I had heard something years ago when I was initially joining the military about a small business loan available to active duty soldiers.  Is this still in effect?  I have done some searching but can only find private companies that cater to military, and not an actual federal program.  My wife and I are interested in opening a transfer business and tactical gear shop around the post I am out of and wanted to know if there was indeed a federal program out there that could help out.

Tag because I want to know too!

Interesting, I read that too. I couldn't come up with any info though. However, I would recommend going to the SBA website. They will give you the means to start a business.

ETA:

This might be what you're talking about. http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/

If you become very successful. Remember who gave you the link

and of course GOOD LUCK. I've been trying to think of an idea for YEARS.

Thanks for the info!



I was hoping to stay in the military and have my wife run the business while I am in.  I intend to keep it small enough to do so.  I wonder if there are any benefits  or programs I can utilize while on active duty without being on the way out the door?  I would normally check out the post resources to find out this stuff but im deployed right now.





 

yeah you're probably referring to the SBA's veterans program. I don't think someone will be given a 24 hour a day Soldier a starter loan on a biz.

That would make sense, the .gov is investing money in you. So, if you are active duty, it would only make sense that they wouldn't award you a loan. Here are the requirements.
   *
     Veterans
   *
     Service-disabled veterans
   *
     Active-duty service members eligible for the military’s Transition Assistance Program
   *
     Reservists and National Guard members
   *
    Current spouses of any of the above
   *
     The widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service or of a service-connected disability
   *
     The SBA and its resource partners are focusing additional efforts on counseling and training to augment this loan initiative.

The last thing the OP should be looking at is opening a business if he has 0 time to invest into the business. That doesn't seem to be the case here. He will most likely have to provide a sound business plan. He will have to prove that he will have to turn a profit in such and such a time.  There is also different loans through the SBA if the OP doesn't apply to any of the criteria s above. Again though, he will have to provide a business plan and be able to prove to the who ever financing him, that his service to this country will not hinder his ability to turn profit.

This would be known as ACAP to those in the Army. Or the "Getting the Hell out Program" for others.

Ha, I have 6 years before I even think about "Getting the hell out Program"

I figured as much, I will probably have to have my wife work the loan then.  





 

Here is some more info and assistance. http://www4.va.gov/osdbu/veteran/