification programs and all of our lending programs will be on this one platform. And we will have a single portal entry for business owners to access all of the programs and services that we have at SBA. We currently have multiple ways to get to those programs. And we've heard all of you, veteran business owners, in terms of the discussions in regards to accessing multiple programs and having to turn in the same documentation, if you will, at certification program A. And then a year or two later, you want to access another certification program. You've got to go through that entire process. The way we're looking at this now with the unified platform, and I'll give you an example. Say, for example, you're a woman, veteran, and you own a small business, and you want to get your women-owned small business certification, you'll be able to go into the portal, upload your documentation and your application, and then we will ask you, you know, there'll be a way for you to say that if you want your services able, veteran-owned small business certification, you'll be able to get that at the same time, using the same documentation. And then, oh, by the way, if you're interested in SBA lending, you'll be able to access everything on this unified platform that we're calling. We're calling it MySBA. So we're looking to roll that out in 24. And the first program that's going to be on the platform will be the CVE. So here on this slide, I'll just briefly touch on four aspects of the transfer. I've had a lot of the VSOs, veteran business owners have reached out in terms of funding for the transfer. Yes, it's true. When the law was passed, there was no funding associated with the transfer. I'm here to tell you, and this is a good news story. We have worked with OMB and the VA. The VA has been wonderful partners. We now have the funding secured for the transfer to include VA funding the new system that we're building. So that system will be up and running and ready for certification processing on 1 January 2023. So that's a good news story. The technology piece there, we elected not to bring over the system from the VA because we're looking to leverage the existing technology that we have on board for the COVID relief program. So that's allowing us to build this new system very rapidly. And the reason why I bring that up is because everywhere I go, there's a question about standing up a new system. Are we confident that we can get the system up in this short period of time? And the answer is yes. In fact, we're going to have it up in about a six-month period. We brought on board a vendor who we're familiar with, very familiar way to work with in the past, who's also a veteran himself. And so the tech bill for the new platform is going very well. On the personnel side of the house, the law allows us to bring over the VA employees who are currently working for the CVE. The employees had a choice. They can either come to SVA or stay with the VA. We have been meeting on a regular basis with the employees. They've all elected to come over. And our thinking is, why reinvent the wheel when you have people who have been working the system and are very familiar with the veterans' small business community? And all the feedback that we're currently getting from the community is that the CVE has a very high-touch customer service experience. And the processing times, by law, they have 90 days to process an application. It's generally like around 30 days. So rather than train an entire new staff, the VA personnel, they're going to come over to SVA. They'll be in place to help us get the system up and running. And then the last thing I want to touch on here is the policy piece. I want to thank all of you who provided comments when the proposed rule was out for the public comment period ended on the 5th of August. And so right now, we're evaluating those comments and incorporating those into our final rule, which we will have in place by law. It has to be in place 30 days before you stand up the new program. So we're on track to have the final rule in place on 1 December, a month before we stand the system up, 1 January 2023. So we'll go to the next slide, please. So the last thing I wanted to touch on, so I've talked about the VBOC expansion, what we're doing with the Center for Verification and Evaluation. And then I just want to conclude here to just put a plug in for National Veteran Small Business Week. So National Veteran Small Business Week is celebrated every year the first week of November. This will be our eighth National Veteran Small Business Week coming up here real quickly. We're excited to have this year's National Veteran Small Business Week, because it's going to be in conjunction with what we're doing with the CDE. But the purpose of National Veteran Small Business Week is twofold. Number one, if you go back to my earlier comments on the impact that small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, have in their local communities, our 68 district offices, our resource partners to include our veteran business outreach centers, the SBDCs, women business centers, and so forth, all highlight those veteran small businesses in their local communities. So we have hundreds of events during that week all around the country highlighting and saluting those business owners. And then the second reason purpose for National Veteran Small Business Week is to let those business owners know that SBA is here for them. Entrepreneurship is not a solo journey and that for whatever you need as a business owner, we are here for you from cradle to grave. Like I mentioned earlier, the business counseling, training, mentoring, access to capital, whatever that business owner needs, SBA and our Office of Veterans Business Development is here for that business owner. So again, National Veteran Small Business Week this year will be from October 31st to November 4th. And here's our theme, marching toward veteran business success. And then I've given you the site here to learn more about National Veteran Small Business Week. There'll be press releases and things of that nature. So please join us in helping celebrate and honor our nation's almost 2 million veteran owned small businesses. And then finally on my last slide, this is just contact information. I encourage anyone who wants to reach out directly to me or to our office to learn more about our programs and what we can do for you here's the contact information. And here's the one thing I've been at SBA since 2016. I've actually been in the Office of Veterans Business Development since 2018. And the one comment that I consistently hear from business owners is they wish they had known about SBA when they initially started their business. So we want to get the word out. And I appreciate, again, being here today, being able to share what we do. And here's the beauty of what we do is 99% of what we do at SBA for the Veteran Small Business Community is free. So I just mentioned, number one, the business owner who says, oh, gee, I wish I had knew about OBVD at SBA and what you can do for me years ago. And then number two is the business owner who is out paying a consultant or someone to develop a business plan for them or to do a feasibility study or to help them in terms of access to capital. And they're paying. And you can come to us. Like I said, we're a national organization with our resource partners. And everyone is leaning forward in the voxel ready to provide support. And then the last thing I'll say here real quickly in terms of our Veteran Business Outreach Centers, the Veteran Business Outreach Centers are manned by veterans themselves. Former military members, a lot of them are business owners. They speak the language. They walk the talk. And they're just like being in an active duty unit. They're here to support their fellow veteran business owners and those who are aspiring to be business owners. So here's our contact information. Reach out to learn more about our programs. And if you ever need help in any capacity during your entrepreneurial journey, OVBD and SBA is here for you. So thank you again for having me here. And Dan, I'll turn it back over to you. Hey, thanks, Larry. I know we have a lot of questions. One I have was the Veterans Business Outreach Center expansion. That's really exciting. Can you speak more, especially for the uninitiated, about the services that VBOX provide? OK, absolutely. So the number one service that they provide, they support our Boots to Business program. And so Boots to Business, like I mentioned, is a program that's associated with the DOD's Transition Assistance Program. But we also have a reboot program that they teach in local communities around the country. So it's the same program. One is on installation for transitioning service members. The second program that's in community around the country are for veterans from any era. Military spouses are invited to attend as well. But the Veterans Business Outreach Center, if whatever your need is, we have veterans who come in and they want to start a business. And maybe they need to do market research to see if their ideal for business is feasible. Who are their local competitors? Do you need access to capital? One access to capital is one of our top priorities. And what we find a lot of times is the veteran community is more likely to not receive capital on the same par as their civilian counterparts. And there's a number of reasons for that to include being mobile, moving from assignment to assignment and not necessarily making those social connections in the communities. But we are in tune with lenders who specifically lend to veterans. So not everyone is going to get along from JP Morgan Chase. So access to capital, if you're interested in contracting opportunities, we can help prepare you to make you procurement ready. And then the other thing that the VBOX do is they're on the ground in those local communities and they know the additional resources that are available. And they make a lot of referrals, too. So the VBOX are like what we like to say is they're a one-stop shop for all your business needs, whether it's business counseling, training, mentoring, access to capital, whatever you need. From cradle to grave, the VBOX even help business owners who want to sell their business. We do help them in terms of retiring their businesses and so forth. Great. We do have a question here from Reg from Fintech. Reg, you want to come on and ask? Sure. So we're at a really critical phase of our development. I'm the founder of Fintech. Basically, our company measures the financial health of individuals and businesses and who or what is working towards that or not undermining it. But we have a solid team in place. There are two priorities for us right now that it sounds like you might be able to help with. One is certainly access to capital, but we're very interested. We're probably less interested in debt right now, more interested in equity or grants. So that's one question. And the other question is what type of networking? We're actively looking for banks and credit unions to be able to pilot our products with. So those are the two priorities. How can I guess the VBAP or SBA help with that? So where are you? First of all, pleasure meeting you. Thanks for being here. Thanks for the question. So where are you? Where are you located? I'm in Atlanta. You're in Atlanta. OK, so in Atlanta, we have our district office there. And thanks again for the question because I could have put this on a slide. I guess we could put it maybe in the chat. But if you go to SBA.gov, forward slash local dash assistance, it allows you to put in your zip code. And then once you put your zip code in, it will tell you where every SBA resource is located near you. So what I would say our SBA district office in Atlanta there would be a great source to start. And so I would highly recommend you connect with them. And then again, the SBA, whether it's the VBAP, the district office, or whatever resource we have, they're connected in those communities as well. And so I would start with that district office. OK, thank you. Thanks, Larry. We just spoke before we went live about the devastating hurricane in Florida. I imagine you might be gearing up for some assistance that you're going to need to deliver there. And over on Facebook, Sean Ford had a comment that will probably take offline about an issue he had with FEMA assistance and an SBA recovery loan. Can you speak more about the work that you do for natural disasters? OK, so we do work with FEMA, our veteran business outreach center, like I'm pretty sure I haven't heard anything from them today, but I'm pretty sure they're engaged in Florida. The first thing we make sure is that they're OK. And they have a database of their clients. And then whatever it takes, if it's an economic injury disaster loan, the IDOL loan, lending in that regard to help get them stood back up. And then our VBOX work also with our SBA has an Office of Disaster Assistance. And the IDOL lending is one support that we offer. And we're in a process right now of standing up a mitigation program. I know this is going to be for future disasters. But to get on the ground, our administrator has asked us to be a little bit more proactive. In other words, helping business owners develop mitigating strategies to be able to survive in the event of a disaster. So again, being connected with FEMA, the lending, the counseling, and part of the SBA lending is not only just for the business, but if your living conditions have been impacted, we help out in that regard as well. So we are definitely involved where natural-declared disasters are concerned. Great. We have another question here from Heather. Heather, I'm going to put your last name. Can you help me with that? Yes. Hi, V.C. also. Beautiful name. Thank you. Hi, thank you. Thanks for all your time and information. So for those of us that we have a plan in our minds, but we haven't put anything. There's nothing solid or concrete yet. There's not a business plan written. It's all here. But we need a lot of guidance on how to make that tangible. Can we get assistance from SBA, VBAC, and other resources? And if not, what do we need to get that assistance started? OK, great question, Heather. And right off the bat, the score comes to mind. And so there are senior core retired executives. So there's 10,000 scored members around the country. And they do mentoring. And I could tell you, we have numerous success stories where people have started in the situation you just described. They walk in the door and they sit down and talk with a score member, a score mentor. And that score mentor will help you in terms of thinking through your business ideals and thoughts. And then the beauty of our ecosystem is that we connect throughout the ecosystem. So it may be where the score member will help you develop your business plan. And then maybe the next step after your business plan might be some additional business training that could either be provided by the Small Business Development Centers or the VBAC. And then we would have you ready for a possible loan. So I would say to start maybe with a meeting with a score mentor. And again, if you go to sba.gov.org slash local dash assistance and put your zip code in, it'll tell you where the closest score chapter is to your location. Awesome. Thank you. So you may have answered it when you said the closest location. Are those meetings able to be done virtually, especially if we have one that's a little further from us? Yeah, I know you said I'm in Florida. So I know you said that we don't. There's one office in Florida. Well, there's one better. There's one better in Business Albury Center in Florida, but numerous score chapters. Yeah. And to answer your question about virtually, yes. Since the pandemic, a lot of our services have gone have been provided virtually. We had a question from Paul. Paul, do you want to come on? Yeah, when we talk about, excuse me, first of all, like everyone else, thank you for everything you're doing here. You said that the certification program is going to change where you'll be taking that over July 20th, 23. If we're looking to get certified, and I noticed someone already answered, should we, would it be better to wait since that time is coming so close and just go with the whole new certification or to start now? OK, well, that's a good question, Paul. Thank you for it. It allows me to make an important point on the certification piece. So if you're currently certified through the VA and just say, for example, you got your certification in 2021 and it's a three-year certification period, meaning that you'd be up for your renewal, if you will, in 2024, there's absolutely nothing for you to do right now because everything from the VA is going to transfer over to SBA. But in the case that you've just identified, the VA put out a memo, I guess, last week saying that the last day you can apply through VA is the 24th of October, and then they're going to shut down their portal for receiving applications. And they also said in that memo, they encourage folks to wait until we get to 1 January. It's going to be 1 January 2023, not in the summer. So I would say at this particular point, whatever you're comfortable with, but if you approach the VA, you've got to have your application in by the 24th of October. So if I'm hearing correctly, if we're not prepared by the 24th of October, we should wait till January. You can wait till January. And I will say this, too, is we're looking to do a little what I'm calling a lighter review. So the VA, they have their processes in place. We're looking to do something a little lighter because there's a lot of documentation and stuff that you have to turn to VA. And you're smiling like, I guess you might be familiar with this, but yeah, we're looking to do something a little lighter. That never knows that. And I'll tell you the reason. I'm glad you're bringing us up because the reason why we want to get more veteran business owners in the federal contracting. 10 years ago, across the small business community, there was about 180,000 companies participating in federal contracting. And that number is down now to like around 80,000. And so that has an impact on the industrial base. And so our administrator, Administrator Guzman, has made it a point to do everything that we can to increase the number of participants in federal contracting to include one big thing that we accomplished back in January was getting veteran businesses moved under this category management concept, getting veteran businesses moved from tier zero to tier two. And the reason why that's really important is because the contracting officers, they get credit for when they issue a contract. And if you're a tier zero, there is no reason for them to even look at veterans. So our administrator was very successful in getting veterans moved to tier two on that category management tracking scale, if you will. And so we are seeing a little bit of an uptick in veterans now receiving contracts. But we definitely want to build a pool. And that's why, like I said, we're going to do something a little different than what the VA is doing now. So if you start now, you could have turning everything that you need to turn in. Or if you start in January, it might be a little lighter look at you and your company. Understood. I have one more question if it doesn't take up too much time. You said there was VBOX across the United States. Is there a list of where our local one would be that maybe we could? I work with my local VSO Veterans Service Office, but I've never heard of a VBOC. So where are you at? I'm in Ohio, the southeastern Ohio. So our local Veterans Service Office is in Marietta, Ohio. So I didn't know if you said there was one in Ohio. And I was wondering where it would be. Ohio is one of the states that we're expanding to. OK, thank you, sir. And I'll say this. If you go to sba.gov, and it was on our last slide, it will leave slides with DAB. But OK, well, if you go there to our website, it lists where all of VBOX are to include their contact information. And reach out, because this is what they do. They're veterans, and they're looking to support you every step of the way. Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Appreciate your time. Thank you. Larry, we have a very diverse audience. And one of the questions that came up, just because people are at kind of different levels in their understanding, and Laura's doing a great job answering some questions. But can you speak about what is an SDVOSB? I'd say that's a long acronym. But what is it, and why is it a benefit to have that? OK, so SDVOSB, Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Business. So in other words, if you have a rating from the VA, and I believe you can also get a ladder from DOD as well, that states that your service is disabled, and then if you own a company and you own 51% of a company, or it could be a combination of other veterans owning 51% of the company that puts you in a category as a SDVOSB, a Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Business. And in the federal procurement system, there is a goal for every federal agency to award 3% of the dollar value of their procurements to Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Businesses. So there's 24 federal agencies. They have set aside contracts and sole source contracts that are just for veterans who are Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Businesses. And I will tell you that in fiscal year 21, there is $24 billion awarded to SDVOSBs across the federal government. And that's a $1 billion increase from fiscal year 20. So the advantage is being able to compete for set aside and sole source contracts at the 24 federal agencies. And Paul asked about that. When it comes to your disability rating, which DAV is happy to help you obtain and work with you on, is there a minimum percentage required of disability rating? As far as I know, if you're, I don't think there is. But that's one I guess we can take back. And maybe I could get back with you. I could check what our VA counterparts. But I don't think that's the case. I don't think that's the case at all. OK. John had a question. And he says, do you have any advice for someone who's a little apprehensive to get into federal contracting because of financial constraints? Specifically, he's concerned about operating costs to maintain a company for a year. Again, I would say two things. Number one, again, going back to I was talking about the resources and that we have available. I was just on a panel yesterday. I'm sorry, a day before yesterday, yesterday, a travel day to come back out in California. Well, we had our VBoc from Arizona, who was also on the panel. And a similar question came up. And the VBoc director kind of walked through a lot of things that the business owner needs to take into consideration, things like when you're competing for a contract or even going for a loan, you as the business owner, you're selling your company. You're selling your product. You're selling your services. And so there was a lot of discussion during this panel about your capability, your capability statement, and how you're actually marketing your program or your services. And to include knowing whether or not the federal government even buys your product. So again, you want to come in and you want to sit down with an SBA resource partner who can do that market research for you. We have business owners who come in and they what they think is a fantastic product. But who is your market? Where is your market? Is the government buying what you're selling? So again, I would say rather than me, sit right here and just kind of speculate a little bit, you want somebody who is going to do a deep dive on what you're doing to include helping you with that market research and helping you get what we call procurement ready to include, like I said, your capability statement and what you're doing. And you don't necessarily, and I'm saying this in a general term because this may not apply to everyone, but you may not necessarily be ready for a prime contract. You may want to get your foot in the door as a subcontractor. So again, being able to come in and sit down with an SBA resource partner or go in a district office where you can talk to lender. Now I know this is in terms of lending, but they have lender relations specialists and others that can help you think through and then develop a strategy, a strategy going forward. Thank you so much. I think we have an outreach question or comment from Belinda. Elibi Belinda, do you want to ask on Mike? Can you unmute there? Yes. Thank you very much for the platform. Yes, Mr. Stubblefield, I have a question. I am with the Clayton County Library System right outside of Atlanta. I was wondering, since I host workshops for veterans, for business owners, is there an opportunity to perhaps host workshops so that veterans will have the opportunity to come in and get those workshops and those trainings? I know Atlanta is the district office for SBA, but I would like to bring that training and workshops to my local community. Is that an option? OK, so in my office, my budget is basically in grants, if you will. Like the Veteran Business Ivory Center program is a grant program. We have a grant program for entrepreneurial training for service-disabled veterans, women and those who are interested in federal procurement. And those grants are competed. So I guess what I would say is on that last slide, I have my contact information. Yes. You probably should reach out to me and then we could have a discussion about how the grants work and if there is an opportunity for you to compete for a grant. But that's how we have the fund, the support that's in our office. Now having said that, I do know that with all of our resource partners, whether it's the women-owned small business, the RWBCs, Women Business Centers, the Small Business Development Centers, the SBDCs, and the VBOCs, they do have contracting opportunities for if there is something that the community needs in that particular space, that they do have funding to bring on others outside of the VBOC or the SBDC or the Women Business Centers to provide training. So I would just say, reach out to the local SBDCs or Women Business Centers or the VBOC and just tell them what you offer and see where you go from there. But keep in touch with me, too. Thank you, and we'll do that. Thank you both. We had a question for the SDVOSB certification process. Does that apply to spouses? And I think another question that follows that up might be, what resources are available for spouses? OK, so in the Office of Veterans Business Development, and all of our programs are open for spouses. And so that's a great question. I'm glad to take that one on, because we here, occasionally from staffers on the Hill, they're inquiring how can we go about getting the word out to get military spouses more involved in our programs. Like I said earlier, Boots to Business, military spouses can attend any of our grant programs, a VBOC. And I was thinking about when I was in uniform. And I said, when I was getting out, did I come home and tell Iris about all the different programs and things of that nature? And sadly, I didn't. So I appreciate the opportunity here now to say that all of our programs are open to spouses. And then in terms of the services-able program, we do have military spouses that participate in that in there. But it's kind of in line in terms of if the service member is deceased, or if we're in a situation where maybe you're a caregiver. But so it's in those areas where military spouses actually participate. Great. Craig asked, as being a co-founder of a company and veteran qualify for people to access the services that SBA offers. A co-founder of a company and a veteran? Yeah, the answer would be yes. I mean, because here we're talking about veterans. But SBA is for all small business. So the answer is yes. Thanks. Darlene had an interesting question. Darlene Leyva, she asks, which businesses do you feel are needed now? And do you have suggestions for those who want to start a new business? She's hoping some of those things might align with her skills and attributes. Well, I will say this. What we saw at the height of COVID was a lot of creativity where veteran business owners were concerned. In other words, they were able to pivot and go to areas that were needed. Like I'm thinking of one veteran-owned company, the veteran and spouse-owned company up in Massachusetts, I believe it is, that they made furniture. And with the pandemic, they were able to pivot. And they started making the plastic protective shield-like equipment for offices to protect from COVID. So in terms of needs and things like that, we don't really think in terms of what's out there. What we do is we'll take your business ideal, help you think through. Help you research the market, if you will, to see if there is a requirement for your business. And if you're interested in federal contracting, that's a huge piece there. Because again, like I said earlier, you want to know if there is a market for what you're producing, especially if you're selling to the government. Thank you so much. Kind of on that note, Lisa Brown-Bannock on LinkedIn asked, are there grants available to start a franchise or other funding? She's thinking of an edible flowers, Taco Bell kind of thing. If so, how do you apply? And is a deposit required? If there is a deposit required. OK, so now that's an issue with deposits of things like that, how that works. Like say, for example, you mentioned Taco Bell, that would be something between Taco Bell and you, the business owner. We do have a directorate of approved franchises at SBA. They're available for lending and things of that nature. But I would say, again, this is one where we're talking to general terms where Lisa should reach out to an SBA resource, probably a district office. And sit down with members of that district office and walk through what it is that she wants to do. I don't want anybody to take away anything that I'm saying here today. And especially if you're looking at investing money and things of that nature, you really want to have a solid plan, a thought through plan before you jump out there. Paul had another question. He said, are there any opportunities or benefits for the children of veterans or disabled veterans rather than spouses, but for children who want to start a business? I have not worked with children, per se. We generally talk about the military members, the spouses, the counseling and things of that nature. It might be something possible, but as far as lending and things of that nature, I don't think so. Larry, thank you so much. Is there anything else you want to add? The only thing I would say, again, Dan, thank you very much for having me here. The takeaway for the audience is that SBA is here for you. And I know in uniform, we're taught sometimes to get the mission accomplished regardless of what. But to be in business, to be an entrepreneur, it's not a solo act. And we're here. I mentioned all those resources that we have. We talk about thousands of people, hundreds of offices around the country with people whose sole mission in life is to support you as the veteran small business owner. So come and see us. Don't be one of the ones who I hear from all the time to say, I wish I hadn't met you before when I crashed my first company. And you don't want to be one of those people. Come and see us. And please share the contact information again. Anyone that wants to reach out to me, please do so. We're here for you. Great. Thank you so much. Do you want to throw that, Brian? Michael, you want to take that last slide and put that up one more time for folks? Closing out, thank you, Larry, so much. Thank you, Laura Wages and Brian Mays and all your talented team. Just a fantastic job. And I hope we're able to have you or a representative of your team back again. I just want to remind folks, if you want to catch more of these, get more information about DAV and DAV Patriot Boot Camp, please visit patriotbootcamp.org and or dav.org. Feel free to reach out to SBA. They're a great group. Coming up next month in October, we're going to have our next DAV Patriot Boot Camp event here at DAV National Headquarters. We're thrilled to do that. Again, if you want information on things like that, just sign up at DAVpatriotbootcamp.org. Thank you and we wish you continued success with your venture.