![Andy and Ashley Williams of Flip or Flop Ft. Worth will be the keynote speakers. [Photo: Courtesy of HGTV]](https://s24806.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Veteran_970_courtesyHGTV_AndyandAshleyWilliams_FliporFlopFtWorth-970-e1510952086925.jpg)
The University of Texas at Arlington’s Veterans Business Outreach Center is hosting its first Veterans Business Symposium and Resource Fair on Saturday at the College of Business Building on campus.
The event is free and open to all veterans, disabled veterans, National Guard and reserve component members, and spouses, according to a release.
In 2016 the outreach center was awarded $500,000 from the U.S Small Business Administration to help veterans starting or developing their businesses. The money is to be used for education, training, and consulting services.
“We are delivering small business resources to empower prospective and existing veteran-owned small businesses.”
Patrick Alcorn
Center Director Patrick Alcorn said veterans will benefit from a full day of entrepreneurial content at the fair.
“We are delivering small business resources to empower prospective and existing veteran-owned small businesses,” Alcorn said. “We connect veterans who could soon open their own business or franchise to the network of resources available to start or grow a business beyond the battlefield.”
Iraq war veterans and the new stars of HGTV’s Flip or Flop Fort Worth,” Ashley and Andy Williams, will be the keynote speakers at lunch. The event is being co-promoted by The Potter’s House Military Veterans Ministry.
The symposium and fair will serve as a one-stop shop for veterans, Alcorn said.
“The strength of the event, though, is the networking that takes place between veterans and representatives from these organizations and companies, as well as among the veterans themselves,” Alcorn said. “Veterans learn that even though they’ve left the military, they can leverage the veteran business network to build a new life and a business beyond the battlefield. In sharing their experiences and best business practices, they learn from each other.”
IF YOU GO
Veterans Business Symposium and Resource Fair
When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Where: College of Business Building 701 S. West St., Arlington
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