#USA #Small Business #NFL Alumni #Mount Laurel #BBB Foundation

NFL Alumni Launches Small Business Training Camp

The National Football League Alumni Association (NFL Alumni) has taken a significant step toward supporting former players as they navigate life after football. In collaboration with the BBB Foundation for Better Business, they are introducing the Small Business Training Camp, designed to equip retired NFL players with the necessary tools and resources for successful entrepreneurship.

A Unique Opportunity for Former Players

The Small Business Training Camp comes at an opportune time when many former NFL players are looking to transition into the business world. The initiative provides not only educational resources but also a platform for these athletes to connect and share experiences with their peers who have successfully established their businesses.

Several ex-players who have made remarkable strides in entrepreneurship are directly involved in the initiative. Among them is Tim Baylor, a former defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Colts, who is now the founder and president of JADT Development Group. Others include Keith Bulluck, owner of Just Love Coffee Café, and LeRoy Butler, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and owner of Leap Vodka, who share invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in business.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Support

The program leverages the extensive expertise and educational programming offered by the BBB Foundation for Better Business. It focuses on essential aspects of starting and managing a small business, covering topics such as:

• - Business Formation: Understanding the steps to legally establish a business.
• - Financial Fundamentals: Managing cash flow and budgeting effectively.
• - Sales and Marketing: Strategies to attract and retain customers.
• - Customer Service: Providing excellent service to build loyalty.
• - Compliance and Risk Management: Navigating legal requirements.
• - Human Resources Management: Hiring practices and team management.

The NFL Alumni Association also collaborates with the Small Business Administration (SBA), utilizing resources from Small Business Development Centers to further bolster the support provided to participants.

Community Engagement and Expansion

One of the core missions of NFL Alumni is to foster community support through small business development. Starting with a chapter in Austin, Texas, they aim to reach out to more than 40 local chapters across the U.S., emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurship in these communities.

Brad Edwards, CEO of NFL Alumni, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Supporting former NFL players in life after football is a core component of NFL Alumni's mission.” He believes that providing these retired players with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary for business success can significantly impact their post-career lives.

Carrie Angell, EdD, MPAff, the President and CEO of BBB Foundation for Better Business, echoed this sentiment, adding, “The Small Business Training Camp brings together retired NFL players and small business owners to learn side by side, support one another, and build something lasting.”

Launch Event and Future Vision

The Small Business Training Camp kicked off on July 30, 2025, with a webinar exclusively for former NFL players and their families. The inaugural session featured Paul Fitzpatrick from the SBA, who highlighted the essence of mentorship and shared resources available to budding entrepreneurs. “There are 34 million small businesses in America, and they create two-thirds of all new jobs in our country,” Fitzpatrick noted, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurship.

For those interested in participating in the Small Business Training Camp, further information is available at www.nflasmallbusiness.org.

About NFL Alumni

Founded in 1967, NFL Alumni is the oldest organization supporting retired NFL players, boasting 40 chapters nationwide. Their mission emphasizes caring for their members, supporting children's initiatives, and enhancing community welfare. For more details, visit www.nflalumni.org.

About BBB Foundation

The Better Business Bureau has been a trusted resource for consumers for over a century, aiding individuals in finding reliable businesses. The BBB Foundation's mission focuses on marketplace and community trust through education and outreach.

In summary, the collaboration between NFL Alumni and the BBB Foundation exemplifies a commitment to empowering former athletes by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed for entrepreneurial success.