SCORE Workshop Series & Success Strategies

for Business Owners Meetup Group

Come join us for this FREE event sponsored by Manasota SCORE, Manatee County Public Library Information Services and Manatee County Economic Development Division.  Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Central Library.

Business and Franchise Opportunities for  Veterans                               presented by Mats Bengtson and Lee Washington

Take charge of your future by considering business ownership as your next career step!  Business ownership is a great way for veterans to use the leadership skills and work ethic that they developed during their service. In this session, which is open to all, Mats Bengtson of FranNet will discuss considerations for both independent and franchise ownership opportunities.  He will also discuss planning for business ownership, funding options, and a range of topics regarding the rewards and challenges of owning a business with an emphasis on franchises. Lee Washington from the Manatee County Veterans Service Division will address the ways in which his office can help veterans access financial benefits and other services.

Mats Bengtson, a native of Sweden, is a Certified Franchise Specialist at FranNet. His int’l business experience includes owning/operating an IT business in Puerto Rico and developing consumer markets in South America and the Caribbean. He’s served as a Certified Small Business Mentor and presenter with SCORE since 2006, and held positions of Chapter Chair for Pinellas and Assistant District Director (Southwest region).

Lee Washington is a Florida native and 11-year Veteran of the US Marine Corps, serving honorably in duty assignments in the US and abroad, including CA; Japan; Philippine Islands; and Russia. Joining Manatee County government in 2009, he now leads the Veterans Service Division, which oversees federal, state, and county benefits and advocacy for 40,000 Veterans and their families. He was Manatee County Employee of the Year 2013, is a graduate of Leadership Manatee, and an advisor to the Manatee County Veterans Council.