The Hidden Network Helping Veterans Build Million-Dollar Businesses – with Joe Reagan of Mt. Carmel VBOC

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we chat with Joe Reagan from the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. The conversation highlights how veteran service organizations help veterans and military spouses transition to civilian life and launch veteran-owned small businesses, offering critical guidance, funding access, and financial education. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. The Hidden Network Helping Veterans Build Million-Dollar Businesses – with Joe Reagan of Mt. Carmel VBOC Joe Reagan, Director of the Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), brings over 20 years of experience across defense, technology, and nonprofit sectors. Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center operates under a “no wrong door” philosophy, ensuring any veteran or military family member seeking assistance receives the appropriate financial resources for veterans, mentorship, and guidance to succeed. From Military Service to Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs Joe’s journey began with a strong sense of duty post-9/11, leading him to serve in the 10th Mountain Division and later transition into civilian life. Today, he leverages his military experience to guide veterans and military spouses in establishing veteran-owned businesses, connecting them to veteran business funding, small business loans for veterans, and other critical resources. Opportunities, Challenges, and Financial Education for Veterans Joe touches on the wide array of services provided by Mount Carmel, including business counseling, networking, and financial education for veterans and military spouses running small businesses. He shares examples of diverse entrepreneurial ventures, from a veteran-crafted doll business to a military doctor using 3D printing for prosthetics, highlighting how access to veteran business funding and proper planning drives sustainable growth. Economic Impact of Veteran Entrepreneurship The VBOC collaborates with similar centers nationwide, amplifying the impact of veteran entrepreneurship on local economies. Supporting veteran-owned small businesses not only creates personal success but also contributes to broader community development, demonstrating the ripple effect of empowering veterans through business resources and financial education. OPLAN for Veteran Entrepreneurs Joe emphasizes translating military leadership strategies into business planning, the use of AI for marketing and operations, and the importance of financial literacy for long-term success. Programs at VBOCs and resources from partners like Armed Forces Bank help veterans and military spouses access small business loans, manage their finances, and confidently grow their businesses. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing business, your local VBOC provides mentorship, veteran business funding, and financial education for military families. Reaching out can be the first step toward achieving your entrepreneurial dreams and contributing to the broader veteran community. For more information on these resources, visit the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center website or find your local VBOC through the Small Business Administration. Military MinuteThe Military Minute giveaway offers listeners like you a chance to show off your military and life knowledge. Winners receive $50 for themselves and a charity of their choice!For giveaway details or to enter, visit the Militarily Speaking Podcast Facebook page and find this episodes’ Military Minute post! After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months. ·      Last episode’s Military Minute: According to the SBAs Office of Advocacy. How many veteran owned businesses are there in the United States in 2024?·      Answer:·      This week’s Military Minute question(s):    In what year was the Veterans Business Outreach Center created?·      Watch for this weeks’ Military Minute post on the Militarily Speaking Facebook page.·      Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.·      After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months. Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two. Visit www.afbank.com