The Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) is incredibly proud to announce that our very own Jason Payne has been named a 2025 Boots to Business (B2B) VBOC Instructor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Out of a nationwide network of dedicated educators, Jason was selected for his unparalleled commitment to empowering the veteran and military spouse community. This prestigious award recognizes instructors who go above and beyond to help transition service members from the front lines to the front office.
A “Gold Standard” for Veteran Education
Since joining our team four years ago, Jason has led over 80 workshops across California. But for Jason, it’s never been about just “checking the boxes” of a curriculum.
With over 20 years of experience in Air Force talent acquisition, an MBA, and ongoing Doctoral studies (DBA), Jason brings a unique blend of academic rigor and military heart to every session. Our Director, Eric Oley, describes him as the “gold standard,” noting that participants often return to his classes simply to experience his transformational teaching style again.
Why Jason Stands Out
What makes a Jason Payne workshop different? It’s his ability to turn abstract business theory into high-stakes, real-world practice:
- Innovative Teaching: Jason developed “ValorWorks,” a fictional Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that serves as a case study throughout his courses, allowing students to solve real-world problems in real-time.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: He was among the first to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into his market research modules, ensuring our veterans are using the most modern technology available.
- Empathy in Action: Beyond the slides, Jason is known for his extraordinary post-class engagement. Whether it’s staying late to help a veteran through a personal crisis or providing mentorship months after a workshop ends, Jason’s door is always open.
- Bridging the Gap: He even created a “Military Acronym Cheat Sheet” to help civilian instructors better communicate with and understand the veteran experience.
Join Us for the Award Ceremony
The SBA will officially honor Jason and his fellow recipients during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST).
The event is open to the public, and we invite our LA VBOC community to log in and cheer Jason on as he accepts this well-deserved honor.
Event Details:
- Date: February 19, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. PST
- Registration: bit.ly/4oZCemd
A Note of Gratitude
Jason often says, “I’ll always make time for Boots to Business. This is my way of giving back.” Jason, your dedication doesn’t just build businesses—it builds confidence, purpose, and community. We are honored to have you on our team and look forward to the many veterans who will continue to find their entrepreneurial path under your guidance.
Congratulations, Jason!
To learn more about upcoming Boots to Business workshops hosted by the LA Regional VBOC, visit our training and workshops page.