PNW VBOC

05/26/2026

Big News: The NorCal VBOC is Expanding and Rebranding!

We are thrilled to officially announce that the Northern California Veterans Business Outreach Center (NorCal VBOC) has expanded its territory and rebranded as the Pacific Northwest Regional VBOC (PNW VBOC)!

We remain proudly hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt's Sponsored Programs Foundation, with operations funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through this expanded mandate, we are scaling our operations to deliver elite entrepreneurship training, strategic consulting, and flagship SBA programming across three states: Northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

What This Tri-State Expansion Means:
Whether you are an active-duty service member transitioning to civilian life, a veteran, a National Guard or Reserve member, or a military spouse, we are here to help you start, buy, or grow your small business. Our immediate, on-the-ground readiness includes:

On-Base Boots to Business (B2B) Training: Delivering foundational business concepts directly onto active-duty military installations throughout the PNW.

One-on-One Business Consulting: Providing confidential, tailored business advisement at no cost to veterans or spouses, covering capital acquisition, government contracting, and marketing strategy.

Strategic Workshops & Seminars: Offering our proven curriculum, including Core Business Foundations, Digital Commerce, Operation Fund Your Dreams, and our Government Contracting Series.

Boots to Business Reboot: Bringing intensive entrepreneurship training directly to those who have already transitioned back into civilian communities.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the transformation of the Northern California VBOC into the Pacific Northwest Regional VBOC—a powerful testament to its expanding reach and impact.” said Kevin Barber, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). “This milestone marks not just growth, but a deepened commitment to uplifting veteran entrepreneurs across the West Coast. The organization continues to shine as a driving force in building connections, unlocking opportunities, and fostering a strong, resilient community of those who’ve served.”

Led by our Director, Keli Benham Anthis, and our amazing team of regional consultants and program specialists, we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and fostering a strong, resilient community of those who’ve served.

Serving Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Learn more about our programming and connect with a consultant by visiting our website.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

11/11/2025

On November 11, the U.S.A. honors our brave men and women who served their country with courage and strength. Thank you to the outstanding who fought to safeguard our nation, our people, and our freedom.

11/02/2025

Let's Kick Off NVSBW and learn about the SBA NEW Manufacturing loan programs that provide the capital that manufacturers need to get going and keep growing.

Join the California VBOC for NVSBW: American Made - Veterans & Manufacturing on November 12 - 2 pm PT.

Still time to register at https://www.norcalvboc.org/nvsbw25/

05/26/2025

Honoring those who have served. We will always remember those who are gone. They will never be forgotten.

05/24/2025

👏 Incredible work, Allen Archuleta Jr, MBA, CEPA!!! Your dedication to supporting veteran entrepreneurs truly shines through in moments like this. At NorCal VBOC, we’re proud to see the impact of your guidance and the well-deserved success of your client, now recognized as Veteran Business Owner of the Year. Congratulations to you both—this is what veteran entrepreneurship is all about!



Office of the Small Business Advocate

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04/25/2025

Thrilled to share some exciting news from the North Coast! Today marked the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new Startup Humboldt Innovation Hub in Arcata, and it was fantastic to see Keli Benham-Anthis, Director of the NorCal VBOC, there to celebrate!

Even better, NorCal VBOC & North Coast SBDC are hosting a Veteran & Small Business Summit there on May 1, 2025!

This is a must-attend summit for Veterans and aspiring/current small business owners looking to launch, grow, secure government contracts, and access capital.

🗓️ May 1, 4-7 pm
📍 Startup Humboldt Hub, Arcata

For Veterans & small business owners: learn about startups (including Boots to Business!), government contracting, and accessing capital (w/ Allen Archuleta Jr.). Network with experts from NorCal VBOC, SBA, SBDC, Norcal APEX Accelerator, Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Arcata Chamber of Commerce, Caltrans District 1, CalOSBA & more!

This is one of the FIRST events at this innovative hub! Don't miss out. Refreshments served.

Register now: https://www.norcalvboc.org/event/veterans-business-resource-summit-arcata-05-01-2025/

03/05/2025

“Operation: Fund Your Dreams” is a comprehensive course designed exclusively for Veterans, active military personnel, and their families who are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey.

This program is tailored to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to secure funding for their new business ventures.

This two-hour workshop will discuss the following topics:
- Goals and Objectives
- Market Research
- Business Planning
- Exploring Funding Options
- Cash Management
- Financial Strategy
- Credit and Funding

There is no fee to participate. Registration is required:
https://www.norcalvboc.org/.../funding-new-venture-03-12-25/

This is an online class. The Zoom link will be emailed one day prior to event and/or upon registration.