ACS helps spouses build careers on the go

By Barbara Martin, Fort Jackson Employment Readiness ProgramApril 24, 2014

ACS
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. (April 24, 2014) -- Every year since 1963, the president has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. Small businesses create about two of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

Military spouses face many challenges during a permanent change of station move, and unemployment is generally at the top of the list. Small business opportunities can create an ideal work situation for military spouses. Portable careers that can follow them anywhere, anytime can be a positive solution to meeting their career success.

According to Mike Haynie, founder and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, spouses are increasingly turning to business ownership as a professional vocation.

National Small Business Week is observed May 12-16. The Army Community Services Employment Readiness Program is hosting a workshop titled, "How to Create Your Dream Job: Merging your Passion and Skill Set," May 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Strom Thurmond Building, Room 222. The workshop will be presented by Maryanne Wey, a military spouse and entrepreneur. She will talk about why she decided to start her own business and the resources that helped her become successful. Topics covered will include concrete action steps to launch your business, resources for your start up, and conscious brand development. This workshop is designed for military spouses who want to explore career options and decide if becoming an entrepreneur is a good fit for their military lifestyle.

Throughout the week, free copies of the Small Business Resource Guide (provided by the South Carolina Small Business Administration) will be available at the Employment Readiness Program office.

ACS has also partnered with the University of South Carolina Small Business Development Center to offer quarterly small business seminars and with SCORE to offer a five-week course, "Simple Steps to Starting a Small Business." Classes are free and participants receive free individual follow-up appointments with either agency. For dates and times of upcoming workshops, call 751-5256.

Here is a list of resources that may be helpful to you in making a decision about starting your own business:

-- U.S. Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov

-- SBA South Carolina District Office: www.sba.gov/sc

-- SCORE Midlands Chapter: www.scoremidlands.org/

-- University of South Carolina Small Business Development Center: www.scsbdc.com/