The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) today launched the nation’s first and only training program specifically for Hispanic Veteran Entrepreneurs. A moving video tribute expressing the need for such services can be found at www.NPRChamber.org/Troops.
In conjunction with the International Council on Small Business (ICSB) and The George Washington University (GWU), the NPRChamber will host approximately 30 Hispanic veterans who have entrepreneurial aspirations, or are in the beginning stages of running a small business, to participate in a three day training program surrounding Veteran’s Day. The program will provide an introduction to the entrepreneurial process, as well as opportunities to meet with successful national entrepreneurs, legislators, investors, and federal agencies that assist in starting new ventures.
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“I’ve witnessed firsthand how these veterans sacrifice their lives, as well as employment opportunities or the chance to start a new business, to serve our country. They deserve an opportunity to learn the skills they need to put their expertise to good use,” said Justin Vélez-Hagan, executive director of NPRChamber and combat veteran of Afghanistan. “The results will be a benefit to our economy and our overall society.”
Veterans from recent campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have higher unemployment rates than the general population, while Hispanic veterans, especially those from Puerto Rico, have the highest unemployment rates among all veterans, reaching as high as 30 percent.
Oftentimes, veterans have managed to save enough money to start their own business, but lack the real-world knowledge to do so. With skills, training, and discipline not always found among other aspiring entrepreneurs, these ambitions can easily be converted and refined into independent and successful businesses, which in turn will contribute to others within their communities.
Applications for veterans interested in the program will be accepted until the end of October. Those interested in helping to support our program can make a donation via Fundly here.
About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and economic development amongst Hispanics and Puerto Ricans throughout the U.S. Feel free to contact the NPRChamber at 866-572-5222, ext. 4 or via email: [email protected].
About the International Council for Small Business
Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. ICSB’s international headquarters are located within the business school at The George Washington University and can be reached at 202-994-0704.