Veteran entrepreneurs in Chicago get boost with partnership

Veterans looking to start their businesses in Chicago can benefit thanks to the joint efforts of the city and a nonprofit.

The City of Chicago and Veteran Business Project recently announced a new partnership that marks a major milestone in the city’s continued commitment to empower veterans and stimulate economic growth.

The initiative aims to assist local veterans in becoming Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certified so they can take advantage of the City of Chicago veteran programs and incentives.

"At Veteran Business Project, we see firsthand the power of entrepreneurship in the lives of veterans. Our collaboration with the City of Chicago, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration, exemplifies our commitment to empowering veterans through strategic partnerships,” said Lynn Lowder, CEO and co-founder of VBP.  “Together, we aim to connect more veterans with business opportunities and provide ongoing support throughout their entrepreneurial journey,”

Kevin Barszcz, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs , said the initiative will make it easier for veteran-owned businesses to get certified.

"By designating Veteran Business Project as an Assist Agency, we're making it easier for veteran-owned businesses to get certified and actively work toward increasing the number of veterans certified,” he said. “Our goal is to help more of them secure city contracts successfully, and VBP's strong connection with veterans positions them as an ideal partner for the city in achieving this goal.”

To visit the certification webpage, visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .