MC To Serve as Pilot for Small-Business Plan

Four Marine Corps installations have been tapped to serve as pilot sites for Operation Boots, a program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration aimed at helping transitioning service members start and operate small businesses. Plans are afoot to expand Operation Boots nationwide sometime next year. Under the program, Operation Boots will be integrated into the transition readiness seminars that are presented to departing service members. In those seminars, participants can opt for advice on employment, technical training, education, or entrepreneurship. Those who select entrepreneurship will receive the full benefits of Operation Boots, with advice and direction they can use when launching their own businesses. Last year, the Small Business Administration loaned $1.5 billion in 4,300 loans to veteran-owned businesses. Marine Corps Bases Quantico, Va., and Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif., were chosen as pilot sites.