Patrick E Alcorn ⋅ Arlington, TX Veterans Business Outreach Center ⋅ 20 years experience

Join the entrepreneur community on Alice at https://helloalice.com/communities/business-beyond-the-battlefield and connect with your local VBOC for up to date answers to your small business questions. (http://www.vetbizcentral.org/)

Michael Crowley ⋅ Andover, MA Schneider Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Michael:

If you want to look at a career in small business that uses mechanical engineering skills, I would research HVAC/R field. That industry is served by many small/medium business offering systems installation and service. They usually offer products by larger companies i.e. Honeywell, Johnson Controls and of course the best one, Schneider Electric :>).

Good Luck!

Alan Bernstein ⋅ Melbourne, FL HR Office Savers, Inc. ⋅ 22 years experience

Michael,
Are you seeking employment with these types of companies? Or are you trying to build a business in partnership with them? If the former, you can register with staffing companies and temp agencies to get your foot in the door. Notable are Spherion, Acara, and AeroTek. if the latter, I agree with Jerry about exploring your local Chamber of Commerce, SBA on line, and also SCORE is a good resource. All these are free to explore (except there is a fee to join the Chamber). Good luck!

Jerry Welsh ⋅ Middleville, MI Master Military Transition Advisor/HPS GPO ⋅ 30 years experience

Michael,
Your best bet is to find your closest Chamber of Commerce. Many times in smaller cities it may not have all the bells and whistles, but maybe have certain organizations that stop in once a month or so. Also look up the Small Business Administration and see if there is a local "veteran" representative near you. Between those two organizations you should be set in access to tips, assistance in creating plans for requesting financing etc. God Bless and thanks for your service.