Are you interested in gaining skills and knowledge that will help you start or grow your business? To learn more about resources available to you, join this webinar hosted by the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet), California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP), the Small Business Administration (SBA), Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and SCORE. This webinar is open to all service members, veterans, and their family members.

In partnership with CalTAP, various speakers will provide a wealth of information.

Agenda

12:50 p.m. - Agenda/CalVet/CalTAP Overview

12:55 p.m. - Local Interagency Network Coordinator

1:00 p.m. - Small Business Administration (SBA)

1:15 p.m. - Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

1:20 p.m. - SCORE

1:35 p.m. - Virtual Question and Answers

Below you will find more information about our guest speakers

Michael Cisneros, Training Coordinator

CalVet, CalTAP

Born in Sacramento, CA, Michael Cisneros joined the United States Air Force out of high school in 2004, and served as a Security Forces leader until the summer of 2007. After he separated from service he went back to school and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development, from the University of California, Davis.

During that time Michael also worked as a student aide within his community college’s financial aid office and eventually became a permanent full-time employee in the admissions and records office. His time in student services over a span of eight years fueled an enthusiasm around assisting individuals and helping them achieve their goals.

Michael went back to school and received his Masters of Science in Counseling (Career) from California State University, Sacramento. During that time, he focused most of his research on the veteran community and their unique experiences transitioning into civilian life. He is thrilled to be a part of something that has the ability to alleviate barriers for those individuals, and looks forward to a fulfilling career assisting them in achieving their personal success.

Danielle Tran, Training Coordinator

CalVet, CalTAP

Danielle Tran attended the University of California, Riverside, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2003. After graduating, she returned to Sacramento to be closer to her family. 

She has several family members who served in the United States Air Force and United States Army. Their service fostered a passion for advocating for and supporting disadvantaged populations. After supporting her father through his difficult transition from military to civilian life, she decided to pursue a career where she could help and serve others just as so many in her family have. 

Danielle previously served as the Family Engagement and Recruitment Supervisor at SETA Head Start. In this role, she partnered with teaching staff to increase and support family engagement and participation in the program. She also fostered relationships with community resource providers and stakeholders in order to assist families with gaining access to needed services and support systems.

She is proud to be a part of the CalTAP team and their mission to inform and connect service members, veterans, and their families to their earned state and federal benefits.

Merlene Steinbeck, Inland Empire LINC

CalVet

While finishing her Bachelors degree in Legal Studies, and an Associates degree in Political Science, Merlene Steinbeck worked for the California State Assembly and the House of Representatives.  She became a subject-matter expert in regulations regarding USC Title 38. She has experience with veteran casework, analyzing the challenges veterans face, and recommending changes to the legal codes.

Merlene’s experience has given her the ability to become an effective advisor to community partners that provide direct services to veterans. She also provides recommendations to veterans regarding their specific and unique issues.

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).

www.sba.gov/

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Thanks to this generous support from the SBA and because of the selfless contributions of our more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers, we can deliver most of our offerings at no cost.

www.score.org