STATEHOUSE (Sept. 27, 2016) — State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) participated in the Veterans Entrepreneurial Training Seminar today with several local veterans and entrepreneurs at the American Legion Kapperman Post 44 in Newburgh.
These free seminars hosted by Voice4vets.org, provide information to veterans about opening small businesses. Experts offered instruction on Small Business Administration Loan Guarantees, business plans, strategic planning, marketing and market research, government contracts, franchises and more.
“This was a great opportunity for me to meet local veterans and learn more about their needs,†Sullivan said. “I was also able to share a little bit about what the state is doing for our veterans and their families.â€
This year, legislators enacted various initiatives to assist Hoosier veterans, as well as those still serving in the military. The bills focus on topics from education to financial assistance.
“We have helped secure training and education for veterans, as well as assistance with job placement,†Sullivan said. “We have also improved access to temporary assistance for needy military families, while reforming the veteran service officer system to better facilitate benefits.â€
In 2013, House Republicans helped establish a goal of awarding 3 percent of state contracts to Indiana veteran-owned businesses. In 2015, the state exceeded that target when 3.94 percent of contracts were granted to these companies. This year, legislation streamlined the certification process for the Indiana Veteran’s Business Enterprise Program. More information on the program can be found by visiting www.in.gov/idoa/ and clicking on Indiana Veteran’s Business under Vendors & Contractors.
In 2015, Indiana’s veteran unemployment rate was 2.4 percent, the second-best in the nation. Indiana is home to 483,000 veterans, 71 percent of whom served during wartime.
