An artist isn’t typically thought of as an entrepreneur, but that is exactly what George Herman Salas is, thanks in part, to assistance from Lloyd Calderon and the services of the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC).
Salas, a sculptor and creator of Challenge Coins is obviously creative, but admits that many of the details of running a business may have escaped him without Calderon’s help.
“He helped me actually understand how to earn an income through my business,” Salas said. “Lloyd worked with me one-on-one on basic business issues like developing a business plan.”
Salas, a disabled Vietnam-era veteran who lives in Albuquerque, also found that Calderon assisted him in networking – not something that comes natural to the quiet artist. He joked, “Lloyd seems to know everyone in New Mexico. The networking helps to bring me out of myself.”
One-Stop Shop for Vetrepreneurs
Calderon, the NMVRBC director, has been working with vetrepreneurs since 2008 when the center was created in what they refer to as a “one-stop shop” to assist veterans with starting and operating successful businesses. Although they were originally established to work with disabled veterans, they were recently chosen as one of 12 regional centers designated by and working with the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide services to all veterans. As such, the NMVBRC was awarded a $150,000 grant to expand its services.
The NMVBRC works in partnership with the SBA, the regional Small Business Development Centers and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Veterans, like Salas, contact Calderon for assistance with developing business plans, networking and marketing ideas, and help in identifying and applying for small business loans, including the Patriot Express Loans.
Calderon said many of veterans who come in the door have good ideas, but little business experience. “We can give them not only assistance, but an unbiased view of their business,” he said. The NMVBRC services are provided free-of-charge.
A Mission to Give Back
Along with working with veterans, Calderon has made it his mission to educate those who can and should be working with veteran business owners. “We also reach out to federal contractors, purchasing agents and service-disabled, veteran-owned business owners to inform them about laws in working with veterans and awarding them contracts in compliance with these laws,” Calderon said.
Douglas Craft of Rio Rancho, N.M. owns Crystal Clear Maintenance. The former Army captain uses Calderon’s services to help him network. “Lloyd is out there everyday beating the bushes trying to find sources and contracts for us,” he said, “We couldn’t do this on our own.”
A 22-year Air Force veteran himself, Calderon is committed to serving his fellow veterans at the center, by telephone and email. “If a veteran isn’t within driving distance, we can still help him,” he said.
Calderon was ranked top out of 69 nominees for the honor that is awarded to the individual recognized by the SBA as having supported veteran-owned businesses.
Calderon went to the White House where he received his award and recognition with the other nominees. “I am so proud to be called a “champ” when I am helping the true champions, our veterans,” he said.
He added quietly, “Like I said, I am so humbled. This is a pretty big thing for a boy brought up in West Texas by his Spanish-speaking grandmother.”
Helping Vetrepreneurs Secure More than $40 Million in Loans
The NMVBRC also assisted both Salas and Craft on identifying and applying for benefits and services. “I didn’t know some of the benefits that I could get,” Craft said. “Lloyd told me what was out there.”
One out of every seven small businesses in the state of New Mexico is owned by veterans, and the NMVBRC has assisted these vetrepreneurs owners secure more than $40 million in federal contracts, according to Calderon.
The center has been so successful that other resource centers around the country have contacted them for assistance in establishing similar programs. “We want to get veterans positioned for success. The more we reach, the more succeed,” said Calderon.
To learn more visit www.dvs.state.nm.us/vetpro.html or call 505-841-2956.
Did You Know?
In recognition for his efforts to assist vetrepreneurs, NaVOBA member Lloyd Calderon was named the 2010 National Veterans’ Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration, a highly prestigious, national honor.
Since 2008, the New Mexico Veterans Business Resource Center has worked with more than 125 veterans to establish and operate successful businesses. They have also assisted veteran-owned small business secure more than $40 million in federal contracts.