SBA, Utah Dept. of Veterans Affairs join strategic alliance

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the state of Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs have signed a strategic alliance memorandum (SAM) to unify the efforts of the two organizations, share information and align essential services and resources to better serve the veteran- and military-affiliated business community, the SBA said in a release.

“SBA and UDVMA are linked by a common mission: to aid, counsel, assist small business by providing financial, contractual and business development and in doing so increase income to Utah’s communities and households,” the statement said.

“Signing this strategic alliance gives both partners an opportunity to expand the ranks of entrepreneurs among the military and veteran communities. SBA is proud of the small-business owners and entrepreneurs who continue to play such a critical role in the economic growth and recovery of Utah — in addition to defending the freedoms we all enjoy,” said SBA Utah District Director Marla Trollan.

The purpose of this SAM is to develop and foster mutual understanding and a working relationship between the SBA and Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs in order to strengthen and expand small-business development in the local area. 

Some of the specific ways the organizations will collaborate include sharing programs and services materials, marketing materials and other publications as well as sharing information on each organization’s websites; and providing speakers to participate in Department of Veterans and Military Affairs workshops, conferences, seminars and other activities to discuss SBA financing, government contracting and other business topics.

“We believe that our collaboration will provide significant results for those who are starting and growing small businesses within the military community and we are ready to get going on this new partnership,” Trollan said.