I found out about grant that purchases the equipment you would need for your business. The program is called VR&E (look it up in the VA.ORG search engine). It is part of the Voc Rehab or Vocational Rehabilitation Program. I have a friend who got $75,000 worth of equipment he needed for his business. It was extremely tough to get it because they are rarely done and he told me that VA Counselor had not even heard of it, nor had anyone at the regional branch done one. However, he got his paperwork and policies together and conquered.
Answers
Dali, Alphonse,
Please provide further details and update us regarding the "friend who got $75,000 worth of equipment he needed for his business" via the Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program?
Thanks,
Tom
Hello Everyone,
This is an old post that has come back regarding an excellent program (VA Vocational Rehab).
Every U.S. State has their own Veteran Service Officers within defined regions of the State. I suggest you look up your own (each State has their own Department of Military and Veteran Affairs) and contact them directly.
These VSO's are usually very helpful to navigate through the VA programs and options for Veterans. I can never say enough of mine in Northern NJ. The VA Vocational Rehab program is designed to help get Veterans back into the workforce in areas we can be productive and successful, but there are restrictions of course.
The highlights of the program are: if selected as a candidate and lets say you wanted to become a certified mechanic and were approved for that. All of your training and certifications as well as tools could be provided. Other possibilities are returning to school for a certification or degree. Each candidate will be assigned a contact and your options will be tailored to your abilities and agreed goals.
If you have a service connected disability there are time limits to your eligibility so be sure to discuss that with your VSO or if in the VR&E program. I think that a Veteran with a service connected disability of 50% or higher time limit does not expire.
Best of Luck & I hope this helps!
Ray
Tom,
I really don't have any more details. All I know is that speaking to a VR&E counselor would get you more answers. Please read James Mingey's post on this platform for more insight.
Best of luck,
Dali
Thank you for sharing that information with me James.
Dali Rivera
I recently had a Franchise Management Training Course Approved by VRE for anyone interested in developing a franchise concept or evaluating multiple opportunities. Go to VeteransBusinessServices.us for more info.
The VRE rules are somewhat tricky but the main thing is to have a strategy in place when you apply. You must have a 10% disability rating or higher and a compelling reason to be in small business if you apply for more than $25,000. You need to eligible for VRE first and then admitted to their Track 3 Self-Employment to proceed
Best of luck!! Let me know how it goes. I have to do more research on the equipment I need before I go to them.
Dali
Thanks... this will and/or make it easier for me with my 501c3. Now all I need to do is do some fact finding. I'll go to the top at our VA since I have a conncetion with him.
Thanks,
Al
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