What are the prerequisites (requirements) to enroll in the Boots to Business Revenue Readiness course?

• B2B RR is a “follow-on” business learning and development opportunity for the Veteran entrepreneur who has completed the Boots to Business (B2B) Introduction to Entrepreneurship program through the DOD Transition Assistance Program (TAP); the SBA B2B Reboot program or TAP Online Courses (TOL).
• If you have not attended the B2B Introduction to Entrepreneurship course please visit SBA Vets to register for a B2B Intro course at your installation or a Reboot course if you have already retired or separated from service.

Who is eligible to enroll in B2B RR?

Eligible participants are veterans of all eras, active service members, National Guard and Reserve, and military spouses, who have taken one of the prerequisite mentioned above.

• If you have not attended the B2B Introduction to Entrepreneurship course please visit SBA Vets to register for a B2B Intro course at your installation or a Reboot course if you have already retired or separated from service.

What is the relationship between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Mississippi State University (MSU)?

The Boots to Business Revenue Readiness (B2B RR) program is funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) through a cooperative agreement with Mississippi State University.

Who will be the B2B RR course instructors / mentors?

We have assembled a team of experienced entrepreneurs as instructors / mentors for the B2B RR program. Our team members are veterans themselves and they and their families have been through the transition from military to civilian small business life. Our team has “been there, done that” in many cases, and throughout the course will share their real-life experiences in practical terms to illustrate the concepts. At least two instructors / mentors will be assigned to your class to take you through the six-week curriculum. We invite you to meet the MSU Team.

Where can I find more information about the course, such as curriculum content and schedule of the activities that I will be performing throughout the course?

A detailed synopsis of the B2B RR course is provided at in our Curriculum Overview.

Will I have a completed business plan at the end of B2B RR?

Yes, if you attend / review all sessions AND complete the homework requirements; you will develop an “draft” business plan ready for your next step in becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Do I need to have an identified business and location to enroll into B2B RR?

While not a requirement, the B2B RR course is ideal for the veteran who has identified a business idea and the general location where it will be operated. This course is particularly effective for participants entering the retail or service business (including franchises) as opposed to new product development (inventions); however, all prospective entrepreneurs are welcome.

Is there a cost to attend the B2B RR?

No, as with the Boots to Business (B2B) and Boots to Business Reboot introduction courses, there is no cost to the eligible veteran or spouse for enrolling in this course.

Is my spouse allowed to attend?

• Spouses who have completed the B2B Introduction to Entrepreneurship program through the DOD Transition Assistance Program (TAP); the SBA B2B Reboot program or through TAP Online Courses (TOL) are eligible to separately and individually register for the follow-on course.
• If the spouse has not attended the Introduction course, they are allowed, and in fact encouraged to enroll & attend sessions; especially for startup family owned business. However, the primary registered participant must have attended the Boots to Business Introduction to Entrepreneur course.

What if I miss a class due to work or family conflict?

We encourage participants to make maximum effort to attend live sessions but we recognize real world situations may prevent this occasionally. Each “Live” session will be recorded and available to class participants through coordination with your instructor / mentor. If you miss a class, you can watch the recorded session to make up the class and receive credit for attendance for your completion certificate. 

What does “live” interactive classroom mean?

One-hour Instructor led “Live” sessions will be conducted twice weekly. Zoom Video Conferencing will be the application used for lectures as well as for one on one personal review sessions. You are not required to purchase any unique software to participate. Zoom will allow you to see the presentation in real time and interact with the instructor (and others) as he/she covers the course material.

What are the computer requirements to participate via Zoom video conferencing?

Zoom computer requirements for Cohort members are basic (Webcam; speakers; microphone) and numerous platforms / devices are supported including a free app to download to phone or tablet. Stable internet connection is the key. The Zoom requirements are listed at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux

How do I learn to use Zoom?

Zoom Basic Personal meeting plan is free at https://zoom.us/ . It is a good tool for your personal and business use as well as offering you the opportunity to understand how we will utilize Zoom for this course. Suggest you take advantage of this free application and practice / review Zoom operation prior to class start date. Zoom website has videos on how to get started; Zoom is very user friendly.

What type of computer software applications required to participate fully in the course?

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint) - Note: Public domain (free) downloads of software compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available at websites such as www.wps.com.

Am I required to purchase any course materials for the B2B RR course?

No! All required class material will be provided via on line presentations.

How will B2B RR provide me instructional material and review my homework?

Once you complete the enrollment process you will have access to Mississippi State University’s continuing education Canvas learning management system. Canvas will contain items such as upcoming presentations, homework, reviews, links and discussion boards.

How many hours a week should I plan for the B2B RR course?

B2B RR will have two one hour live training sessions each week, while the amount of time spent outside the classroom will depend on each student’s individual situation. Plan to spend time outside of the live sessions for weekly homework assignments that will help develop your business model, business plan, and forecast. If you attend / review all sessions and complete the homework requirements; you will develop an “draft” business plan ready for refinement.

What if my business concept requires some specific needs or questions; can I receive one on one counseling?

Yes, as we personally review your business model development; your instructor / mentor will provide direct feedback to your specific business. Your instructor will coordinate a mutual time to meet via a Zoom session.

When I graduate the course, what happens?

• Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Mississippi State University's Dean of the College of Business, the B2B Revenue Readiness Course Director, and the Associate Administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD).
• Graduates are individually connected to a SBA veteran-focused resource to continue pursuit of their business venture.

What if I need to withdraw from the course?

Although regrettable we understand outside influences may impact your ability to complete the course. Your instructor / mentor will work with you individually to determine your best path forward.

What happens after I complete B2B RR and I have a questions about my business model?

Yes, you will be connected to a SBA resource partner to continue your entrepreneurial journey beyond the six-week course.

How do I register/enroll for the B2B RR course?

On the bootstobusiness.msstate.edu website click on the red Enroll Now link.

If I have any further questions who do I contact?

For more information about the B2B RR course including class dates, how to enroll, curriculum, and instructors, please visit bootstobusiness.msstate.edu or email to B2BRR@business.msstate.edu or call at 662-325-7788.