Employment and Veteran Business Start Ups

Veteran Employment Programs, Unemployment Info and Start Up

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APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI)

PROTECT YOUR EMPLOYMENT
USERRA provides assistance to those persons experiencing service connected problems with their civilian employment and provides information about USERRA to employers. VETS also assists veterans who have questions regarding Veterans' Preference


MASS HIRE SOUTH SHORE The MassHire South Shore Career Centers, located in Plymouth and Quincy, provide employers and workers access to all of the programs and benefits of the workforce development system.


 

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Small Business Start-up Strategies for Veterans (submitted by Kelli Brewer)

Starting a business after leaving the military can be challenging, but becoming an entrepreneur is a great way to launch into a second career. You’ll have flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to contribute your skills to your community. There are also many resources available to help you get started. If you’re a veteran hoping to open a small business, read on for strategies that will point you in the right direction and give your next career the best chance of success.

Get social support Social support, mentorship, and networking are important parts of entrepreneurship. The best place to start is your local community. For example, the town of Marshfield, Massachusetts has a Department of Veteran Services that is dedicated to advocating for local veterans and their families. You can reach out and get involved through their social media page or website.

You can find support for your business endeavors on the national level as well. The Small Business Administration (SBA) runs Veteran Business Outreach Centers that offer mentorship, training, and counseling. The SBA also offers a free training program, called Boots to Business, that is designed to help veterans learn the basics of launching and running a business. If you need additional education or career counseling, you can get assistance from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

Assess your finances  Although the financial side of starting a business can be daunting, there are many resources available for veterans. Before seeking out loans or other funding, you’ll need to do your homework. Where do you currently stand financially? What resources do you have available? It’s important to develop a budget to determine how much you’ll need to get your business up and running. If you’re unsure how to do this, reach out for help with your financial planning.

After you have a budget, research the financial resources that are designed to help veterans like you start a business. Some of these include grants, loans, funding through investment groups, and assistance from non-profits. There are more business financing opportunities out there for veterans than you may realize.

Create the right fit   One of the biggest advantages of starting a small business is that it can suit your personal skills, interests, and background perfectly. You don’t have to force yourself into a role that isn’t quite right. Instead, you create the role. When coming up with your business idea, try to leverage the skills you gained during your military service. Don’t forget to consider your soft skills as well – such as resilience, a strong work ethic, or teamwork skills. Some examples of business ideas that may be a great fit for veterans include consulting, private security, starting a restaurant, and personal training.

If you’re a first-time entrepreneur, it can help to keep things simple in the beginning, because you’ll have a lot to consider. Where will your business be located? Who is your competition? How will you structure your business? To streamline the business structuring and save yourself paperwork, consider making your business a limited liability company (LLC). You’ll have more flexibility, lower risk, and tax advantages. You can avoid the legal legwork and save money by using a formation service.

While starting a business might have a steep learning curve, there are many social and financial resources available to help veterans follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Military service builds character and determination, which will help you along the way. Be sure to get support, do your research, and choose the right type of business for you. This combined with your proactive spirit will put your new business on the path to success.

 


VA for VETS: http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Work For VA  Why VA? As a Veteran, you understand the perspectives of the Veterans who have earned the benefits and health services that VA provides.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

State Licensing Programs The Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) oversees 31 licensing boards that license more than 365,000 individuals and businesses in a wide range of professions and trades, including electricians, plumbers, engineers, architects, and allied health professionals. DPL is a regulatory agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The agency is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and the integrity of the licensing process for its boards

VALOR ACT II Benefits Veterans can now qualify for reduced fees on state professional licenses and waivers for initial license and application fees..Read more (To be eligible for this benefit, interested parties must self-identify as a service member, military spouse, or veteran, by visiting www.mass.gov/dpl/valor, downloading and completing the appropriate affidavit form, and returning it to DPL along with other requested documents. The new law does not extend the waiver to other fees associated with the licensing process, such as renewal fees.)

VALOR ACT Military Training for Civilian Credit
The  also calls for the state Board of Higher Education to require each public institution of higher education to develop a set of policies and procedures governing the evaluation of a student’s military occupation(s), military training, coursework, and experience, in order to determine whether academic credit shall be awarded for such experience, training, and coursework. The policy must be in place by March 1, 2013

SKILLS WAIVER The Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills test waiver form may be used by service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the last 90 days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). This waiver allows a qualified service member to apply for a CDL without skills testing. CDL knowledge (written) test(s) cannot be waived. The transfer of a School Bus(S) endorsement under this Waiver Program is prohibited.

Veterans' Employment and Training Services (VETS) The Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) program is provided with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant allows the Division of Career Services to provide Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVER) at One-Stop Career Centers throughout the Commonwealth.

Additional Programs

Incarcerated Veteran Transition Program

www.dol.gov/vets/programs/hvrp/main.htm


Veteran Job Search Sites

Veteran/Military Related Jobs

Veteran Entrepreneur