What's Happening?
The Veteran Business Project (VBP), a Naperville-based charity, is assisting former military members in transitioning to civilian life by helping them develop skills to start or own businesses. The organization recently received a 2026 Fisher Service
Award for Military Community Service from the Fisher House Foundation, recognizing its innovative programs. VBP aims to reduce veteran unemployment by leveraging the inherent entrepreneurial characteristics of veterans, such as drive, discipline, and teamwork. The charity connects veterans with business coaches who provide guidance on staff management, finances, customer service, and purchasing. Additionally, VBP operates a Living Business School, offering hands-on practice for veterans, military members, and their spouses. Co-founder Lynn Lowder notes a significant decline in veteran business ownership since 9/11, from 49% after WWII to less than 5%, attributing this partly to a lack of access to capital. VBP also addresses veteran suicide rates by building trust and connecting individuals in need with mental health resources.
Why It's Important?
The Veteran Business Project plays a crucial role in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by U.S. veterans. By fostering entrepreneurship, VBP helps veterans find new purpose and financial stability, which can be critical for those struggling with the transition from military to civilian life. The program's focus on practical business skills and mentorship directly tackles issues like unemployment and underemployment among veterans. Furthermore, by connecting veterans with business opportunities, VBP contributes to local economies and helps fill a gap created by retiring baby boomer business owners. The charity's broader mission to offer hope and save lives by addressing mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder, underscores the comprehensive support needed for this population. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also strengthens communities by integrating skilled and disciplined veterans into the business landscape.
What's Next?
The Veteran Business Project is likely to expand its programs and reach, especially following its recent recognition with the Fisher Service Award. The organization may seek to increase its network of business coaches and mentors, potentially partnering with more established businesses or educational institutions to enhance its Living Business School curriculum. VBP's vharmony program, which connects veterans with existing businesses for sale, is expected to grow as more baby boomers retire, creating opportunities for veterans to acquire established enterprises. Continued efforts to address veteran mental health will remain a priority, possibly through increased collaboration with mental health organizations. The charity will likely focus on securing additional funding and resources to scale its operations and serve a larger number of veterans across different regions, further reducing veteran unemployment and suicide rates.
Beyond the Headlines
The work of the Veteran Business Project highlights a systemic issue in the post-military transition process: the underutilization of veterans' skills and potential in the civilian workforce. The stark contrast in veteran business ownership rates between post-WWII and post-9/11 eras points to a need for more robust national support structures for veteran entrepreneurship. VBP's approach not only provides economic opportunities but also addresses the psychological impact of military service by fostering a sense of mission and community. This model could inspire broader policy discussions on how to better integrate veterans into the economy, potentially through government-backed entrepreneurship programs, improved access to capital, and enhanced mentorship initiatives. The charity's dual focus on business development and mental well-being underscores the holistic support required to ensure veterans thrive, contributing their unique leadership and problem-solving skills to society.
