The center, supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, focuses on helping active duty military personnel and veterans launch their own business or grow an existing business. The program is operated in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota in collaboration with the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.

“This is a really good tool to have in your arsenal to become a business owner,” Newberry said. “A lot of times, when veterans get out, they’re kind of unsure what direction they want to go … They don’t really think about ‘oh, you know what, I can start my own business’ so that’s what we’re here for.”

Newberry is a veteran himself serving two tours in Iraq and earning a Purple Heart. He’s also a business owner.

The Wisconsin VBOC has helped over 200 veterans in one-on-one counseling. Several clients own and operate successful businesses in Wisconsin.

“Now is a really good time to think about maybe you can become an entrepreneur,” he said.

Learn more about the program: https://www.wwbic.com/veterans/

Listen to the podcast, sponsored by UW-Madison: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2021/wisbusiness-the-podcast-features-dan-newberry-wisconsin-vboc/