Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center

06/04/2026

Are you a transitioning service member, veteran, or military spouse interested in exploring entrepreneurship?

The Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (GA VBOC) invites you to join the U.S. Small Business Administration's Boots to Business training at Robins Air Force Base on June 29–30, 2026.

This two-day program introduces participants to the fundamentals of business ownership, business planning, market research, financing options, and the resources available through the SBA's entrepreneurial support network.

Whether you are exploring a business idea, planning for transition, or ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, Boots to Business can help you build a strong foundation for success.

Registration is now open: https://bootstobusiness.sba.gov/s/class/a00SJ00000sjZ92YAE/robins-afbinperson20260629boots-to-business

The training will be facilitated by Dr. Reina Cubbage. We look forward to serving our military community! Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center

06/01/2026

Recently conducted HCAFD 2026

A big Thank You to the Henry County Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to participate in the Armed Forces Day event this past Saturday, May 30, 2026! 🇺🇸

It was an honor to represent Georgia VBOC with a display table and connect with so many veterans, service members, and members of our community. Events like this are a powerful reminder of the strength of our local support network and the importance of honoring those who have served.

Thank you for putting on such a meaningful event and for the opportunity to be part of it. Looking forward to future collaborations!

05/29/2026

One of the things Dr. Reina Cubbage enjoys most about hosting From Service to Startup is highlighting the remarkable stories behind veteran-owned businesses and the military transition.

This week's guest, Angeletha Long, shares a journey filled with courage, sacrifice, leadership, and reinvention. Her story serves as a reminder that success is rarely a straight line and that some of life's greatest lessons emerge from its most difficult moments.

🎧 Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation: https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-xgdqm-1ad6d61

Some people spend their lives trying to overcome the labels others place on them. Angeletha Long shattered them. Long before she became a military commander, entrepreneur, and leader, she was a teenage mother in Jamaica facing circumstances that caused many to question her future. Yet what appeared....

05/28/2026

Recently conducted Boots to Business Workshop
In-person | Boots to Business (B2B) - Reboot 2-day Workshop

Start your entrepreneurship journey with Boots to Business or Boots to Business-Reboot, a foundational entrepreneurial education and training program for transitioning service members, including National Guard and Reserve, Veterans of all eras, and spouses.
💰” Funded in part by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.”

13 total participants

🏫The Georgia VBOC at the Georgia VECTR Center | In-person - Boots to Business (B2B) - Reboot |
1001 S. Armed Forces Blvd. Warner Robins, Georgia 31088

👨🏾‍🏫Hosted by: The Georgia VBOC at the Georgia VECTR Center | Reginald Thompson, Director, GA VBOC

🗣️Expert speakers:
Tuesday, 26 May
11:00 AM - Jordan Reab, Attorney at Law | WHG&M
12:30 PM - Crystal Allen-Joyner, CEO | R.E.G.A.L. Center

Wednesday, 27 May
10:00 AM - Rikki Waite, Founder | My Grandma's Empanadas
11:00 AM - Sillia Savage, Financial Center Manager | Fifth Third Bank & ATM
12:00 PM - A’Kira Foster, Commercial Real Estate Advisor, Retail & Development Specialist
12:30 PM - Rich Henderson, President & CEO | Jani-King of Augusta/Savannah/Macon/Ft Myers/Memphis/Little Rock/NW Arkansas/Tallahassee

📅 08:30 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Recurrence: Occurs every day, effective 5/26/2026 until 5/27/2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

⏰ There will be pre-assigned breaks between each Module and Lunch Break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (both days)

📚Topics will include:
Module 1 · Introduction to Business Ownership
Module 2 · The Right Idea? Basics of Opportunity Recognition
Module 3 · Understanding Markets & Your Competitive Space
Module 3a · The Economics of Small Business Start-up
Module 4 · Legal Considerations
Module 5 · Introduction to Business Planning
Module 6 · Financing Your Venture
Module 7 · Resources to Support Your Efforts
Module 8 · Moving Forward: Final Thoughts & Resources to Support

🔗

🌐Registration SBA: https://sba.my.site.com/s/
Georgia VBOC: https://gavectr.org/VBOC/
SCORE: https://score.org
SBDC: https://americassbdc.org
APEX Accelerators: https://lnkd.in/g3xFd3zB
ACE/WBC: https://aceloans.org
MSU-RR: https://lnkd.in/gPJWPBYC
Onward to Opportunity: https://lnkd.in/ec2ZpbG7

05/25/2026

In Middle Georgia it’s not just today, “EDIMGIAFAD”

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our freedoms.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families, loved ones, and supporters whose strength and sacrifice continue to support those who serve.
May we never forget their courage, service, and legacy.

05/22/2026

Recently conducted Boots to Business workshop
In-person | Boots to Business (B2B) 2-day Workshop

Start your entrepreneurship journey with Boots to Business or Boots to Business-Reboot, a foundational entrepreneurial education and training program for transitioning service members, including National Guard and Reserve, Veterans of all eras, and spouses.
💰” Funded in part by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.”

Total of 20 participants

🏫 Hosted by Fort Gordon TAP Office
305 8th Ave. Bldg 33800 | Fort Gordon, Georgia 30905

👨🏾‍🏫 Instructor, Scott Ross, GA VBOC

📅 08:30 AM - 4:00 PM Wednesday, 20 May 2026 (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Recurrence: Occurs every day, effective 5/20/2026 until 5/21/2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

⏰ There will be pre-assigned breaks between each Module and Lunch Break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (both days)

📚Topics will include:
Module 1 · Introduction to Business Ownership
Module 2 · The Right Idea? Basics of Opportunity Recognition
Module 3 · Understanding Markets & Your Competitive Space
Module 3a · The Economics of Small Business Start-up
Module 4 · Legal Considerations
Module 5 · Introduction to Business Planning
Module 6 · Financing Your Venture
Module 7 · Resources to Support Your Efforts
Module 8 · Moving Forward: Final Thoughts & Resources to Support

🔗

🌐Registration SBA: https://sba.my.site.com/s/
Georgia VBOC: https://gavectr.org/VBOC/
SCORE: https://score.org
SBDC: https://americassbdc.org
APEX Accelerators: https://lnkd.in/g3xFd3zB
ACE/WBC: https://aceloans.org
MSU-RR: https://lnkd.in/gPJWPBYC
Onward to Opportunity: https://lnkd.in/ec2ZpbG7

05/22/2026

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs - Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash Prize Pool Funded by Clover

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products – including SBIR or STTR awardees and recipients of SBIC investments.

Small business owners interested in competing should submit their pitch by 11:59 pm ET on June 10 through their local SBA District Office. Additional details on eligibility, competition stages, and event programming can be found at: https://www.sba.gov/freedom250

The Patriot Pitch Competition will progress through four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on:

- strengthening American competitiveness
- innovating and demonstrating an outsized impact within an industry
- delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs
- showing strong fundamentals and ex*****on readiness

The competition will culminate in a one-day finals event in Washington, D.C., to be held in September, where the top finalists will pitch live before a panel of notable judges and a national audience for national recognition and the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover.

“From the family farm to the factory floor, small businesses have punched above their weight for the last 250 years to power America’s economy, which is why the SBA is proud to spotlight the legacy and potential of entrepreneurship through the Patriot Pitch Competition,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This nationwide contest will award a total of $1 million in cash prizes to small businesses whose innovation, grit, and leadership are helping build America’s next great era of strength, prosperity, and competitiveness on the world stage. We look forward to demonstrating how small business is big business for our nation – and to highlighting the resilient job creators and local businesses who are delivering the services, products, and solutions that are defining America’s future.”

In addition to the live competition, the Patriot Pitch finals event will feature prominent speakers from business, government, and industry; a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger companies and contracting opportunities; and networking with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. Learn more at: https://www.sba.gov/freedom250

05/22/2026

Columbus area veterans - you're invited to join the Secretary of State's office for a free small business FIN FIT event at on Tuesday, June 16 from 8:30am-12:30pm at Cunningham Center at Columbus State, Blanchard B&C Halls, Columbus, Georgia.

Registration is free and open now at https://sos.ga.gov/fin-fit!

This event is free and open to all Georgians. Free continental breakfast and a workbook are included with registration. This event is for educational purposes only; no products or services will be sold.

05/22/2026

Leadership forged through service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Join us for a powerful Armed Forces Day panel discussion featuring veterans and business leaders whose experiences in military service helped shape their leadership journeys, entrepreneurial success, and community impact.

From intelligence and security operations to entrepreneurship, hospitality, small business development, and enterprise leadership, this conversation will explore the skills forged in service that continue creating impact far beyond military careers.

Meet the panel:

⭐ Carolina Kallaus | Founder & CEO, Morningside Analytics
⭐ Deandre Robinson | Owner, Sticks & Stogies Mobile Cigar Lounge
⭐ Richard Schnitker | Business Consultant, UGA SBDC at Clayton State University
⭐ Lisa Thiffault | Owner, Lisa’s Crêperie & Café

Guiding the conversation:

🎙 Moderator: LaTrisha Jones | COO, Venu2Go

Closing the experience:

⭐ Epilogue Speaker: Cornelius Gamble | Founder, Pressure Tested Global

Whether you're a veteran, business owner, leader, or community member, this conversation will leave you inspired by leadership in action.

📅 May 30
⏰ 11 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Henry County Chamber of Commerce

Register here: https://ow.ly/rHF450Z2UNf

05/20/2026

Spotlight Wednesday: Mr. Darrell Sullins Sr.

Today, the Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (GA VBOC) is proud to spotlight veteran entrepreneur, martial arts master, mentor, author, and motivational leader Darrell Sullins Sr.

A native of Cleveland/Beachwood, Ohio, began martial arts training in 1971; graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (1979) in Cleveland, Ohio; Indiana Wesleyan University; and other studies.

Darrell has dedicated his life to discipline, leadership, mentorship, and service. A former U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served approximately 6 years during the 1980s (4 active and 2 reserve). Achieving the rank of Lance Corporal, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he earned notable karate honors, including the 1984 Island-Wide Grand Champion and Fighter of the Year. Darrell carried the Marine Corps values into an extraordinary career in martial arts, entrepreneurship, coaching, and community impact.

As a 6th-degree black belt in Okinawan Isshinryu Karate and top student of Grandmaster Ken Ferguson, Darrell has earned national and international recognition throughout his martial arts journey. His accomplishments include being the 1981 Pan-American Games Gold Medalist, a member of the U.S. World Karate Team, multiple AAU National Championships, and induction into several prestigious Halls of Fame — including the USA Karate Federation Hall of Fame. Even today, he continues to compete at an elite level, recently earning gold medals in the 2024 masters division competition.

Beyond athletics, he is the President & CEO of Sullnet Impact Consulting LLC, which provides martial arts consulting, leadership development, diversity strategy, motivational speaking, life coaching, and personal training services.

Furthermore, he is the co-owner of No Negations LLC, a family business founded with his son, Darrell "Dee" Sullins Jr., and Ayla Stewart-Sullins. The business offers faith-based motivational coaching, apparel, and content.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Darrell is also a published author and actor, having co-authored Elite Martial Artists in America and appearing in the independent film Rumble TV (circa 2019–2020).

His presence extends into media as the co-host of The No Negations Podcast (Christian faith-based) with his son, Dee, and Ayla, where they focus on applying biblical principles to life, mindset, relationships, and overcoming negativity.
In professional development, he serves as a certified life coach, personal trainer, motivational speaker, and veteran entrepreneur mentor, notably contributing to programs such as Boots to Business.

Throughout all his endeavors, Darrell's philosophy and personal life are grounded in faith, family, discipline, perseverance ("No Negations"), mentorship, and the practical application of Marine and martial arts principles to business and life. He remains active on Instagram (), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Darrell Sullins Sr. represents the very essence of resilience, faith, discipline, and servant leadership. We are honored to recognize his continued contributions to the veteran and entrepreneurial communities.