Texas Veterans Entrepreneur Program
Making the decision to serve one’s country is a big commitment and requires a substantial personal investment to go through with. For these reasons and many others, the government awards tax credits and other benefits to companies that employ veterans. But what about veterans who don’t want to work for someone else, but instead want to start their own business?
The Texas Veterans Entrepreneur Program is designed specifically for veterans, and is a resource for those who have served and seek funding, mentoring and networking opportunities. Texas receives more than 35,000 veterans each year, and many return with the desire to start their own businesses.
After putting several years into the service, some veterans make the decision to invest in themselves and take a chance on their ideas; the VEP helps these entrepreneurs receive guidance on sourcing funding opportunities, fine-tuning business plans and consulting with industry experts who understand how to navigate the challenges that come with starting your own business.
Helping veterans achieve their goals
So far the program has helped more than 1,000 veterans achieve their goal of going into business for themselves. Several veterans utilize the time that they’re in the service to get undergraduate and graduate degrees, so having the chance to apply those principles, along with the experiences that they’ve gained while serving, is a logical next step for those interested in becoming an entrepreneur. The Texas Veterans Commission has a wealth of resources both for companies looking to hire veterans, as well as veterans who are returning home and need assistance.
Now more than ever, organizations are pulling together mentors, investors and experts to help guide entrepreneurs who are just starting out, and many are designing their programs to fit the specific needs and backgrounds of program applicants.
The VEP has designed its program to help veterans transition from service to business and be well-prepared while doing so. Additionally, the more veteran-owned businesses in operation, the more likely these businesses will hire other veterans and unemployed individuals, and improve economic conditions in surrounding areas.
