Questions and Answers
About VetBizCentral

JULY NEWS

As stated on another page of this website, VetBizCentral will close its state headquarters in Flint Aug. 31.

There are numerous details to be worked out and to avoid confusion; we’re trying to answer questions you might have.

If there’s an issue you don’t see addressed in this spot, please e-mail us at info@vetbizcentral.com

Q: Why is VetBizCentral closing?

A: A massive reduction in funding from our parent organization, The Veterans Corporation, is the key reason.

Q: What about the Congressional emergency supplemental funding request?

A: That proposal was approved by the Senate, with 77 affirmative votes, but was removed from the spending bill while in the House of Representatives.

Q: What about future funding from Washington?

A: The Veterans Corporation, which is mandated by law to maintain VetBizCentral and the other two centers, has a murky future at best. The corporation’s CEO resigned under fire in March after reducing funding to the three centers and the agency is now the target of a Senate investigation. Some Washington insiders claim the Veterans Corporation, as presently constituted, stands little chance of being reauthorized and funded by Congress in the upcoming fiscal year. In the meantime, the Veterans Corporation board of directors refuses to consider a motion from one of its members to provide additional funding to the three centers this year.

Q: Any other funding avenues available in Washington?

A: Yes. Senator Kerry, among others, has proposed $800,000 be budgeted next fiscal year to run the three centers. However, due to the upcoming elections, the new budget likely won’t be in place until late January or early February of 2009.

Q: Is VetBizCentral accepting new clients.

A: No. We will honor appointments with existing clients but will no longer accept new clients.

Q: What about existing clients who are in the midst of starting or expanding a business?

A: We will notify every client of our closing and recommend other resources they might consider.

Q: Will the Veteran Entrepreneurial Training conference be held this fall?

A: Yes. We’re planning on it. I will continue to work on that project on a voluntary basis. The date is Nov. 7th, the place the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint. Stay tuned for details.