“One of the things that VBOCs were set up to do was really help people navigate through that ocean of information. How a person could use a VBOC wherever they land in the country is just ask questions, to have a safe zone. Most of the VBOCs are operated by people who were either in the military at one point in time or they had a small business, so you're not talking to people who don't get it and didn't buy the T-shirt a couple of time.” (15:39)
With more than 18 million veterans in the US, either you or someone you know will be able to benefit from the information we share in this upcoming episode.
Darcella Craven is the Chief Fear Conqueror and President of the Veteran Resource Business Center, the nonprofit economic development agency assessing challenges and developing solutions to grow successful veteran-owned businesses and also immediate family members of veterans. Her organization services the areas of Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa region, but they're part of a larger nationwide network of veteran business outreach centers known as VBOC.
As a Veteran herself she realized the importance of obtaining knowledge and seeing the opportunities after leaving the Army. The last thing I was doing in the army was helping with training and that's when I realized, boy, I like this. I like this training world. This led her to wanting to give back and help others become successful in their civilian life. She wants to make sure make sure folks are utilizing the resources that are out there for them and ask every question in the world because it's there for you.
Darcella shares two of many of the organization’s success stories. One is a veteran that while taking a class he saw the possibilities of entrepreneurship as well as a way of giving back in the janitorial industry. Another veteran took his local beer crafting hobby and was able to expand it from his local bar to local grocery store to becoming nationwide. (26:27)
She also takes and breaks down the reasons business plans help entrepreneurs and breaks the negative stigma some have towards them. She states: “It's supposed to be a living, breathing document that changes with the environment that you're in and allows you to go back and get back on track (45:50)”
The Boots to Business program is one of their many great programs they offer. This program is actually open to any transitioning person in the military and military spouses (53:07)
She lends us great advice one being the term “Mindset Management”.
“Just rethink... and attending to your language and really thinking how you think about information you're getting. (1:06)”
Darcella Craven is truly a remarkable person. Her high energy and happy spirit are a great one to have. She is full of great information and resources for the many veterans that we are grateful to have served our county. In her own words. “Make it a powerful day” 
