From : SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
Location : |
Question :
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Reply :
We would like to welcome our participants to today's chat. Additionally, we have our chat hosts Jessica Salinas and Mark Lano. |
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From : Nancy Spillman
Location : Paragould , Arkansas |
Question :
What licenses do we need to operate a Durable Medical Equipment company in Paragould Arkansas currently |
Reply :
Hi Nancy - State are very specific in what licenses they need; It would be a lie to tell you what Arkansas would need - I would STRONGLY recommend that you go to your State website (official) and scroll to a business link or maybe economic development and start there. DME is not very difficult as if you were producing chemcical products - You may also find direct links on our website...http://www.coserve.org/vboc/ - jessica |
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From : Paul W. Rollinson
Location : Oak Ridge , TN |
Question :
Would it be appropriate to discuss SDVOSB certification issues. Some of "us" SDVOSB owners are hearing from some contract owners that they are worried that some businesses are claiming to be SDVOSBs, but are not. That feeling lowers their confidence in setting aside procurements for SDVOSBs. |
Reply :
Mark: The law did not give us the ability to create a certification program. However, the verification of status is incorporated in the protest process. |
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From : BOBBY MCCOWAN
Location : MUSKEGON HEIGHTS , MI |
Question :
WHY IS IT THAT VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DURING SUCH A PISS POOR JOB |
Reply :
Mr. McCowan, the VBD is doing a great job not sure of what the specific issue you may be having but I'm sure a direct call to Bill Elmore at SBA would be welcomed, Mark |
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From : Thomas Pratt
Location : Hanover , MA |
Question :
How do we get registered as a vendor for the Katrina relief effort? |
Reply :
Hi Thomas - the best source would be the fema.gov website...they are good about posting needs which would include contracts -- the site is just that fema.gov - there is a link that state doing business with fema - keep in mind that there must be a need for your service or produce in order to find a contract or resource - jessica |
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From : Carter Johnson
Location : Atlanta , GA |
Question :
I'm attending a pre-bid conference during your Chat. Is the chat going to be recorded for those of us who miss it but want this valuable information? Thanks. carter.johnson@quintathlon.com |
Reply :
Mark and Jessica: The archive of this chat will be posted at http://www.sba.gov/chats/ |
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From : Michael Anderson, Ph.D.
Location : , Colorado |
Question :
Financing Not able to be a part of this on-line discussion due to very poor internet speeds here. I'd like to hear an answer to my question. Maybe an emial would be nice. Seems the emphasis in SBA is on the new vets and not the Vietnam era disabled folks anymore. I have 20+ years of experience in my areas of expertise. Shouldn't write off the ones with talent and experience. It goes elsewhere. First, this is not whining.....or complaining. I simply don't have time or energy for that. But a simple DIRECT and HONEST answer would suffice. I've been to many banks and alternate resources for service-disabled veteran small business ownership financing. So far banks aren't jumping with our area currently economically depressed. I have found it is easier to obtain potential foreign funding than funding from our own financial institutions. Something worng with that picture. Why is that, is it that the government is just handing us a line as vets, and why is it easier to contract overseas than here with the US?? Other countries are offering great incentives to relocate for expertise in my area of work. I don't make body armour, helmets, humvee stuff, support direct combat ops, or anything like that. I am a scientist that does, while others sit and write flowery reports and issue irrelevant BS for the politicos and corporate lobby. I do the science no one else does. Or doesn't notice. Maybe Texas has great funding, but Colorado is a dead market for veteran small bunsiess funding.. My speciality, special global projects epidemiology Avian Influenza H5N1, WMD, environmental engineering, Research and Development.. The People's Republic of China has been seeking out veteran owned small businesses to finance. They see an opportunity for talent our own either ignore, or simply isn't interested in. What is the SBA going to do to make funds, and more importantly, CONTRACTS more available for service-disabled veteran owned small business entities? predictivesciences@yahoo.com |
Reply :
Jessica: Overseas procurements do not fall under the Part 19 of the FAR. Additional questions should be directed to your local SBA District office. |
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From : Sam Tayloe
Location : Dallas , TX |
Question :
Are SBA loans availalbe for Veterans involved in "intangible" functions such as consulting, services and sales? If so what factors should they emphasis in their applications? |
Reply :
Hi Sam - SBA garuanteed loans are available for all types of products and services both tangible and intangible - The business plan should include what exactly your services are and how you are pricing the service and ultimately making money - Jessica |
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From : Eugene S Williams
Location : Laughlin , Nevada |
Question :
How does a start-up, Disabled Vet, certified by SBA as a SDB with no references or track record, get work from a gov. agency or subcontracting work from a winning government contractor? I convert paper forms into interactive, fill-in from the keyboard, PDF forms. (Just like the ones at the IRS web site.) |
Reply :
Mark: Each one of the primes have sub contracting goals. You should contact the Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO) and ask to be a part of their subcontracting plan. Additional information on subcontracting opportunities are available on the SBA webpage at www.sba.gov/subnet/ |
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From : dennis wright
Location : paducah , kentucky |
Question :
I'm a disabled veteran looking for fiancial assitance to help out my S-Corporation. Can you help me? |
Reply :
Hi Dennis - All VETERANS are eligible for financial assistance - keep in mind that "financial assistance" includes various functions. If you are talking about capital to start..then you can go to any SBA office in your area so that they can explain the different SBA guarantee programs... - jessica |
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From : Matthew
Location : Norfolk , VA |
Question :
Im following the same path as my father. 25 Years old and and now im trying to buy a 12 unit appartnment building. I need help comming up with the down payment. Im able to pay back the 52.5K at 62.5K over 24 months starting a month after closing. Can you recomend someone I can speak with so that I might get this building before the year is out? |
Reply :
Hi Matthew - I'm glad to hear that you admire your father - In the purchasing of the building...I would consider coming up with 10-30% of the total project cost in order for you to attain the remaining 70% from a lender - Unfortunately, the SBA does not provide loan backing for the purchase of apartment buildings. - Jessica |
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From : Dennis A. Roach
Location : Slidell , Louisiana |
Question :
Why are the software development bids written so that only very large companies can qualify? I suggest that the contracts be writen so that small companies can get them and be allowed to team up with other small contractors if needed. Dennis A. Roach R-Software Development Co. LLC SDVOSB 116 Pinehurst CT. Slidell, La. 70460 (985)641-1462 Fax: (985)781-2830 A1SGTBUG@AOL.COM |
Reply :
Jessica: Please contact your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center. They are available at http://www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm |
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From : joseph parascand
Location : manahawkin , nj |
Question :
i would like to know how to go to louisana to aquire work my nephew owns a roofing business in san antonio texas we would work out of texas thank you for any info |
Reply :
Hi Joshep - Are you looking to see who is needs you as a sub contractor for LA? If so, then you may want to surf the FEMA.gov site where they are putting info in regards to needs in different areas of the country - Jessica |
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From : Tom Solak
Location : Aguanga , California |
Question :
I am a 50% Disabled Vietnam Vet, looking for help to finance my invention. Who would I contact for Help on this matter. Thank You Tom Solak |
Reply :
Hi Tom - Thank you for your service in Viet Nam - and I am glad to hear that you are working hard inventing "things." There are several steps you may need to take before getting your product produced...for example, have you done a copywright and a patent? Once you have covered your self on this end then I would seek out what we call "angel investors" - these are folks who are willing to invest in a project - Jessica |
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From : Jerry Clarke
Location : SMITHFIELD , UT |
Question :
What is the best strategy to finding VOSB contract opportunities? |
Reply :
this is one area http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ also each federal agency has a web site that you can register your company on, look for opportunities posted and get automatic email notifications, also look at annual forecast opportunities |
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From : Louis Berlin
Location : san diego , CA |
Question :
Why are the "Primes" still being allowed to work with out SD-VOSBs? (Disaster Recovery) |
Reply :
Mark and Jessica: The Primes still have their subcontracting goals and it is required in their plans. The Federal Agencies have the responsibility to provide oversight and insure that the prime contractors are meeting compliance with their subcontracting plans. |
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From : Earnestine D.
Location : Belleville , Mi |
Question :
is there financial help available for female disabled vets with little personal financial reserve? |
Reply :
Hi Earnestine - Specific financial assistance? I have not come across very specific programs. All assistance other than technical asssistance is in the form of commercial lending. Your personal financial reserve should be enough to inject as your equity injection to a commercial loan. - Jessica |
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From : glenn petty
Location : richardson , tx |
Question :
i am a disabled vet and wanted to know if there were any special programs for me to purchase an existing telephone company in texas. |
Reply :
Hi Glenn - Well,Glen - no, no special programs...once again...purchasing a business you will need several variables in place. There is an SBA program called the Pre Qualification program -this is at times used by the SBA office as a tool for Veterans - Jessica |
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From : Bob Hungerford
Location : Brandon , Mississippi |
Question :
1.) I've got 18 pages in word document of federal procurement sources/links, I have registered with several. It seems like when I look at FBO proposals there are more sites to register with. I've been to hundreds of gov't sites. Question is there a complete listing of sites to register with and / or single listing of various procurement sources (with contact info). Line of business is PC computer hardware and software sales and services. (2)distributors for an advanced technology computer product. www.jacksonarmor.com Question is how / where do I go about getting government to test and accept a new product. Is there a government source that evaluates computer products and this is accepted by other branches? Such as getting on GSA products listing. (3) 99.44% of mail/email to government and prime contractors is not answered. How to improve this. (4) Efforts with major federal prime contractors seeking subcontracting opportunities has been fruitless. As a typical example I went to Dell Computers looking for vet disabled sub contract manager. All phone numbers even corporate office go to sales (30 calls over course of a day). Looked up GSA contract on net, called GSA who furnished me Dell contracting officer direct number. Dell a billion dollar federal business is totally ignoring any vet disabled opportunities what so ever. GSA said that its part of contract but a guideline and not mandatory. What can be done about these prime contractors who agree to contract terms and then totally ignore them ? vet_gtenterprise@yahoo.com |
Reply :
Mark and Jessica: The Primes still have their subcontracting goals and it is required in their plans. The Federal Agencies have the responsibility to provide oversight and insure that the prime contractors are meeting compliance with their subcontracting plans. Bob, for specific information please contact Teresa Lewis at the SBA via email at sdvmail@sba.gov |
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From : Rick Pearce
Location : Middletown , OHIO |
Question :
Is the service disabled, veteran owned status a real priority with Federal buyers, if so, how long will it take to communicate it to the buyers? |
Reply :
YES and is an on going process |
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From : rodger mcfarland
Location : new orleans , la |
Question :
Can you tell me the status of my sba loan please |
Reply :
Because of your location we are assuming that you have applied for a disaster loan. The nationwide Customer Service Center can answer your questions at 800-659-2955. |
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From : Carlos Camargo
Location : Oxnard , CA |
Question :
Are there initial or mandatory requirements (business license, tax, DBA Filings...) for starting up a business? I currently am working as a Loan Officer for a small mortgage lending company and I want to start my own mortgage lending company next year once my broker requirements are complete. |
Reply :
Hi Carlos - I would search our site at http://www.coserve.org/vboc/ where you can find a continental US map that will take you to your direct State Vet site and you can start searching your specific need through the economic development area. I can safely say that you will need a DBA - taxes...go to IRS; its always good to go to the source. Jessica |
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From : James A. Ketzler
Location : FPO , AE |
Question :
I am actively considering my options for funding the startup costs for my business. I have come across some information recently about firms which offer "rolling over" retirement acconts like 401k, TSP, IRA, etc... into a 'C' corporation retirement plan. The idea is you move the funds from your current retirement account into a new 401k style retirement account of your new company which in turn buys private stock in the new company which provides initial capital for the business. Would you recommend this type of roll-over for start up capital for a first time business owner? Would you recommend any other resources for gaining financial backing for a new small business? Thanks! -James |
Reply :
Mark and Jessica: You should seek the advice of your professional tax advisor. |
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From : Brad Gallup
Location : |
Question :
How do you stay on the SBLO's Radar Screen with a new product without being a pain in the butt? |
Reply :
trade shows, email traffic in moderation, line card or capabilities summary outlining your product. Also request a meeting with the buyers for captive audience, Mark |
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From : Rachel Yasui
Location : Honolulu , Hawaii |
Question :
how to have a working capitol to keep my business running. I already have a loan out for when I purchased the business. |
Reply :
Mark and Jessica: Please contact your local SBA or SCORE office to explore additional counseling that may be available to help you. |
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From : Gene
Location : yorktown , ny |
Question :
where would we find 'angel investors'? |
Reply :
Gene - Angel Investors are everywhere. I would start with a general web search. I would also look into different foundations and organizations that are interested in your specific area. - Jessica |
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From : Marlean Jones
Location : Burke , VA |
Question :
I am currently a federal employee looking to start my own business. Would I have to leave federal service in order to contract with the federal government? Or can I remain in the federal government and contract with government agencies other that the one I work for? |
Reply :
Jessica: The Federal Gov't can not contract with companies owned by Federal employees. We suggest you contact your agencies ethics attorney for more information. |
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From : Allen
Location : Tacoma , WA |
Question :
What type of help, if any, can a disabled veteran who has not yet started a business, but is looking to get started, receive? |
Reply :
contact the PTAC in your area, Mark |
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From : Esteban Burgoa
Location : Chicago , IL |
Question :
I am a veteran but how can I benefit my real estate business? |
Reply :
Mark: You should utilize any and all of SBA's technical assistance that is available at the local SBA office. Go to www.sba.gov to locate the office nearest you. |
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From : Eric Green
Location : |
Question :
I just wanted to say hello to Mark! |
Reply :
Hello Sir, Mark |
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From : Ann Durant
Location : Watertown , NY |
Question :
What are the requirements for Veterans to prove that they are a "Veteran" or a "Disabled Veteran" when it comes to Government Contracting? |
Reply :
Jessica: It is done through self representing. You should have a copy of your DD214 or your VA adjudication letter in the event of a protest. |
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From : Eddie
Location : San Antonio , TX |
Question :
What does PTAC stand for? |
Reply :
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Mark |
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From : Robin Stephenson
Location : Redwood , NY |
Question :
Have you thought about referring veterans to their local Small Business Development Center for local procurement or counseling or technical assistance? |
Reply :
Mark: Absolutely, it is part of our continued outreach. All SBDCs will assist veterans. |
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From : Ed Gagne
Location : |
Question :
Jeff and Ed sez "Hello" |
Reply :
Good afternoon Gentleman, Mark |
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From : Kerry Washington
Location : New Orleans , LA |
Question :
I am an independent truck driver, how can I get contract work with the government? |
Reply :
Jessica: For referrals for local assistance contact our Texas Veterans Business Outreach Center at www.coserve.org/vboc/ Additional information on contracting is available at http://www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov/ |
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From : Pamela Thompson SBA Procurement Center Rep
Location : |
Question :
Federal Procurement has set-asides for Service Disabled Vets. Would you please elaborate on this |
Reply :
Jessica: Please contact Teresa Lewis at the SBA for follow-up at 202-619-1624 or teresa.lewis@sba.gov |
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From : Eric Green
Location : Durham , NC |
Question :
Mark we appreciate your support of the MCRA. My question is have you considered also have teleconferencing sessions along with the online chat sessions? |
Reply :
I would be glad to support this program for the Marine Corps Reserve Association or other opportunities that may exist, Mark |
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From : Tom Quinn
Location : Orlando , Florida |
Question :
Are there any current rule changes for SDVOSB regarding Sole Source activity or; is there a location to find this information? |
Reply :
Jessica: There are currently no rules changes for the Service Disable Vet Sole Source contracts. Please visit www.sba.gov/gc for additional information. |
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From : Lisa
Location |
Question :
Is there any business loan programs aimed at veterans? |
Reply :
I would contact your local SBA office, Mark |
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From : Wayne Williams
Location |
Question :
Spouse can be primary in business when Veteran is 100% service-connected |
Reply :
Jessica: The spouse or permanent care giver can only manage the company. The veteran has to own 51% or more of the business. |
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From : SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
Location : |
Question :
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Reply :
Thank you for participation in today's chat. For information on Veterans programs including procurement opportunities visit us online at www.sba.gov/vets The SBA is participating in a live webcast training on veterans business assistance and procurement. Please check back to SBA's website at www.sba.gov in early December for further details. |
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From : Donn Nemchick
Location : Pittsburgh , |
Question :
What is the best way for marketing goods and services to veteran owned small businesses? |
Reply :
attend trade shows that target veterans and network at the small business trade shows, Mark |
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From : Steve Nelson
Location : OKC , OK. |
Question :
A Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business dealing in Laser Printer, Inkjet and Fax Supplies. How do I get my name and Services out there. |
Reply :
Network at trade shows, market your company, meet with buyers at Federal agencies, Mark |
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