Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs to host a Veteran small business summit in Peoria area

SPRINGFIELD – If you are an Illinois Veteran who owns your own business or possesses the skills and determination to start one, then the “Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs” event in Bartonville, Ill. is for you.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn about procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois, plus other federal and local government agencies. In addition, many not-for-profit organizations and local government agencies that provide assistance to small business owners will be attendance, including Governors State University’s Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp the International Franchise Association, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Hosted by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) and Illinois Central Management Services (CMS), this free program will also assist veterans become certified as veteran-owned business in the State of Illinois and be eligible for the 3-percent goal of all state contracts and services.

The “Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs” Summit will take place from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., on Friday, September 28, 2012 at American Legion Post 979, 4501 Airport Road, Bartonville, IL 61607. To RSVP for the event, please call (312) 814-1272 or email Alberto.Lopez@Illinois.gov.

For more information about IDVA and other Veteran initiatives, visit www.veterans.illinois.gov.