COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) operated by Mount Carmel Veterans Services Center will celebrate its one-year anniversary in Colorado Springs in May. The organization says it aims to help veteran businesses of all types grow, connect and thrive in the region.
“This is a veteran-rich community, and Colorado has a lot of veteran-owned businesses. We want to make sure they know there are resources available to them,” VBOC said. Director Keir Palmer said. “Whether they are in the start-up stage, have an idea they need help putting together into a business plan, or have been in business for years and are now looking to expand or sign a contract. Even if they want to have access to capital, we can help them.
Since its inception, VBOC has helped more than 450 business owners in Colorado, Palmer said.
“Now we get about three applications a day!” she happily exclaimed to me.
Coty Hansford says he has spent years honing his dent repair skills.
“It’s actually much easier to damage the panel than it is to repair it,” he told me as he repaired a dented hood. “Once the damage is done, there is no going back.”
After Hansford retired from the military, he and his father started a business called Hansford’s Hale and Dent Repair. He said his business has been successful as a result of building relationships with his customers and car dealers.
“You know, it’s not easy to tell people that what you’re doing is good. It’s much easier to listen to other people’s opinions,” he said.
When the business wanted to expand into new stores, Hansford says they turned to VBOC. They helped him develop a business plan and were able to connect him with a lender to purchase new space. Now he is encouraging other veteran business owners to take advantage of this support.
“We feel like we can do a lot more with the resources we have than we originally thought. So, essentially, we’re starting a new business. Yes, and it would have been much better if we had started earlier,” Hansford said.
____
news tips
What should KOAA5 cover? Do you have a story, topic, or issue that should be revisited? Do you have a story that you think should see the light of day? Let the newsroom know using the contact form below .
____
Watch KOAA News5 anytime with our free streaming app available on Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, and Android TV. Search for KOAA News5, download and start watching.
