A program to help military veterans and their spouses learn how to become successful business owners was held last Thursday and Friday, Nov. 5-6, at the Gloucester Library in Main Street Center.

Approximately 15 veterans and their spouses attended the program, said Matt Nowak, a spokesperson for sponsor Small Business Administration. Some were retired military and others plan to retire from the U.S. Armed Services within the next few months.

This was the first time that the program, called Operation Boots to Business Reboot, was offered in Virginia. Marci L. Posey, economic development specialist for the SBA’s Virginia District Office, said Gloucester was chosen because of its presence near a heavily military region and that this county was one of three localities that were awarded state funds for the recent Business Launch program, which provided training for persons in the general community starting or expanding a business.

In addition, Posey said that a factor in having the...