This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As Veterans Day approaches, the U.S. Small Business Administration is greeting service men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with help in the form of programs and initiatives to help them flex their entrepreneurial muscles.

"When you consider the leadership and management skills our veterans develop while on active and reserve duty," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills, "it's no wonder we see so many of them choose a path as entrepreneurs and small business owners."

Through government contracts, the SBA offers business counseling and training, along with capital and business development opportunities.

One example is the SBA's Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities program that has been developed in partnership with Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, UCLA, Florida State University, Texas A&M University,Purdue University, Louisiana State University and Cornell University.

Another program called Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), offers three-day training sessions aimed at helping female veterans network and thrive.

The SBA also offers "Operation Endure and Grow," geared toward National Gaurd and Reserve members and their families.

For more information, visit http://www.sba.gov/vets and http://www.sba.gov/reservists.

— Cathy McKitrick