Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Small Business Startup

Veteran

Allen Wyatt Corbin, KY

I am looking to open a PC repair/support store. Any financial help out there for veterans? I really believe there is a market out there because everyone has a network, or tablet, lapton, pc...ect. And I know from experience that tech breaks, I been repairing it for 20 years.

Thanks
Allen Wyatt

8 June 2018 3 replies Small Business

Answers

Advisor

David Akre New York, NY

Allen -
Start it by spending as little as possible. Just use word of mouth, instagram, FB and the like, in your local area, to first prove there’s a viable business. Go door to door in an office buildings too.
If you find there’s a real sustainable business, then look for loans, office space, etc. Spend six months at least, before you go to step two.
Best of luck.

Advisor

Alan Santos Arlington, VA

In addition to Winson's great suggestions, I would also suggest considering looking into some of the great off-the-shelf commercially available business planning software platforms that are out there. Some of the better products, liveplan is one I have used (www.liveplan.com) but I am sure there are lots of them out there, really help a potential small business owner walk through their business plan, the costs involved, and based on the information you provide build out spreadsheets and tables you can use to talk with financial institutions and the SBA. The best ones work like "Turbo Tax" in terms of plugging in information and walking you through the process.

Best of luck to you !!

Advisor

Winson Heng Arlington, VA

Hi Allen: Hope your day is starting out well. It is great to hear of your aspiration to open a PC repair/support store. The Small Business Administration has programs to support veterans interested in starting their own business. The Veterans Administration has information that might be helpful for you too. See the links below.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/programs/

https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/articles/Veterans_Advantage_Borrower_Fact_Sheet_FY17_FINAL.pdf

In addition, some banks (including community banks) and credit unions offer loans for small businesses as well.

I recommend that you develop/prepare a business plan for your business. If you have not done so, here is a link that might be helpful for you.

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

Hope this helps. Good luck on your business.

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.