ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Registration is still open for the 2018 Southwest Veterans Business Conference in Albuquerque on April 24-25 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Day-1 and 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Day-2 at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW).

The free conference is for entrepreneurial-minded military veterans, National Guard/Reserve component members, and transitioning active-duty personnel.

A spouse or guest are also welcome. A free continental breakfast and on-site hot lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. There will also be drawings for valuable door prizes throughout the conference.

This free conference is presented by the New Mexico Business Outreach Center--the business development division of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services.

Collaborating with the VBOC to present the conference are the New Mexico District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), New Mexico Veterans Business Advocates, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, the Veterans Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), the Small Business Development Center of New Mexico (SBDC), and WESST New Mexico.

The conference presents a great "one-stop shop" opportunity for entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs to learn about the presenting agencies, and how these agencies help entrepreneurial-minded veterans.

Additionally, there will be a panel presentation featuring the CEO's of four successful veteran-owned small businesses. The leaders will provide invaluable "do's and don'ts" for their fellow veterans — and what it takes to succeed. Hear how they started with just a dream, and what it took for them to launch and grow.

And as a bonus, several government (federal, state and local) and commercial prime contractors to will teach entrepreneurial-minded veterans how to do business with them — how to land potentially lucrative contracts, and how to maintain these relationships.

New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Secretary Jack Fox will welcome attendees to the conference. SBA Deputy Associate Director for Veterans Business Development Ray Milano will deliver the Keynote Address.

For more information and to pre-register, go to www.nmvboc.org; or contact VBOC Director Rich Coffel at richardl.coffel@state.nm.us or (505) 383-2401.